Highgate School vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Highgate School
Highgate · Government primary · U, R-6
616 students · ICSEA 1150
St Joseph's School
Kingswood · Catholic primary · R-6
256 students · ICSEA 1135
| Measure | Highgate School Highgate SA | St Joseph's School Kingswood SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 74 Top 25% | 76 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #33 of 348 | #14 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #624 of 4,908 | #460 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 616 | 256 |
| Girls / boys | 309 / 307 | 119 / 137 |
| Foundation intake | 91 | 39 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -20% | +11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1150 | 1135 |
| ICSEA percentile | 95th | 92th |
| Top SEA quarter | 63% | 55% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 16.6 | 15.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 37.2 | 16.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.0 | 9.2 |
| Language background other than English | 51% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Highgate 5063 | Kingswood 5062 |
| Council area | Unley | Mitcham |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.highgates.sa.edu.au | www.stjk.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (76.1 vs 74.0).
- •Highgate School has the higher ICSEA (1150 vs 1135), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Joseph's School has fewer students per teacher (15.7 vs 16.6).
- •Highgate School is the larger school with 616 students compared with 256.
- •St Joseph's School has grown faster over five years (11% vs -20%).
- •Highgate School is a government school while St Joseph's School is a catholic 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 Highgate School better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (76.1 vs 74.0 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 Highgate School and St Joseph's School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Highgate and Kingswood in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Highgate School has 16.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 15.7.
How do Highgate School and St Joseph's School rank in SA?
Highgate School is 33rd of 348 and St Joseph's School is 14th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.