Gungahlin College vs Palmerston District Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Australian Capital Territory, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Gungahlin College
Gungahlin · Government high school · 10-12
1,070 students · ICSEA 1061
Palmerston District Primary School
Palmerston · Government primary · K-6
640 students · ICSEA 1077
| Measure | Gungahlin College Gungahlin ACT | Palmerston District Primary School Palmerston ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #24 of 27 | #52 of 80 |
| National rank (type) | #487 of 1,472 | #1272 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 10-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,070 | 640 |
| Girls / boys | 555 / 515 | 306 / 334 |
| Foundation intake | – | 91 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 496 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1061 | 1077 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 28% | 33% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 75.3 | 50.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 24.7 | 27.3 |
| Language background other than English | 37% | 47% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 3% |
| Suburb | Gungahlin 2912 | Palmerston 2913 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.gungahlincollege.act.edu.au | www.palmdps.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Palmerston District Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (67.2 vs 61.2).
- •Palmerston District Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1077 vs 1061), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Palmerston District Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 13.4).
- •Gungahlin College is the larger school with 1,070 students compared with 640.
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 Gungahlin College better than Palmerston District Primary School?
On the Success Index, Palmerston District Primary School ranks higher (67.2 vs 61.2 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 Gungahlin College and Palmerston District Primary School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Gungahlin and Palmerston in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gungahlin College has 13.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Palmerston District Primary School has 12.7.
How do Gungahlin College and Palmerston District Primary School rank in ACT?
Gungahlin College is 24th of 27 and Palmerston District Primary School is 52nd of 80 among secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.