Karrendi Primary School vs Mawson Lakes School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 2.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Karrendi Primary School
Parafield Gardens · Government primary · U, R-6
259 students · ICSEA 955
Mawson Lakes School
Mawson Lakes · Government primary · R-6
716 students · ICSEA 1060
| Measure | Karrendi Primary School Parafield Gardens SA | Mawson Lakes School Mawson Lakes SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 58 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #215 of 348 | #141 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #3163 of 4,908 | #2078 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 259 | 716 |
| Girls / boys | 121 / 138 | 344 / 372 |
| Foundation intake | 42 | 141 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 955 | 1060 |
| ICSEA percentile | 27th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 50% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 12.9 | 18.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.0 | 38.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 11.7 | 22.2 |
| Language background other than English | 52% | 66% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 1% |
| Suburb | Parafield Gardens 5107 | Mawson Lakes 5095 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.karrendips.sa.edu.au | www.mawsonlakes.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mawson Lakes School scores higher on the Success Index (58.1 vs 43.7).
- •Mawson Lakes School has the higher ICSEA (1060 vs 955), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Karrendi Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 18.5).
- •Mawson Lakes School is the larger school with 716 students compared with 259.
- •Karrendi Primary School has grown faster over five years (18% vs -6%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Windsor Gardens
Frequently asked questions
Is Karrendi Primary School better than Mawson Lakes School?
On the Success Index, Mawson Lakes School ranks higher (58.1 vs 43.7 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 Karrendi Primary School and Mawson Lakes School?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Parafield Gardens and Mawson Lakes in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Karrendi Primary School has 12.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mawson Lakes School has 18.5.
How do Karrendi Primary School and Mawson Lakes School rank in SA?
Karrendi Primary School is 215th of 348 and Mawson Lakes School is 141st of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.