Karrendi Primary School vs Thomas More College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.7 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
Thomas More College
Salisbury Downs · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,132 students · ICSEA 973
| Measure | Karrendi Primary School Parafield Gardens SA | Thomas More College Salisbury Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #215 of 348 | #53 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #3163 of 4,908 | #965 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 259 | 1,132 |
| Girls / boys | 121 / 138 | 558 / 574 |
| Foundation intake | 42 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 219 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 134 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | +24% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 955 | 973 |
| ICSEA percentile | 27th | 35th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 50% | 44% |
| Students per teacher | 12.9 | 11.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.0 | 95.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 11.7 | 44.8 |
| Language background other than English | 52% | 55% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 1% |
| Suburb | Parafield Gardens 5107 | Salisbury Downs 5108 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.karrendips.sa.edu.au | www.tmc.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Karrendi Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (43.7 vs 39.6).
- •Thomas More College has the higher ICSEA (973 vs 955), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Thomas More College has fewer students per teacher (11.8 vs 12.9).
- •Thomas More College is the larger school with 1,132 students compared with 259.
- •Thomas More College has grown faster over five years (24% vs 18%).
- •Karrendi Primary School is a government school while Thomas More College 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.
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 Thomas More College?
On the Success Index, Karrendi Primary School ranks higher (43.7 vs 39.6 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 Karrendi Primary School and Thomas More College?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Parafield Gardens and Salisbury Downs in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Karrendi Primary School has 12.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Thomas More College has 11.8.
How do Karrendi Primary School and Thomas More College rank in SA?
Karrendi Primary School is 215th of 348 and Thomas More College is 53rd of 84 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.