Garden College vs St Martins Lutheran College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 391 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
St Martins Lutheran College
Mount Gambier · Independent combined · R-12
810 students · ICSEA 1028
| Measure | Garden College Parafield Gardens SA | St Martins Lutheran College Mount Gambier SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Top 50% | 50 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #55 of 145 | #54 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #686 of 1,259 | #667 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 351 | 810 |
| Girls / boys | 176 / 175 | 412 / 398 |
| Foundation intake | 46 | 39 |
| Year 7 cohort | 32 | 103 |
| Year 12 cohort | 7 | 58 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | +9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1029 | 1028 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 59th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 24% |
| Students per teacher | 15.2 | 12.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 23.1 | 67.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.5 | 43.9 |
| Language background other than English | 98% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 3% |
| Suburb | Parafield Gardens 5107 | Mount Gambier 5290 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Mount Gambier |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.gardencollege.sa.edu.au/ | www.stmartins.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Martins Lutheran College scores higher on the Success Index (49.7 vs 48.3).
- •Garden College has the higher ICSEA (1029 vs 1028), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Martins Lutheran College has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 15.2).
- •St Martins Lutheran College is the larger school with 810 students compared with 351.
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 St Martins Lutheran College?
On the Success Index, St Martins Lutheran College ranks higher (49.7 vs 48.3 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 St Martins Lutheran College?
About 391 km in a straight line, between Parafield Gardens and Mount Gambier in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Garden College has 15.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Martins Lutheran College has 12.1.
How do Garden College and St Martins Lutheran College rank in SA?
Garden College is 55th of 145 and St Martins Lutheran College is 54th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.