Australian Christian College - Darling Downs vs Southern Hills Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Western Australia, 4.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Australian Christian College - Darling Downs
Brookdale · Independent combined · PP-10
201 students · ICSEA 1028
Southern Hills Christian College
Bedfordale · Independent combined · PP-12
453 students · ICSEA 1020
| Measure | Australian Christian College - Darling Downs Brookdale WA | Southern Hills Christian College Bedfordale WA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Lower 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #80 of 172 | #89 of 172 |
| National rank (type) | #698 of 1,259 | #748 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | PP-10 | PP-12 |
| Students | 201 | 453 |
| Girls / boys | 108 / 93 | 220 / 233 |
| Foundation intake | 18 | 39 |
| Year 7 cohort | 25 | 62 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 27 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +509% | +55% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1028 | 1020 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 56th |
| Top SEA quarter | 15% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 13.1 | 11.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.4 | 38.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.1 | 24.2 |
| Language background other than English | 33% | 17% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 7% |
| Suburb | Brookdale 6112 | Bedfordale 6112 |
| Council area | Armadale | Armadale |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.acc.edu.au/darlingdowns/ | www.southernhills.wa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Australian Christian College - Darling Downs scores higher on the Success Index (47.8 vs 45.7).
- •Australian Christian College - Darling Downs has the higher ICSEA (1028 vs 1020), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Southern Hills Christian College has fewer students per teacher (11.7 vs 13.1).
- •Southern Hills Christian College is the larger school with 453 students compared with 201.
- •Australian Christian College - Darling Downs has grown faster over five years (509% vs 55%).
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 Australian Christian College - Darling Downs better than Southern Hills Christian College?
On the Success Index, Australian Christian College - Darling Downs ranks higher (47.8 vs 45.7 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 Australian Christian College - Darling Downs and Southern Hills Christian College?
About 4.5 km in a straight line, between Brookdale and Bedfordale in Western Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Australian Christian College - Darling Downs has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Southern Hills Christian College has 11.7.
How do Australian Christian College - Darling Downs and Southern Hills Christian College rank in WA?
Australian Christian College - Darling Downs is 80th of 172 and Southern Hills Christian College is 89th of 172 among combined schools in Western Australia on the 2025 Success Index.