Katherine South Primary School vs MacFarlane Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Northern Territory, 3.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Katherine South Primary School
Katherine South · Government primary · T-6
180 students · ICSEA 907
MacFarlane Primary School
Katherine East · Government primary · T-6
189 students · ICSEA 665
| Measure | Katherine South Primary School Katherine South NT | MacFarlane Primary School Katherine East NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 26 Lower 50% | 22 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #39 of 52 | #46 of 52 |
| National rank (type) | #4460 of 4,908 | #4708 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | T-6 | T-6 |
| Students | 180 | 189 |
| Girls / boys | 80 / 100 | 91 / 98 |
| Foundation intake | 22 | 20 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -35% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 907 | 665 |
| ICSEA percentile | 12th | 1th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 0% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 39% | 89% |
| Students per teacher | 14.7 | 14.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 12.2 | 13.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.4 | 19.1 |
| Language background other than English | 36% | 91% |
| Indigenous students | 37% | 92% |
| Suburb | Katherine South 0850 | Katherine East 0850 |
| Council area | Katherine | Katherine |
| Remoteness | Remote | Remote |
| Website | www.katherinesouthprimary.nt.edu.au | www.macfarlaneprimary.nt.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Katherine South Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (25.5 vs 21.5).
- •Katherine South Primary School has the higher ICSEA (907 vs 665), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •MacFarlane Primary School is the larger school with 189 students compared with 180.
- •MacFarlane Primary School has grown faster over five years (4% vs -35%).
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 Katherine South Primary School better than MacFarlane Primary School?
On the Success Index, Katherine South Primary School ranks higher (25.5 vs 21.5 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 Katherine South Primary School and MacFarlane Primary School?
About 3.4 km in a straight line, between Katherine South and Katherine East in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Katherine South Primary School has 14.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and MacFarlane Primary School has 14.5.
How do Katherine South Primary School and MacFarlane Primary School rank in NT?
Katherine South Primary School is 39th of 52 and MacFarlane Primary School is 46th of 52 among primary schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.