Calvary Lutheran Primary School vs Cardijn College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Calvary Lutheran Primary School
Morphett Vale · Independent primary · R-6
191 students · ICSEA 971
Cardijn College
Noarlunga Downs · Catholic combined · R-12
2,247 students · ICSEA 1019
| Measure | Calvary Lutheran Primary School Morphett Vale SA | Cardijn College Noarlunga Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 44 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #262 of 348 | #69 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #3779 of 4,908 | #784 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | R-6 | R-12 |
| Students | 191 | 2,247 |
| Girls / boys | 91 / 100 | 1,042 / 1,205 |
| Foundation intake | 24 | 51 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 362 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 246 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -27% | +73% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 971 | 1019 |
| ICSEA percentile | 34th | 55th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 42% | 25% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.4 | 169.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.0 | 120.0 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 2% |
| Suburb | Morphett Vale 5162 | Noarlunga Downs 5168 |
| Council area | Onkaparinga | Onkaparinga |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.calvary.sa.edu.au | www.cardijn.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cardijn College scores higher on the Success Index (44.1 vs 34.9).
- •Cardijn College has the higher ICSEA (1019 vs 971), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Calvary Lutheran Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.4 vs 13.2).
- •Cardijn College is the larger school with 2,247 students compared with 191.
- •Cardijn College has grown faster over five years (73% vs -27%).
- •Calvary Lutheran Primary School is a independent school while Cardijn College is a catholic 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 Calvary Lutheran Primary School better than Cardijn College?
On the Success Index, Cardijn College ranks higher (44.1 vs 34.9 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 Calvary Lutheran Primary School and Cardijn College?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Morphett Vale and Noarlunga Downs in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Calvary Lutheran Primary School has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Cardijn College has 13.2.
How do Calvary Lutheran Primary School and Cardijn College rank in SA?
Calvary Lutheran Primary School is 262nd of 348 and Cardijn College is 69th of 145 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.