Cardijn College vs FAME - Flexible Accredited Meaningful Engagement
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cardijn College
Noarlunga Downs · Catholic combined · R-12
2,247 students · ICSEA 1019
FAME - Flexible Accredited Meaningful Engagement
Christie Downs · Catholic special · 7-12
137 students · ICSEA 952
| Measure | Cardijn College Noarlunga Downs SA | FAME - Flexible Accredited Meaningful Engagement Christie Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | – Not rated |
| State rank (type) | #69 of 145 | – |
| National rank (type) | #784 of 1,259 | – |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Special |
| Year range | R-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 2,247 | 137 |
| Girls / boys | 1,042 / 1,205 | 85 / 52 |
| Foundation intake | 51 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 362 | 6 |
| Year 12 cohort | 246 | 31 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +73% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1019 | 952 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 25th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 25% | 47% |
| Students per teacher | 13.2 | 8.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 169.7 | 16.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 120.0 | 8.4 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 18% |
| Suburb | Noarlunga Downs 5168 | Christie Downs 5164 |
| Council area | Onkaparinga | Onkaparinga |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cardijn.catholic.edu.au | fame.flexi.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Cardijn College has the higher ICSEA (1019 vs 952), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •FAME - Flexible Accredited Meaningful Engagement has fewer students per teacher (8.2 vs 13.2).
- •Cardijn College is the larger school with 2,247 students compared with 137.
- •Cardijn College has grown faster over five years (73% vs -17%).
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 Cardijn College better than FAME - Flexible Accredited Meaningful Engagement?
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 Cardijn College and FAME - Flexible Accredited Meaningful Engagement?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Noarlunga Downs and Christie Downs in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cardijn College has 13.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and FAME - Flexible Accredited Meaningful Engagement has 8.2.
How do Cardijn College and FAME - Flexible Accredited Meaningful Engagement rank in SA?
Cardijn College is 69th of 145 and FAME - Flexible Accredited Meaningful Engagement is unranked among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.