John Pirie Secondary School vs Risdon Park Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 2.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
John Pirie Secondary School
Port Pirie · Government high school · U, 7-12
691 students · ICSEA 894
Risdon Park Primary School
Port Pirie · Government primary · R-6
300 students · ICSEA 944
| Measure | John Pirie Secondary School Port Pirie SA | Risdon Park Primary School Port Pirie SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 28 Lower 50% | 36 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #68 of 84 | #258 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #1241 of 1,472 | #3736 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | U, 7-12 | R-6 |
| Students | 691 | 300 |
| Girls / boys | 335 / 356 | 147 / 153 |
| Foundation intake | – | 43 |
| Year 7 cohort | 127 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 75 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 894 | 944 |
| ICSEA percentile | 10th | 23th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 68% | 52% |
| Students per teacher | 12.1 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.7 | 22.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 34.3 | 13.0 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 15% |
| Suburb | Port Pirie 5540 | Port Pirie 5540 |
| Council area | Port Pirie | Port Pirie |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.jpss.sa.edu.au | www.risdonpkps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Risdon Park Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (35.5 vs 27.6).
- •Risdon Park Primary School has the higher ICSEA (944 vs 894), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •John Pirie Secondary School has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 13.2).
- •John Pirie Secondary School is the larger school with 691 students compared with 300.
- •John Pirie Secondary School has grown faster over five years (6% vs -4%).
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 John Pirie Secondary School better than Risdon Park Primary School?
On the Success Index, Risdon Park Primary School ranks higher (35.5 vs 27.6 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 John Pirie Secondary School and Risdon Park Primary School?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between Port Pirie and Port Pirie in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
John Pirie Secondary School has 12.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Risdon Park Primary School has 13.2.
How do John Pirie Secondary School and Risdon Park Primary School rank in SA?
John Pirie Secondary School is 68th of 84 and Risdon Park Primary School is 258th of 348 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.