Northern Adelaide Senior College vs Pinnacle College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Northern Adelaide Senior College
Elizabeth · Government high school · U, 11-12
431 students · ICSEA 978
Pinnacle College
Elizabeth East · Independent combined · R-12
993 students · ICSEA 1049
| Measure | Northern Adelaide Senior College Elizabeth SA | Pinnacle College Elizabeth East SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 39 Lower 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #56 of 84 | #33 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #975 of 1,472 | #485 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | U, 11-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 431 | 993 |
| Girls / boys | 267 / 164 | 539 / 454 |
| Foundation intake | – | 79 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 99 |
| Year 12 cohort | 123 | 40 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -16% | +46% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 978 | 1049 |
| ICSEA percentile | 37th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 14% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 45% | 20% |
| Students per teacher | 16.5 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 25.4 | 79.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 30.0 | 55.5 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 86% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 0% |
| Suburb | Elizabeth 5112 | Elizabeth East 5112 |
| Council area | Playford | Playford |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.northernadelaidesc.sa.edu.au | www.pinnacle.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Pinnacle College scores higher on the Success Index (58.5 vs 39.3).
- •Pinnacle College has the higher ICSEA (1049 vs 978), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pinnacle College has fewer students per teacher (12.5 vs 16.5).
- •Pinnacle College is the larger school with 993 students compared with 431.
- •Pinnacle College has grown faster over five years (46% vs -16%).
- •Northern Adelaide Senior College is a government school while Pinnacle College is an independent school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Northern Adelaide Senior College better than Pinnacle College?
On the Success Index, Pinnacle College ranks higher (58.5 vs 39.3 out of 100). The index measures community advantage and momentum from ACARA data, not teaching quality, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Northern Adelaide Senior College and Pinnacle College?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Elizabeth and Elizabeth East in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Northern Adelaide Senior College has 16.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pinnacle College has 12.5.
How do Northern Adelaide Senior College and Pinnacle College rank in SA?
Northern Adelaide Senior College is 56th of 84 and Pinnacle College is 33rd of 145 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.