Northern Adelaide Senior College vs Playford International College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South Australia, 1.2 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
Playford International College
Elizabeth · Government high school · U, 7-12
1,322 students · ICSEA 881
| Measure | Northern Adelaide Senior College Elizabeth SA | Playford International College Elizabeth SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 39 Lower 50% | 18 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #56 of 84 | #81 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #975 of 1,472 | #1436 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | U, 11-12 | U, 7-12 |
| Students | 431 | 1,322 |
| Girls / boys | 267 / 164 | 620 / 702 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 240 |
| Year 12 cohort | 123 | 120 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -16% | +15% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 978 | 881 |
| ICSEA percentile | 37th | 8th |
| Top SEA quarter | 14% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 45% | 74% |
| Students per teacher | 16.5 | 11.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 25.4 | 110.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 30.0 | 48.8 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 38% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 15% |
| Suburb | Elizabeth 5112 | Elizabeth 5112 |
| Council area | Playford | Playford |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.northernadelaidesc.sa.edu.au | playford.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Northern Adelaide Senior College scores higher on the Success Index (39.3 vs 17.6).
- •Northern Adelaide Senior College has the higher ICSEA (978 vs 881), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Playford International College has fewer students per teacher (11.9 vs 16.5).
- •Playford International College is the larger school with 1,322 students compared with 431.
- •Playford International College has grown faster over five years (15% vs -16%).
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 International College?
On the Success Index, Northern Adelaide Senior College ranks higher (39.3 vs 17.6 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 International College?
About 1.2 km 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 International College has 11.9.
How do Northern Adelaide Senior College and Playford International College rank in SA?
Northern Adelaide Senior College is 56th of 84 and Playford International College is 81st of 84 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.