Northern Adelaide Senior College vs Playford College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 376 m 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
Playford College
Elizabeth · Independent combined · R-12
670 students · ICSEA 940
| Measure | Northern Adelaide Senior College Elizabeth SA | Playford College Elizabeth SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 39 Lower 50% | 32 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #56 of 84 | #119 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #975 of 1,472 | #1035 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | U, 11-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 431 | 670 |
| Girls / boys | 267 / 164 | 385 / 285 |
| Foundation intake | – | 44 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 67 |
| Year 12 cohort | 123 | 33 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -16% | +85% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 978 | 940 |
| ICSEA percentile | 37th | 21th |
| Top SEA quarter | 14% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 45% | 59% |
| Students per teacher | 16.5 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 25.4 | 51.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 30.0 | 32.3 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 99% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 0% |
| Suburb | Elizabeth 5112 | Elizabeth 5112 |
| Council area | Playford | Playford |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.northernadelaidesc.sa.edu.au | www.playfordcollege.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Northern Adelaide Senior College scores higher on the Success Index (39.3 vs 31.6).
- •Northern Adelaide Senior College has the higher ICSEA (978 vs 940), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Playford College has fewer students per teacher (13.1 vs 16.5).
- •Playford College is the larger school with 670 students compared with 431.
- •Playford College has grown faster over five years (85% vs -16%).
- •Northern Adelaide Senior College is a government school while Playford 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 Playford College?
On the Success Index, Northern Adelaide Senior College ranks higher (39.3 vs 31.6 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 Playford College?
About 376 m in a straight line, between Elizabeth and Elizabeth 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 Playford College has 13.1.
How do Northern Adelaide Senior College and Playford College rank in SA?
Northern Adelaide Senior College is 56th of 84 and Playford College is 119th of 145 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.