Cardijn College vs Hackham West School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.8 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
Hackham West School
Hackham West · Government primary · R-6
110 students · ICSEA 867
| Measure | Cardijn College Noarlunga Downs SA | Hackham West School Hackham West SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 23 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #69 of 145 | #330 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #784 of 1,259 | #4597 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | R-12 | R-6 |
| Students | 2,247 | 110 |
| Girls / boys | 1,042 / 1,205 | 52 / 58 |
| Foundation intake | 51 | 10 |
| Year 7 cohort | 362 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 246 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +73% | -15% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1019 | 867 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 6th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 25% | 67% |
| Students per teacher | 13.2 | 11.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 169.7 | 9.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 120.0 | 9.1 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 29% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 42% |
| Suburb | Noarlunga Downs 5168 | Hackham West 5163 |
| Council area | Onkaparinga | Onkaparinga |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cardijn.catholic.edu.au | hackwestschool.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Cardijn College scores higher on the Success Index (44.1 vs 23.4).
- •Cardijn College has the higher ICSEA (1019 vs 867), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Hackham West School has fewer students per teacher (11.2 vs 13.2).
- •Cardijn College is the larger school with 2,247 students compared with 110.
- •Cardijn College has grown faster over five years (73% vs -15%).
- •Cardijn College is a catholic school while Hackham West 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 Cardijn College better than Hackham West School?
On the Success Index, Cardijn College ranks higher (44.1 vs 23.4 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 Cardijn College and Hackham West School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Noarlunga Downs and Hackham West in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cardijn College has 13.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Hackham West School has 11.2.
How do Cardijn College and Hackham West School rank in SA?
Cardijn College is 69th of 145 and Hackham West School is 330th of 348 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.