Calvary Lutheran Primary School vs Noarlunga Downs Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 2.0 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
Noarlunga Downs Primary School
Noarlunga Downs · Government primary · U, R-6
124 students · ICSEA 937
| Measure | Calvary Lutheran Primary School Morphett Vale SA | Noarlunga Downs Primary School Noarlunga Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 35 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #262 of 348 | #264 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #3779 of 4,908 | #3792 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 191 | 124 |
| Girls / boys | 91 / 100 | 60 / 64 |
| Foundation intake | 24 | 23 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -27% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 971 | 937 |
| ICSEA percentile | 34th | 20th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 42% | 51% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 10.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.4 | 11.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.0 | 10.4 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 21% |
| Suburb | Morphett Vale 5162 | Noarlunga Downs 5168 |
| Council area | Onkaparinga | Onkaparinga |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.calvary.sa.edu.au | www.ndownsps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (34.9 vs 34.8).
- •Calvary Lutheran Primary School has the higher ICSEA (971 vs 937), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Noarlunga Downs Primary School has fewer students per teacher (10.9 vs 12.4).
- •Calvary Lutheran Primary School is the larger school with 191 students compared with 124.
- •Noarlunga Downs Primary School has grown faster over five years (3% vs -27%).
- •Calvary Lutheran Primary School is a independent school while Noarlunga 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 Calvary Lutheran Primary School better than Noarlunga Downs Primary School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Calvary Lutheran Primary School and Noarlunga Downs Primary School?
About 2.0 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 Noarlunga Downs Primary School has 10.9.
How do Calvary Lutheran Primary School and Noarlunga Downs Primary School rank in SA?
Calvary Lutheran Primary School is 262nd of 348 and Noarlunga Downs Primary School is 264th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.