Forbes Primary School vs St Anthony's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Forbes Primary School
South Plympton · Government primary · U, R-6
235 students · ICSEA 1002
St Anthony's School
Edwardstown · Catholic primary · R-6
116 students · ICSEA 1090
| Measure | Forbes Primary School South Plympton SA | St Anthony's School Edwardstown SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 52 Top 50% | 71 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #170 of 348 | #51 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #2583 of 4,908 | #886 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 235 | 116 |
| Girls / boys | 96 / 139 | 47 / 69 |
| Foundation intake | 43 | 17 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -18% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1002 | 1090 |
| ICSEA percentile | 48th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 15% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 14.0 | 13.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 16.8 | 8.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.8 | 5.5 |
| Language background other than English | 53% | 25% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 3% |
| Suburb | South Plympton 5038 | Edwardstown 5039 |
| Council area | Marion | Marion |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.forbesps.sa.edu.au | www.stantedw.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Anthony's School scores higher on the Success Index (71.4 vs 51.5).
- •St Anthony's School has the higher ICSEA (1090 vs 1002), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Anthony's School has fewer students per teacher (13.0 vs 14.0).
- •Forbes Primary School is the larger school with 235 students compared with 116.
- •St Anthony's School has grown faster over five years (-12% vs -18%).
- •Forbes Primary School is a government school while St Anthony's School is a catholic 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 Forbes Primary School better than St Anthony's School?
On the Success Index, St Anthony's School ranks higher (71.4 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 Forbes Primary School and St Anthony's School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between South Plympton and Edwardstown in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Forbes Primary School has 14.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Anthony's School has 13.0.
How do Forbes Primary School and St Anthony's School rank in SA?
Forbes Primary School is 170th of 348 and St Anthony's School is 51st of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.