Challa Gardens Primary School vs St Margaret Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 902 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Challa Gardens Primary School
Kilkenny · Government primary · U, R-6
251 students · ICSEA 982
St Margaret Mary's School
Croydon Park · Catholic primary · R-6
324 students · ICSEA 1024
| Measure | Challa Gardens Primary School Kilkenny SA | St Margaret Mary's School Croydon Park SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 47 Lower 50% | 57 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #192 of 348 | #145 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #2911 of 4,908 | #2131 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 251 | 324 |
| Girls / boys | 116 / 135 | 155 / 169 |
| Foundation intake | 49 | 53 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -22% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 982 | 1024 |
| ICSEA percentile | 38th | 57th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 41% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 12.6 | 14.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 19.9 | 22.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.0 | 9.6 |
| Language background other than English | 68% | 69% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 2% |
| Suburb | Kilkenny 5009 | Croydon Park 5008 |
| Council area | Charles Sturt | Port Adelaide Enfield |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.challaps.sa.edu.au | www.smms.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Margaret Mary's School scores higher on the Success Index (57.4 vs 47.0).
- •St Margaret Mary's School has the higher ICSEA (1024 vs 982), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Challa Gardens Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.6 vs 14.6).
- •St Margaret Mary's School is the larger school with 324 students compared with 251.
- •St Margaret Mary's School has grown faster over five years (7% vs -22%).
- •Challa Gardens Primary School is a government school while St Margaret Mary's School is a catholic 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 Challa Gardens Primary School better than St Margaret Mary's School?
On the Success Index, St Margaret Mary's School ranks higher (57.4 vs 47.0 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 Challa Gardens Primary School and St Margaret Mary's School?
About 902 m in a straight line, between Kilkenny and Croydon Park in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Challa Gardens Primary School has 12.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Margaret Mary's School has 14.6.
How do Challa Gardens Primary School and St Margaret Mary's School rank in SA?
Challa Gardens Primary School is 192nd of 348 and St Margaret Mary's School is 145th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.