Penola High School vs Renmark High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South Australia, 356 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Penola High School
Penola · Government high school · 7-12
113 students · ICSEA 933
Renmark High School
Renmark · Government high school · 7-12
414 students · ICSEA 930
| Measure | Penola High School Penola SA | Renmark High School Renmark SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 32 Lower 50% | 18 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #63 of 84 | #80 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #1136 of 1,472 | #1428 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 113 | 414 |
| Girls / boys | 63 / 50 | 211 / 203 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 23 | 55 |
| Year 12 cohort | 10 | 66 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +26% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 933 | 930 |
| ICSEA percentile | 19th | 18th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 63% | 53% |
| Students per teacher | 8.4 | 14.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 13.4 | 29.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.5 | 21.4 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 17% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 14% |
| Suburb | Penola 5277 | Renmark 5341 |
| Council area | Wattle Range | Renmark Paringa |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.penolahs.sa.edu.au | www.renmarkhs.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Penola High School scores higher on the Success Index (31.9 vs 18.4).
- •Penola High School has the higher ICSEA (933 vs 930), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Penola High School has fewer students per teacher (8.4 vs 14.2).
- •Renmark High School is the larger school with 414 students compared with 113.
- •Penola High School has grown faster over five years (26% vs -12%).
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 Penola High School better than Renmark High School?
On the Success Index, Penola High School ranks higher (31.9 vs 18.4 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 Penola High School and Renmark High School?
About 356 km in a straight line, between Penola and Renmark in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Penola High School has 8.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Renmark High School has 14.2.
How do Penola High School and Renmark High School rank in SA?
Penola High School is 63rd of 84 and Renmark High School is 80th of 84 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.