Garden College vs Karrendi Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Garden College
Parafield Gardens · Independent combined · R-12
351 students · ICSEA 1029
Karrendi Primary School
Parafield Gardens · Government primary · U, R-6
259 students · ICSEA 955
| Measure | Garden College Parafield Gardens SA | Karrendi Primary School Parafield Gardens SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Top 50% | 44 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #55 of 145 | #215 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #686 of 1,259 | #3163 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | R-12 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 351 | 259 |
| Girls / boys | 176 / 175 | 121 / 138 |
| Foundation intake | 46 | 42 |
| Year 7 cohort | 32 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 7 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | +18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1029 | 955 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 27th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 50% |
| Students per teacher | 15.2 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 23.1 | 20.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.5 | 11.7 |
| Language background other than English | 98% | 52% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 11% |
| Suburb | Parafield Gardens 5107 | Parafield Gardens 5107 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.gardencollege.sa.edu.au/ | www.karrendips.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Garden College scores higher on the Success Index (48.3 vs 43.7).
- •Garden College has the higher ICSEA (1029 vs 955), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Karrendi Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 15.2).
- •Garden College is the larger school with 351 students compared with 259.
- •Karrendi Primary School has grown faster over five years (18% vs 7%).
- •Garden College is a independent school while Karrendi Primary 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.
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 Garden College better than Karrendi Primary School?
On the Success Index, Garden College ranks higher (48.3 vs 43.7 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 Garden College and Karrendi Primary School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Parafield Gardens and Parafield Gardens in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Garden College has 15.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Karrendi Primary School has 12.9.
How do Garden College and Karrendi Primary School rank in SA?
Garden College is 55th of 145 and Karrendi Primary School is 215th of 348 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.