Kadina Memorial School vs St Mary MacKillop School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 7.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Kadina Memorial School
Kadina · Government combined · U, R-12
1,184 students · ICSEA 951
St Mary MacKillop School
Wallaroo · Catholic combined · R-9
139 students · ICSEA 968
| Measure | Kadina Memorial School Kadina SA | St Mary MacKillop School Wallaroo SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 34 Lower 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #112 of 145 | #98 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #990 of 1,259 | #927 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | U, R-12 | R-9 |
| Students | 1,184 | 139 |
| Girls / boys | 564 / 620 | 73 / 66 |
| Foundation intake | 45 | 20 |
| Year 7 cohort | 118 | 4 |
| Year 12 cohort | 67 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 951 | 968 |
| ICSEA percentile | 25th | 33th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 49% | 43% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 9.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 103.5 | 14.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 56.6 | 9.0 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 1% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 8% |
| Suburb | Kadina 5554 | Wallaroo 5556 |
| Council area | Copper Coast | Copper Coast |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.kms.sa.edu.au | www.stmm.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Mary MacKillop School scores higher on the Success Index (36.6 vs 33.7).
- •St Mary MacKillop School has the higher ICSEA (968 vs 951), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary MacKillop School has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 11.4).
- •Kadina Memorial School is the larger school with 1,184 students compared with 139.
- •Kadina Memorial School has grown faster over five years (6% vs -17%).
- •Kadina Memorial School is a government school while St Mary MacKillop 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 Kadina Memorial School better than St Mary MacKillop School?
On the Success Index, St Mary MacKillop School ranks higher (36.6 vs 33.7 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 Kadina Memorial School and St Mary MacKillop School?
About 7.8 km in a straight line, between Kadina and Wallaroo in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Kadina Memorial School has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary MacKillop School has 9.7.
How do Kadina Memorial School and St Mary MacKillop School rank in SA?
Kadina Memorial School is 112th of 145 and St Mary MacKillop School is 98th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.