Crystal Brook Primary School vs Penola Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 507 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Crystal Brook Primary School
Crystal Brook · Government primary · R-6
106 students · ICSEA 977
Penola Primary School
Penola · Government primary · R-6
133 students · ICSEA 977
| Measure | Crystal Brook Primary School Crystal Brook SA | Penola Primary School Penola SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 42 Lower 50% | 45 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #231 of 348 | #212 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #3306 of 4,908 | #3111 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 106 | 133 |
| Girls / boys | 61 / 45 | 63 / 70 |
| Foundation intake | 22 | 25 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -37% | -27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 977 | 977 |
| ICSEA percentile | 36th | 36th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 35% | 44% |
| Students per teacher | 11.2 | 9.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 9.5 | 13.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.3 | 6.1 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 7% |
| Suburb | Crystal Brook 5523 | Penola 5277 |
| Council area | Port Pirie | Wattle Range |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.crystalbps.sa.edu.au | www.penolaps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Penola Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (44.6 vs 41.7).
- •Penola Primary School has fewer students per teacher (9.6 vs 11.2).
- •Penola Primary School is the larger school with 133 students compared with 106.
- •Penola Primary School has grown faster over five years (-27% vs -37%).
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 Crystal Brook Primary School better than Penola Primary School?
On the Success Index, Penola Primary School ranks higher (44.6 vs 41.7 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 Crystal Brook Primary School and Penola Primary School?
About 507 km in a straight line, between Crystal Brook and Penola in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Crystal Brook Primary School has 11.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Penola Primary School has 9.6.
How do Crystal Brook Primary School and Penola Primary School rank in SA?
Crystal Brook Primary School is 231st of 348 and Penola Primary School is 212th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.