Scotch College vs St John's Grammar School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 2.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Scotch College
Torrens Park · Independent combined · R-12
1,213 students · ICSEA 1146
St John's Grammar School
Belair · Independent combined · R-12
1,009 students · ICSEA 1141
| Measure | Scotch College Torrens Park SA | St John's Grammar School Belair SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 76 Top 25% | 79 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #13 of 145 | #7 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #171 of 1,259 | #128 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 1,213 | 1,009 |
| Girls / boys | 586 / 627 | 474 / 535 |
| Foundation intake | 28 | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | 122 | 122 |
| Year 12 cohort | 151 | 93 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +13% | +30% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1146 | 1141 |
| ICSEA percentile | 95th | 94th |
| Top SEA quarter | 61% | 56% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 11.0 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 109.9 | 81.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 82.2 | 41.0 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Torrens Park 5062 | Belair 5052 |
| Council area | Mitcham | Mitcham |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.scotch.sa.edu.au | www.stjohns.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St John's Grammar School scores higher on the Success Index (78.7 vs 75.5).
- •Scotch College has the higher ICSEA (1146 vs 1141), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Scotch College has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 12.3).
- •Scotch College is the larger school with 1,213 students compared with 1,009.
- •St John's Grammar School has grown faster over five years (30% vs 13%).
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 Scotch College better than St John's Grammar School?
On the Success Index, St John's Grammar School ranks higher (78.7 vs 75.5 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 Scotch College and St John's Grammar School?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between Torrens Park and Belair in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Scotch College has 11.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John's Grammar School has 12.3.
How do Scotch College and St John's Grammar School rank in SA?
Scotch College is 13th of 145 and St John's Grammar School is 7th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.