Cowandilla Primary School vs Thebarton Senior College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.9 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
Thebarton Senior College
Torrensville · Government high school · U, 11-12
1,284 students · ICSEA 951
| Measure | Cowandilla Primary School Cowandilla SA | Thebarton Senior College Torrensville SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 65 Top 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #96 of 348 | #58 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #1468 of 4,908 | #1022 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | U, 11-12 |
| Students | 341 | 1,284 |
| Girls / boys | 155 / 186 | 725 / 559 |
| Foundation intake | 47 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 348 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -27% | +18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1051 | 951 |
| ICSEA percentile | 69th | 25th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 57% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 10.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 26.8 | 106.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.3 | 29.1 |
| Language background other than English | 57% | 72% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 1% |
| Suburb | Cowandilla 5033 | Torrensville 5031 |
| Council area | West Torrens | West Torrens |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cowandilla.sa.edu.au | www.tsc.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cowandilla Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (64.8 vs 37.1).
- •Cowandilla Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1051 vs 951), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Thebarton Senior College has fewer students per teacher (10.3 vs 12.7).
- •Thebarton Senior College is the larger school with 1,284 students compared with 341.
- •Thebarton Senior College has grown faster over five years (18% vs -27%).
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 Thebarton Senior College?
On the Success Index, Cowandilla Primary School ranks higher (64.8 vs 37.1 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 Cowandilla Primary School and Thebarton Senior College?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Cowandilla and Torrensville in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cowandilla Primary School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Thebarton Senior College has 10.3.
How do Cowandilla Primary School and Thebarton Senior College rank in SA?
Cowandilla Primary School is 96th of 348 and Thebarton Senior College is 58th of 84 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.