Dominican School vs West Lakes Shore School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 2.9 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
West Lakes Shore School
West Lakes Shore · Government primary · R-6
554 students · ICSEA 1060
| Measure | Dominican School Semaphore SA | West Lakes Shore School West Lakes Shore SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #100 of 348 | #139 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #1536 of 4,908 | #2020 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 230 | 554 |
| Girls / boys | 108 / 122 | 280 / 274 |
| Foundation intake | 57 | 120 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +20% | -10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1048 | 1060 |
| ICSEA percentile | 68th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 22% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 14.4 | 17.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 16.0 | 31.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.4 | 11.9 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 3% |
| Suburb | Semaphore 5019 | West Lakes Shore 5020 |
| Council area | Port Adelaide Enfield | Charles Sturt |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.dominican.catholic.edu.au | www.westlakes.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Dominican School scores higher on the Success Index (64.1 vs 58.9).
- •West Lakes Shore School has the higher ICSEA (1060 vs 1048), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Dominican School has fewer students per teacher (14.4 vs 17.9).
- •West Lakes Shore School is the larger school with 554 students compared with 230.
- •Dominican School has grown faster over five years (20% vs -10%).
- •Dominican School is a catholic school while West Lakes Shore 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 Dominican School better than West Lakes Shore School?
On the Success Index, Dominican School ranks higher (64.1 vs 58.9 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 West Lakes Shore School?
About 2.9 km in a straight line, between Semaphore and West Lakes Shore in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Dominican School has 14.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and West Lakes Shore School has 17.9.
How do Dominican School and West Lakes Shore School rank in SA?
Dominican School is 100th of 348 and West Lakes Shore School is 139th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.