Port Lincoln High School vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 363 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Port Lincoln High School
Port Lincoln · Government high school · U, 7-12
767 students · ICSEA 923
St Joseph's School
Port Lincoln · Catholic combined · R-12
829 students · ICSEA 1015
| Measure | Port Lincoln High School Port Lincoln SA | St Joseph's School Port Lincoln SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 27 Lower 50% | 42 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #70 of 84 | #78 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #1264 of 1,472 | #826 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | U, 7-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 767 | 829 |
| Girls / boys | 346 / 421 | 434 / 395 |
| Foundation intake | – | 49 |
| Year 7 cohort | 105 | 63 |
| Year 12 cohort | 117 | 49 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | +10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 923 | 1015 |
| ICSEA percentile | 16th | 54th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 49% | 21% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 62.3 | 61.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.6 | 34.0 |
| Language background other than English | 22% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 21% | 4% |
| Suburb | Port Lincoln 5606 | Port Lincoln 5606 |
| Council area | Port Lincoln | Port Lincoln |
| Remoteness | Remote | Remote |
| Website | www.plhs.sa.edu.au/ | www.sjspl.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (41.9 vs 26.7).
- •St Joseph's School has the higher ICSEA (1015 vs 923), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Port Lincoln High School has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 13.5).
- •St Joseph's School is the larger school with 829 students compared with 767.
- •Port Lincoln High School is a government school while St Joseph's School 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Windsor Gardens
Frequently asked questions
Is Port Lincoln High School better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (41.9 vs 26.7 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 Port Lincoln High School and St Joseph's School?
About 363 m in a straight line, between Port Lincoln and Port Lincoln in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Port Lincoln High School has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 13.5.
How do Port Lincoln High School and St Joseph's School rank in SA?
Port Lincoln High School is 70th of 84 and St Joseph's School is 78th of 145 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.