Garden College vs Parafield Gardens High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 988 m 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
Parafield Gardens High School
Parafield Gardens · Government high school · U, 7-12
1,277 students · ICSEA 928
| Measure | Garden College Parafield Gardens SA | Parafield Gardens High School Parafield Gardens SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Top 50% | 21 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #55 of 145 | #76 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #686 of 1,259 | #1397 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | R-12 | U, 7-12 |
| Students | 351 | 1,277 |
| Girls / boys | 176 / 175 | 589 / 688 |
| Foundation intake | 46 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 32 | 185 |
| Year 12 cohort | 7 | 196 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | +27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1029 | 928 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 17th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 61% |
| Students per teacher | 15.2 | 13.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 23.1 | 92.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.5 | 43.6 |
| Language background other than English | 98% | 52% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 7% |
| Suburb | Parafield Gardens 5107 | Parafield Gardens 5107 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.gardencollege.sa.edu.au/ | www.pghs.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Garden College scores higher on the Success Index (48.3 vs 21.1).
- •Garden College has the higher ICSEA (1029 vs 928), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Parafield Gardens High School has fewer students per teacher (13.8 vs 15.2).
- •Parafield Gardens High School is the larger school with 1,277 students compared with 351.
- •Parafield Gardens High School has grown faster over five years (27% vs 7%).
- •Garden College is a independent school while Parafield Gardens High 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 Garden College better than Parafield Gardens High School?
On the Success Index, Garden College ranks higher (48.3 vs 21.1 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 Parafield Gardens High School?
About 988 m 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 Parafield Gardens High School has 13.8.
How do Garden College and Parafield Gardens High School rank in SA?
Garden College is 55th of 145 and Parafield Gardens High School is 76th of 84 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.