Dara School vs Forbes Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Dara School
Morphettville · Independent combined · R-10
93 students · ICSEA 1176
Forbes Primary School
South Plympton · Government primary · U, R-6
235 students · ICSEA 1002
| Measure | Dara School Morphettville SA | Forbes Primary School South Plympton SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 82 Top 10% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #5 of 145 | #170 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #73 of 1,259 | #2583 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | R-10 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 93 | 235 |
| Girls / boys | 28 / 65 | 96 / 139 |
| Foundation intake | 7 | 43 |
| Year 7 cohort | 9 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +133% | -18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1176 | 1002 |
| ICSEA percentile | 98th | 48th |
| Top SEA quarter | 67% | 15% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 8.1 | 14.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.3 | 16.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.7 | 8.8 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 53% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 11% |
| Suburb | Morphettville 5043 | South Plympton 5038 |
| Council area | Marion | Marion |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | daraschool.sa.edu.au | www.forbesps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Dara School scores higher on the Success Index (82.0 vs 51.5).
- •Dara School has the higher ICSEA (1176 vs 1002), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Dara School has fewer students per teacher (8.1 vs 14.0).
- •Forbes Primary School is the larger school with 235 students compared with 93.
- •Dara School has grown faster over five years (133% vs -18%).
- •Dara School is a independent school while Forbes 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 Dara School better than Forbes Primary School?
On the Success Index, Dara School ranks higher (82.0 vs 51.5 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 Dara School and Forbes Primary School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Morphettville and South Plympton in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Dara School has 8.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Forbes Primary School has 14.0.
How do Dara School and Forbes Primary School rank in SA?
Dara School is 5th of 145 and Forbes Primary School is 170th of 348 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.