Holy Family Catholic School vs Riverdale Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Family Catholic School
Parafield Gardens · Catholic primary · R-6
539 students · ICSEA 1000
Riverdale Primary School
Salisbury Downs · Government primary · U, R-6
241 students · ICSEA 937
| Measure | Holy Family Catholic School Parafield Gardens SA | Riverdale Primary School Salisbury Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #173 of 348 | #274 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #2622 of 4,908 | #3895 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 539 | 241 |
| Girls / boys | 255 / 284 | 113 / 128 |
| Foundation intake | 90 | 42 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | -13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1000 | 937 |
| ICSEA percentile | 47th | 20th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 33% | 58% |
| Students per teacher | 14.4 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 37.5 | 21.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.7 | 22.4 |
| Language background other than English | 61% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 8% |
| Suburb | Parafield Gardens 5107 | Salisbury Downs 5108 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.holyfamily.catholic.edu.au | riverdaleps.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Holy Family Catholic School scores higher on the Success Index (51.0 vs 33.3).
- •Holy Family Catholic School has the higher ICSEA (1000 vs 937), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Riverdale Primary School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 14.4).
- •Holy Family Catholic School is the larger school with 539 students compared with 241.
- •Holy Family Catholic School has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -13%).
- •Holy Family Catholic School is a catholic 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 Holy Family Catholic School better than Riverdale Primary School?
On the Success Index, Holy Family Catholic School ranks higher (51.0 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 Holy Family Catholic School and Riverdale Primary School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Parafield Gardens and Salisbury Downs in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Family Catholic School has 14.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Riverdale Primary School has 11.4.
How do Holy Family Catholic School and Riverdale Primary School rank in SA?
Holy Family Catholic School is 173rd of 348 and Riverdale Primary School is 274th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.