Darlington Primary School vs Stella Maris Parish School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 141 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Darlington Primary School
Seacombe Gardens · Government primary · U, R-6
184 students · ICSEA 964
Stella Maris Parish School
Seacombe Gardens · Catholic primary · R-6
429 students · ICSEA 1086
| Measure | Darlington Primary School Seacombe Gardens SA | Stella Maris Parish School Seacombe Gardens SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 42 Lower 50% | 71 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #227 of 348 | #52 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #3284 of 4,908 | #888 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 184 | 429 |
| Girls / boys | 95 / 89 | 209 / 220 |
| Foundation intake | 27 | 52 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -22% | +34% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 964 | 1086 |
| ICSEA percentile | 31th | 80th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 35% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 42% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 15.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 16.1 | 27.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.4 | 18.2 |
| Language background other than English | 66% | 21% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 1% |
| Suburb | Seacombe Gardens 5047 | Seacombe Gardens 5047 |
| Council area | Marion | Marion |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.darlngtnps.sa.edu.au | www.smps.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Stella Maris Parish School scores higher on the Success Index (71.4 vs 42.0).
- •Stella Maris Parish School has the higher ICSEA (1086 vs 964), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Darlington Primary School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 15.7).
- •Stella Maris Parish School is the larger school with 429 students compared with 184.
- •Stella Maris Parish School has grown faster over five years (34% vs -22%).
- •Darlington Primary School is a government school while Stella Maris Parish 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 Darlington Primary School better than Stella Maris Parish School?
On the Success Index, Stella Maris Parish School ranks higher (71.4 vs 42.0 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 Darlington Primary School and Stella Maris Parish School?
About 141 m in a straight line, between Seacombe Gardens and Seacombe Gardens in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Darlington Primary School has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Stella Maris Parish School has 15.7.
How do Darlington Primary School and Stella Maris Parish School rank in SA?
Darlington Primary School is 227th of 348 and Stella Maris Parish School is 52nd of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.