Kaurna Plains School vs St Mary Magdalene's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 934 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Kaurna Plains School
Elizabeth · Government combined · U, R-12
162 students · ICSEA 699
St Mary Magdalene's School
Elizabeth Grove · Catholic primary · R-6
185 students · ICSEA 958
| Measure | Kaurna Plains School Elizabeth SA | St Mary Magdalene's School Elizabeth Grove SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 31 Lower 50% | 42 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #120 of 145 | #229 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #1047 of 1,259 | #3295 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-12 | R-6 |
| Students | 162 | 185 |
| Girls / boys | 74 / 88 | 96 / 89 |
| Foundation intake | 25 | 32 |
| Year 7 cohort | 9 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 11 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +80% | +73% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 699 | 958 |
| ICSEA percentile | 1th | 28th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 85% | 45% |
| Students per teacher | 8.3 | 14.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 19.6 | 12.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 23.7 | 12.9 |
| Language background other than English | 85% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 98% | 10% |
| Suburb | Elizabeth 5112 | Elizabeth Grove 5112 |
| Council area | Playford | Playford |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.kaurnaas.sa.edu.au | www.smm.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Mary Magdalene's School scores higher on the Success Index (41.9 vs 31.2).
- •St Mary Magdalene's School has the higher ICSEA (958 vs 699), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Kaurna Plains School has fewer students per teacher (8.3 vs 14.3).
- •St Mary Magdalene's School is the larger school with 185 students compared with 162.
- •Kaurna Plains School has grown faster over five years (80% vs 73%).
- •Kaurna Plains School is a government school while St Mary Magdalene's 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.
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 Kaurna Plains School better than St Mary Magdalene's School?
On the Success Index, St Mary Magdalene's School ranks higher (41.9 vs 31.2 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 Kaurna Plains School and St Mary Magdalene's School?
About 934 m in a straight line, between Elizabeth and Elizabeth Grove in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Kaurna Plains School has 8.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary Magdalene's School has 14.3.
How do Kaurna Plains School and St Mary Magdalene's School rank in SA?
Kaurna Plains School is 120th of 145 and St Mary Magdalene's School is 229th of 348 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.