Gold Creek School vs Palmerston District Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Australian Capital Territory, 2.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Gold Creek School
Nicholls · Government combined · K-10
1,261 students · ICSEA 1052
Palmerston District Primary School
Palmerston · Government primary · K-6
640 students · ICSEA 1077
| Measure | Gold Creek School Nicholls ACT | Palmerston District Primary School Palmerston ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #17 of 23 | #52 of 80 |
| National rank (type) | #528 of 1,259 | #1272 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-10 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,261 | 640 |
| Girls / boys | 593 / 668 | 306 / 334 |
| Foundation intake | 78 | 91 |
| Year 7 cohort | 141 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +10% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1052 | 1077 |
| ICSEA percentile | 69th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 33% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 18% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 96.6 | 50.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 44.0 | 27.3 |
| Language background other than English | 39% | 47% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 3% |
| Suburb | Nicholls 2913 | Palmerston 2913 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.goldcreek.act.edu.au/ | www.palmdps.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Palmerston District Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (67.2 vs 56.3).
- •Palmerston District Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1077 vs 1052), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Gold Creek School is the larger school with 1,261 students compared with 640.
- •Gold Creek School has grown faster over five years (10% vs -8%).
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 Gold Creek School better than Palmerston District Primary School?
On the Success Index, Palmerston District Primary School ranks higher (67.2 vs 56.3 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 Gold Creek School and Palmerston District Primary School?
About 2.6 km in a straight line, between Nicholls and Palmerston in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gold Creek School has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Palmerston District Primary School has 12.7.
How do Gold Creek School and Palmerston District Primary School rank in ACT?
Gold Creek School is 17th of 23 and Palmerston District Primary School is 52nd of 80 among combined schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.