Marden Senior College vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Marden Senior College
Marden · Government high school · U, 11-12
496 students · ICSEA 1041
St Joseph's School
Payneham South · Catholic primary · R-6
494 students · ICSEA 1092
| Measure | Marden Senior College Marden SA | St Joseph's School Payneham South SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 52 Top 50% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #33 of 84 | #35 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #686 of 1,472 | #632 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | U, 11-12 | R-6 |
| Students | 496 | 494 |
| Girls / boys | 291 / 205 | 229 / 265 |
| Foundation intake | – | 81 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 391 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -21% | +30% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1041 | 1092 |
| ICSEA percentile | 65th | 82th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 23% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 14.4 | 16.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 23.2 | 30.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.5 | 16.7 |
| Language background other than English | 28% | 22% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Marden 5070 | Payneham South 5070 |
| Council area | Norwood Payneham and St Peters | Norwood Payneham and St Peters |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.msc.sa.edu.au | www.stjopayn.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (74.0 vs 52.3).
- •St Joseph's School has the higher ICSEA (1092 vs 1041), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Marden Senior College has fewer students per teacher (14.4 vs 16.0).
- •Marden Senior College is the larger school with 496 students compared with 494.
- •St Joseph's School has grown faster over five years (30% vs -21%).
- •Marden Senior College is a government school while St Joseph'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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Marden Senior College better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (74.0 vs 52.3 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 Marden Senior College and St Joseph's School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Marden and Payneham South in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Marden Senior College has 14.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 16.0.
How do Marden Senior College and St Joseph's School rank in SA?
Marden Senior College is 33rd of 84 and St Joseph's School is 35th of 348 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.