Elizabeth Downs Primary School vs John Hartley School B-6
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 2.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Elizabeth Downs Primary School
Elizabeth Downs · Government primary · U, R-6
420 students · ICSEA 904
John Hartley School B-6
Smithfield Plains · Government primary · U, R-6
685 students · ICSEA 903
| Measure | Elizabeth Downs Primary School Elizabeth Downs SA | John Hartley School B-6 Smithfield Plains SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 37 Lower 50% | 27 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #247 of 348 | #307 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #3620 of 4,908 | #4322 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 420 | 685 |
| Girls / boys | 196 / 224 | 333 / 352 |
| Foundation intake | 57 | 115 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +22% | +9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 904 | 903 |
| ICSEA percentile | 12th | 11th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 69% | 69% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 34.2 | 52.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 24.6 | 42.3 |
| Language background other than English | 56% | 25% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 15% |
| Suburb | Elizabeth Downs 5113 | Smithfield Plains 5114 |
| Council area | Playford | Playford |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.elizdownc7.sa.edu.au | www.hartley.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Elizabeth Downs Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (37.2 vs 27.4).
- •Elizabeth Downs Primary School has the higher ICSEA (904 vs 903), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Elizabeth Downs Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 13.1).
- •John Hartley School B-6 is the larger school with 685 students compared with 420.
- •Elizabeth Downs Primary School has grown faster over five years (22% vs 9%).
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 Elizabeth Downs Primary School better than John Hartley School B-6?
On the Success Index, Elizabeth Downs Primary School ranks higher (37.2 vs 27.4 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 Elizabeth Downs Primary School and John Hartley School B-6?
About 2.8 km in a straight line, between Elizabeth Downs and Smithfield Plains in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Elizabeth Downs Primary School has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and John Hartley School B-6 has 13.1.
How do Elizabeth Downs Primary School and John Hartley School B-6 rank in SA?
Elizabeth Downs Primary School is 247th of 348 and John Hartley School B-6 is 307th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.