Bethany Christian School Incorporated vs Salisbury Downs Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bethany Christian School Incorporated
Paralowie · Independent primary · R-6
531 students · ICSEA 996
Salisbury Downs Primary School
Salisbury Downs · Government primary · R-6
271 students · ICSEA 926
| Measure | Bethany Christian School Incorporated Paralowie SA | Salisbury Downs Primary School Salisbury Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #205 of 348 | #320 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #3064 of 4,908 | #4480 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 531 | 271 |
| Girls / boys | 281 / 250 | 123 / 148 |
| Foundation intake | 75 | 54 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 996 | 926 |
| ICSEA percentile | 45th | 17th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 34% | 61% |
| Students per teacher | 15.5 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 34.3 | 20.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 27.6 | 14.8 |
| Language background other than English | 47% | 45% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 11% |
| Suburb | Paralowie 5108 | Salisbury Downs 5108 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.bethany.sa.edu.au | www.sdps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Bethany Christian School Incorporated scores higher on the Success Index (45.2 vs 25.2).
- •Bethany Christian School Incorporated has the higher ICSEA (996 vs 926), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Salisbury Downs Primary School has fewer students per teacher (13.2 vs 15.5).
- •Bethany Christian School Incorporated is the larger school with 531 students compared with 271.
- •Bethany Christian School Incorporated has grown faster over five years (6% vs -18%).
- •Bethany Christian School Incorporated is a independent school while Salisbury Downs Primary School is a government 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Bethany Christian School Incorporated better than Salisbury Downs Primary School?
On the Success Index, Bethany Christian School Incorporated ranks higher (45.2 vs 25.2 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 Bethany Christian School Incorporated and Salisbury Downs Primary School?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Paralowie and Salisbury Downs in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bethany Christian School Incorporated has 15.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Salisbury Downs Primary School has 13.2.
How do Bethany Christian School Incorporated and Salisbury Downs Primary School rank in SA?
Bethany Christian School Incorporated is 205th of 348 and Salisbury Downs Primary School is 320th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.