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Northern Adelaide Senior College vs St Patrick's Technical College

A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South Australia, 689 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureNorthern Adelaide Senior College
Elizabeth SA
St Patrick's Technical College
Edinburgh North SA
Success Index
39
Lower 50%
50
Lower 50%
State rank (type)#56 of 84#36 of 84
National rank (type)#975 of 1,472#750 of 1,472
SectorGovernmentCatholic
TypeSecondarySecondary
Year rangeU, 11-1210-12
Students431260
Girls / boys267 / 16433 / 227
Foundation intake––
Year 7 cohort––
Year 12 cohort12358
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth-16%+26%
ICSEA
Average 1000
978998
ICSEA percentile37th46th
Top SEA quarter14%7%
Bottom SEA quarter45%35%
Students per teacher16.510.7
Teaching staff (FTE)25.424.2
Non-teaching staff (FTE)30.016.2
Language background other than English23%1%
Indigenous students9%4%
SuburbElizabeth 5112Edinburgh North 5113
Council areaPlayfordPlayford
RemotenessMajor CitiesMajor Cities
Websitewww.northernadelaidesc.sa.edu.auwww.stpatstech.sa.edu.au

The verdict

  • •St Patrick's Technical College scores higher on the Success Index (49.6 vs 39.3).
  • •St Patrick's Technical College has the higher ICSEA (998 vs 978), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •St Patrick's Technical College has fewer students per teacher (10.7 vs 16.5).
  • •Northern Adelaide Senior College is the larger school with 431 students compared with 260.
  • •St Patrick's Technical College has grown faster over five years (26% vs -16%).
  • •Northern Adelaide Senior College is a government school while St Patrick's Technical College is a catholic 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 St Patrick's Technical College?

On the Success Index, St Patrick's Technical College ranks higher (49.6 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 St Patrick's Technical College?

About 689 m in a straight line, between Elizabeth and Edinburgh North 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 St Patrick's Technical College has 10.7.

How do Northern Adelaide Senior College and St Patrick's Technical College rank in SA?

Northern Adelaide Senior College is 56th of 84 and St Patrick's Technical College is 36th of 84 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.