Garden College vs Parafield Gardens Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 739 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 Primary School
Parafield Gardens · Government primary · U, R-6
575 students · ICSEA 968
| Measure | Garden College Parafield Gardens SA | Parafield Gardens Primary School Parafield Gardens SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Top 50% | 34 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #55 of 145 | #269 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #686 of 1,259 | #3862 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | R-12 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 351 | 575 |
| Girls / boys | 176 / 175 | 293 / 282 |
| Foundation intake | 46 | 99 |
| Year 7 cohort | 32 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 7 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1029 | 968 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 32th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 46% |
| Students per teacher | 15.2 | 16.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 23.1 | 35.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.5 | 21.0 |
| Language background other than English | 98% | 64% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 6% |
| Suburb | Parafield Gardens 5107 | Parafield Gardens 5107 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.gardencollege.sa.edu.au/ | www.pgardens.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Garden College scores higher on the Success Index (48.3 vs 33.6).
- •Garden College has the higher ICSEA (1029 vs 968), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Garden College has fewer students per teacher (15.2 vs 16.2).
- •Parafield Gardens Primary School is the larger school with 575 students compared with 351.
- •Garden College has grown faster over five years (7% vs -17%).
- •Garden College is a independent school while Parafield Gardens 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Garden College better than Parafield Gardens Primary School?
On the Success Index, Garden College ranks higher (48.3 vs 33.6 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 Primary School?
About 739 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 Primary School has 16.2.
How do Garden College and Parafield Gardens Primary School rank in SA?
Garden College is 55th of 145 and Parafield Gardens Primary School is 269th of 348 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.