Catherine McAuley School vs Playford Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 77 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Catherine McAuley School
Craigmore · Catholic primary · R-6
483 students · ICSEA 976
Playford Primary School
Craigmore · Government primary · U, R-6
398 students · ICSEA 944
| Measure | Catherine McAuley School Craigmore SA | Playford Primary School Craigmore SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 40 Lower 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #238 of 348 | #325 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #3454 of 4,908 | #4517 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 483 | 398 |
| Girls / boys | 226 / 257 | 201 / 197 |
| Foundation intake | 83 | 56 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +34% | -45% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 976 | 944 |
| ICSEA percentile | 36th | 23th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 59% |
| Students per teacher | 15.0 | 13.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 32.2 | 30.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 25.3 | 30.0 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 19% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 8% |
| Suburb | Craigmore 5114 | Craigmore 5114 |
| Council area | Playford | Playford |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cms.catholic.edu.au/ | playfordps.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Catherine McAuley School scores higher on the Success Index (39.5 vs 24.8).
- •Catherine McAuley School has the higher ICSEA (976 vs 944), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Playford Primary School has fewer students per teacher (13.0 vs 15.0).
- •Catherine McAuley School is the larger school with 483 students compared with 398.
- •Catherine McAuley School has grown faster over five years (34% vs -45%).
- •Catherine McAuley School is a catholic school while Playford 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 Catherine McAuley School better than Playford Primary School?
On the Success Index, Catherine McAuley School ranks higher (39.5 vs 24.8 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 Catherine McAuley School and Playford Primary School?
About 77 m in a straight line, between Craigmore and Craigmore in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Catherine McAuley School has 15.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Playford Primary School has 13.0.
How do Catherine McAuley School and Playford Primary School rank in SA?
Catherine McAuley School is 238th of 348 and Playford Primary School is 325th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.