Cowandilla Primary School vs St John Bosco School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cowandilla Primary School
Cowandilla · Government primary · U, R-6
341 students · ICSEA 1051
St John Bosco School
Brooklyn Park · Catholic primary · R-6
252 students · ICSEA 1054
| Measure | Cowandilla Primary School Cowandilla SA | St John Bosco School Brooklyn Park SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 65 Top 50% | 63 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #96 of 348 | #118 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #1468 of 4,908 | #1690 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 341 | 252 |
| Girls / boys | 155 / 186 | 116 / 136 |
| Foundation intake | 47 | 46 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -27% | +31% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1051 | 1054 |
| ICSEA percentile | 69th | 70th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 22% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 15% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 15.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 26.8 | 16.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.3 | 10.2 |
| Language background other than English | 57% | 51% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 2% |
| Suburb | Cowandilla 5033 | Brooklyn Park 5032 |
| Council area | West Torrens | West Torrens |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cowandilla.sa.edu.au | www.sjb.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cowandilla Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (64.8 vs 62.6).
- •St John Bosco School has the higher ICSEA (1054 vs 1051), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cowandilla Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 15.3).
- •Cowandilla Primary School is the larger school with 341 students compared with 252.
- •St John Bosco School has grown faster over five years (31% vs -27%).
- •Cowandilla Primary School is a government school while St John Bosco 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Cowandilla Primary School better than St John Bosco School?
On the Success Index, Cowandilla Primary School ranks higher (64.8 vs 62.6 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 Cowandilla Primary School and St John Bosco School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Cowandilla and Brooklyn Park in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cowandilla Primary School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John Bosco School has 15.3.
How do Cowandilla Primary School and St John Bosco School rank in SA?
Cowandilla Primary School is 96th of 348 and St John Bosco School is 118th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.