Airdale Primary School vs John Pirie Secondary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 2.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Airdale Primary School
Port Pirie · Government primary · R-6
119 students · ICSEA 783
John Pirie Secondary School
Port Pirie · Government high school · U, 7-12
691 students · ICSEA 894
| Measure | Airdale Primary School Port Pirie SA | John Pirie Secondary School Port Pirie SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 18 Lower 50% | 28 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #347 of 348 | #68 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #4848 of 4,908 | #1241 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | R-6 | U, 7-12 |
| Students | 119 | 691 |
| Girls / boys | 57 / 62 | 335 / 356 |
| Foundation intake | 23 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 127 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 75 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -21% | +6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 783 | 894 |
| ICSEA percentile | 2th | 10th |
| Top SEA quarter | 0% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 84% | 68% |
| Students per teacher | 9.2 | 12.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 13.0 | 56.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.3 | 34.3 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 45% | 20% |
| Suburb | Port Pirie 5540 | Port Pirie 5540 |
| Council area | Port Pirie | Port Pirie |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.airdaleps.sa.edu.au | www.jpss.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •John Pirie Secondary School scores higher on the Success Index (27.6 vs 17.7).
- •John Pirie Secondary School has the higher ICSEA (894 vs 783), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Airdale Primary School has fewer students per teacher (9.2 vs 12.1).
- •John Pirie Secondary School is the larger school with 691 students compared with 119.
- •John Pirie Secondary School has grown faster over five years (6% vs -21%).
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 Airdale Primary School better than John Pirie Secondary School?
On the Success Index, John Pirie Secondary School ranks higher (27.6 vs 17.7 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 Airdale Primary School and John Pirie Secondary School?
About 2.7 km in a straight line, between Port Pirie and Port Pirie in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Airdale Primary School has 9.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and John Pirie Secondary School has 12.1.
How do Airdale Primary School and John Pirie Secondary School rank in SA?
Airdale Primary School is 347th of 348 and John Pirie Secondary School is 68th of 84 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.