Blackfriars Priory School vs Wilderness School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Blackfriars Priory School
Prospect · Catholic combined · R-12
786 students · ICSEA 1037
Wilderness School
Medindie · Independent combined · R-12
856 students · ICSEA 1176
| Measure | Blackfriars Priory School Prospect SA | Wilderness School Medindie SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 50 Top 50% | 83 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #52 of 145 | #4 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #660 of 1,259 | #63 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 786 | 856 |
| Girls / boys | 0 / 786 | 856 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | 25 | 41 |
| Year 7 cohort | 107 | 89 |
| Year 12 cohort | 76 | 95 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +12% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1037 | 1176 |
| ICSEA percentile | 63th | 98th |
| Top SEA quarter | 24% | 70% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 13.9 | 11.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.4 | 77.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 45.0 | 37.7 |
| Language background other than English | 53% | 44% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Prospect 5082 | Medindie 5081 |
| Council area | Prospect | Walkerville |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | blackfriars.sa.edu.au/ | www.wilderness.com.au |
The verdict
- •Wilderness School scores higher on the Success Index (83.0 vs 49.9).
- •Wilderness School has the higher ICSEA (1176 vs 1037), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Wilderness School has fewer students per teacher (11.1 vs 13.9).
- •Wilderness School is the larger school with 856 students compared with 786.
- •Blackfriars Priory School has grown faster over five years (12% vs 5%).
- •Blackfriars Priory School is a catholic school while Wilderness School 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Blackfriars Priory School better than Wilderness School?
On the Success Index, Wilderness School ranks higher (83.0 vs 49.9 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 Blackfriars Priory School and Wilderness School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Prospect and Medindie in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Blackfriars Priory School has 13.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Wilderness School has 11.1.
How do Blackfriars Priory School and Wilderness School rank in SA?
Blackfriars Priory School is 52nd of 145 and Wilderness School is 4th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.