Cardijn College vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 245 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
St Joseph's School
Port Lincoln · Catholic combined · R-12
829 students · ICSEA 1015
| Measure | Cardijn College Noarlunga Downs SA | St Joseph's School Port Lincoln SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 42 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #69 of 145 | #78 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #784 of 1,259 | #826 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 2,247 | 829 |
| Girls / boys | 1,042 / 1,205 | 434 / 395 |
| Foundation intake | 51 | 49 |
| Year 7 cohort | 362 | 63 |
| Year 12 cohort | 246 | 49 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +73% | +10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1019 | 1015 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 54th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 25% | 21% |
| Students per teacher | 13.2 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 169.7 | 61.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 120.0 | 34.0 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 4% |
| Suburb | Noarlunga Downs 5168 | Port Lincoln 5606 |
| Council area | Onkaparinga | Port Lincoln |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Remote |
| Website | www.cardijn.catholic.edu.au | www.sjspl.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cardijn College scores higher on the Success Index (44.1 vs 41.9).
- •Cardijn College has the higher ICSEA (1019 vs 1015), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cardijn College is the larger school with 2,247 students compared with 829.
- •Cardijn College has grown faster over five years (73% vs 10%).
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 St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, Cardijn College ranks higher (44.1 vs 41.9 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 Cardijn College and St Joseph's School?
About 245 km in a straight line, between Noarlunga Downs and Port Lincoln in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cardijn College has 13.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 13.5.
How do Cardijn College and St Joseph's School rank in SA?
Cardijn College is 69th of 145 and St Joseph's School is 78th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.