Dominican School vs St Francis of Assisi School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 18 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Dominican School
Semaphore · Catholic primary · R-6
230 students · ICSEA 1048
St Francis of Assisi School
Newton · Catholic primary · R-6
246 students · ICSEA 1049
| Measure | Dominican School Semaphore SA | St Francis of Assisi School Newton SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #100 of 348 | #127 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #1536 of 4,908 | #1854 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 230 | 246 |
| Girls / boys | 108 / 122 | 115 / 131 |
| Foundation intake | 57 | 35 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +20% | -5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1048 | 1049 |
| ICSEA percentile | 68th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 22% | 21% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 14.4 | 13.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 16.0 | 17.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.4 | 11.6 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 37% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 1% |
| Suburb | Semaphore 5019 | Newton 5074 |
| Council area | Port Adelaide Enfield | Campbelltown (SA) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.dominican.catholic.edu.au | www.sfoa.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Dominican School scores higher on the Success Index (64.1 vs 60.9).
- •St Francis of Assisi School has the higher ICSEA (1049 vs 1048), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Francis of Assisi School has fewer students per teacher (13.8 vs 14.4).
- •St Francis of Assisi School is the larger school with 246 students compared with 230.
- •Dominican School has grown faster over five years (20% vs -5%).
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 Dominican School better than St Francis of Assisi School?
On the Success Index, Dominican School ranks higher (64.1 vs 60.9 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 Dominican School and St Francis of Assisi School?
About 18 km in a straight line, between Semaphore and Newton in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Dominican School has 14.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Francis of Assisi School has 13.8.
How do Dominican School and St Francis of Assisi School rank in SA?
Dominican School is 100th of 348 and St Francis of Assisi School is 127th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.