Darlington Primary School vs Sunrise Christian School Marion
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.5 km 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
Sunrise Christian School Marion
Marion · Independent combined · R-9
320 students · ICSEA 1090
| Measure | Darlington Primary School Seacombe Gardens SA | Sunrise Christian School Marion Marion SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 42 Lower 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #227 of 348 | #32 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #3284 of 4,908 | #480 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-9 |
| Students | 184 | 320 |
| Girls / boys | 95 / 89 | 162 / 158 |
| Foundation intake | 27 | 23 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 34 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -22% | +32% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 964 | 1090 |
| ICSEA percentile | 31th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 35% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 42% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 16.1 | 22.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.4 | 15.1 |
| Language background other than English | 66% | 41% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 1% |
| Suburb | Seacombe Gardens 5047 | Marion 5043 |
| Council area | Marion | Marion |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.darlngtnps.sa.edu.au | sunrise.sa.edu.au/marion/ |
The verdict
- •Sunrise Christian School Marion scores higher on the Success Index (58.9 vs 42.0).
- •Sunrise Christian School Marion has the higher ICSEA (1090 vs 964), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Darlington Primary School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 14.4).
- •Sunrise Christian School Marion is the larger school with 320 students compared with 184.
- •Sunrise Christian School Marion has grown faster over five years (32% vs -22%).
- •Darlington Primary School is a government school while Sunrise Christian School Marion is an independent 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.
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 Darlington Primary School better than Sunrise Christian School Marion?
On the Success Index, Sunrise Christian School Marion ranks higher (58.9 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 Sunrise Christian School Marion?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Seacombe Gardens and Marion in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Darlington Primary School has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sunrise Christian School Marion has 14.4.
How do Darlington Primary School and Sunrise Christian School Marion rank in SA?
Darlington Primary School is 227th of 348 and Sunrise Christian School Marion is 32nd of 145 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.