Bethany Christian School Incorporated vs The Pines School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.3 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
The Pines School
Parafield Gardens · Government primary · U, R-6
671 students · ICSEA 967
| Measure | Bethany Christian School Incorporated Paralowie SA | The Pines School Parafield Gardens SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #205 of 348 | #277 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #3064 of 4,908 | #3914 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 531 | 671 |
| Girls / boys | 281 / 250 | 330 / 341 |
| Foundation intake | 75 | 92 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 996 | 967 |
| ICSEA percentile | 45th | 32th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 34% | 49% |
| Students per teacher | 15.5 | 15.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 34.3 | 43.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 27.6 | 22.4 |
| Language background other than English | 47% | 71% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 6% |
| Suburb | Paralowie 5108 | Parafield Gardens 5107 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.bethany.sa.edu.au | www.thepines.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Bethany Christian School Incorporated scores higher on the Success Index (45.2 vs 33.1).
- •Bethany Christian School Incorporated has the higher ICSEA (996 vs 967), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The Pines School is the larger school with 671 students compared with 531.
- •Bethany Christian School Incorporated has grown faster over five years (6% vs -9%).
- •Bethany Christian School Incorporated is a independent school while The Pines 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.
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 Bethany Christian School Incorporated better than The Pines School?
On the Success Index, Bethany Christian School Incorporated ranks higher (45.2 vs 33.1 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 Bethany Christian School Incorporated and The Pines School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Paralowie and Parafield Gardens 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 The Pines School has 15.5.
How do Bethany Christian School Incorporated and The Pines School rank in SA?
Bethany Christian School Incorporated is 205th of 348 and The Pines School is 277th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.