Pinnacle College vs Playford College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Pinnacle College
Elizabeth East · Independent combined · R-12
993 students · ICSEA 1049
Playford College
Elizabeth · Independent combined · R-12
670 students · ICSEA 940
| Measure | Pinnacle College Elizabeth East SA | Playford College Elizabeth SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 59 Top 50% | 32 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #33 of 145 | #119 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #485 of 1,259 | #1035 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 993 | 670 |
| Girls / boys | 539 / 454 | 385 / 285 |
| Foundation intake | 79 | 44 |
| Year 7 cohort | 99 | 67 |
| Year 12 cohort | 40 | 33 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +46% | +85% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1049 | 940 |
| ICSEA percentile | 68th | 21th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 59% |
| Students per teacher | 12.5 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 79.3 | 51.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 55.5 | 32.3 |
| Language background other than English | 86% | 99% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Elizabeth East 5112 | Elizabeth 5112 |
| Council area | Playford | Playford |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.pinnacle.sa.edu.au | www.playfordcollege.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Pinnacle College scores higher on the Success Index (58.5 vs 31.6).
- •Pinnacle College has the higher ICSEA (1049 vs 940), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pinnacle College has fewer students per teacher (12.5 vs 13.1).
- •Pinnacle College is the larger school with 993 students compared with 670.
- •Playford College has grown faster over five years (85% vs 46%).
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 Pinnacle College better than Playford College?
On the Success Index, Pinnacle College ranks higher (58.5 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 Pinnacle College and Playford College?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Elizabeth East and Elizabeth in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Pinnacle College has 12.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Playford College has 13.1.
How do Pinnacle College and Playford College rank in SA?
Pinnacle College is 33rd of 145 and Playford College is 119th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.