Cardijn College vs Southern Montessori School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 2.8 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
Southern Montessori School
O'Sullivan Beach · Independent combined · R-9
230 students · ICSEA 1095
| Measure | Cardijn College Noarlunga Downs SA | Southern Montessori School O'Sullivan Beach SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 65 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #69 of 145 | #22 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #784 of 1,259 | #372 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-9 |
| Students | 2,247 | 230 |
| Girls / boys | 1,042 / 1,205 | 122 / 108 |
| Foundation intake | 51 | 35 |
| Year 7 cohort | 362 | 23 |
| Year 12 cohort | 246 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +73% | +17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1019 | 1095 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 83th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 35% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 25% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 13.2 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 169.7 | 18.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 120.0 | 11.1 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 0% |
| Suburb | Noarlunga Downs 5168 | O'Sullivan Beach 5166 |
| Council area | Onkaparinga | Onkaparinga |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cardijn.catholic.edu.au | www.southernmontessori.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Southern Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (64.8 vs 44.1).
- •Southern Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1095 vs 1019), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Southern Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (12.5 vs 13.2).
- •Cardijn College is the larger school with 2,247 students compared with 230.
- •Cardijn College has grown faster over five years (73% vs 17%).
- •Cardijn College is a catholic school while Southern Montessori 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.
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 Southern Montessori School?
On the Success Index, Southern Montessori School ranks higher (64.8 vs 44.1 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 Southern Montessori School?
About 2.8 km in a straight line, between Noarlunga Downs and O'Sullivan Beach in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cardijn College has 13.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Southern Montessori School has 12.5.
How do Cardijn College and Southern Montessori School rank in SA?
Cardijn College is 69th of 145 and Southern Montessori School is 22nd of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.