Edwardstown Primary School vs Forbes Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Edwardstown Primary School
Melrose Park · Government primary · R-6
512 students · ICSEA 1098
Forbes Primary School
South Plympton · Government primary · U, R-6
235 students · ICSEA 1002
| Measure | Edwardstown Primary School Melrose Park SA | Forbes Primary School South Plympton SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #47 of 348 | #170 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #849 of 4,908 | #2583 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 512 | 235 |
| Girls / boys | 245 / 267 | 96 / 139 |
| Foundation intake | 86 | 43 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | -18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1098 | 1002 |
| ICSEA percentile | 84th | 48th |
| Top SEA quarter | 40% | 15% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 18.3 | 14.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 28.0 | 16.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.3 | 8.8 |
| Language background other than English | 21% | 53% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 11% |
| Suburb | Melrose Park 5039 | South Plympton 5038 |
| Council area | Mitcham | Marion |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.edwardps.sa.edu.au | www.forbesps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Edwardstown Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (71.7 vs 51.5).
- •Edwardstown Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1098 vs 1002), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Forbes Primary School has fewer students per teacher (14.0 vs 18.3).
- •Edwardstown Primary School is the larger school with 512 students compared with 235.
- •Edwardstown Primary School has grown faster over five years (-1% vs -18%).
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 Edwardstown Primary School better than Forbes Primary School?
On the Success Index, Edwardstown Primary School ranks higher (71.7 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 Edwardstown Primary School and Forbes Primary School?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Melrose Park and South Plympton in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Edwardstown Primary School has 18.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Forbes Primary School has 14.0.
How do Edwardstown Primary School and Forbes Primary School rank in SA?
Edwardstown Primary School is 47th of 348 and Forbes Primary School is 170th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.