Driver Primary School vs Palmerston Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Northern Territory, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Driver Primary School
Driver · Government primary · T-6
409 students · ICSEA 914
Palmerston Christian College
Marlow Lagoon · Independent combined · T-10
365 students · ICSEA 1008
| Measure | Driver Primary School Driver NT | Palmerston Christian College Marlow Lagoon NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #40 of 52 | #11 of 40 |
| National rank (type) | #4487 of 4,908 | #924 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | T-6 | T-10 |
| Students | 409 | 365 |
| Girls / boys | 203 / 206 | 176 / 189 |
| Foundation intake | 72 | 22 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 51 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 914 | 1008 |
| ICSEA percentile | 14th | 51th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 14.5 | 15.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 28.0 | 24.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 23.1 | 17.3 |
| Language background other than English | 24% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 35% | 10% |
| Suburb | Driver 0830 | Marlow Lagoon 0830 |
| Council area | Palmerston | Palmerston |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.driverprimary.nt.edu.au | www.pcc.nt.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Palmerston Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (36.7 vs 25.1).
- •Palmerston Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1008 vs 914), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Driver Primary School is the larger school with 409 students compared with 365.
- •Palmerston Christian College has grown faster over five years (13% vs -8%).
- •Driver Primary School is a government school while Palmerston Christian College is an independent 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 Driver Primary School better than Palmerston Christian College?
On the Success Index, Palmerston Christian College ranks higher (36.7 vs 25.1 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 Driver Primary School and Palmerston Christian College?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Driver and Marlow Lagoon in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Driver Primary School has 14.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Palmerston Christian College has 15.0.
How do Driver Primary School and Palmerston Christian College rank in NT?
Driver Primary School is 40th of 52 and Palmerston Christian College is 11th of 40 among primary schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.