Garden College vs Riverdale Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.9 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
Riverdale Primary School
Salisbury Downs · Government primary · U, R-6
241 students · ICSEA 937
| Measure | Garden College Parafield Gardens SA | Riverdale Primary School Salisbury Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Top 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #55 of 145 | #274 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #686 of 1,259 | #3895 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | R-12 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 351 | 241 |
| Girls / boys | 176 / 175 | 113 / 128 |
| 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% | -13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1029 | 937 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 20th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 58% |
| Students per teacher | 15.2 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 23.1 | 21.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.5 | 22.4 |
| Language background other than English | 98% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 8% |
| Suburb | Parafield Gardens 5107 | Salisbury Downs 5108 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.gardencollege.sa.edu.au/ | riverdaleps.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Garden College scores higher on the Success Index (48.3 vs 33.3).
- •Garden College has the higher ICSEA (1029 vs 937), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Riverdale Primary School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 15.2).
- •Garden College is the larger school with 351 students compared with 241.
- •Garden College has grown faster over five years (7% vs -13%).
- •Garden College is a independent school while Riverdale 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 Riverdale Primary School?
On the Success Index, Garden College ranks higher (48.3 vs 33.3 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 Riverdale Primary School?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Parafield Gardens and Salisbury Downs in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Garden College has 15.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Riverdale Primary School has 11.4.
How do Garden College and Riverdale Primary School rank in SA?
Garden College is 55th of 145 and Riverdale Primary School is 274th of 348 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.