Mary MacKillop College vs Pembroke School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 754 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mary MacKillop College
Kensington · Catholic high school · 7-12
291 students · ICSEA 1077
Pembroke School
Kensington Park · Independent combined · R-12
1,672 students · ICSEA 1171
| Measure | Mary MacKillop College Kensington SA | Pembroke School Kensington Park SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 76 Top 25% | 81 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #6 of 84 | #6 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #158 of 1,472 | #96 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 291 | 1,672 |
| Girls / boys | 291 / 0 | 798 / 874 |
| Foundation intake | – | 45 |
| Year 7 cohort | 40 | 164 |
| Year 12 cohort | 61 | 243 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -29% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1077 | 1171 |
| ICSEA percentile | 78th | 98th |
| Top SEA quarter | 29% | 70% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 10% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 10.8 | 9.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 26.9 | 175.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.4 | 100.1 |
| Language background other than English | 30% | 29% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Kensington 5068 | Kensington Park 5068 |
| Council area | Norwood Payneham and St Peters | Burnside |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.marymackillop.sa.edu.au/ | www.pembroke.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Pembroke School scores higher on the Success Index (80.7 vs 75.5).
- •Pembroke School has the higher ICSEA (1171 vs 1077), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pembroke School has fewer students per teacher (9.5 vs 10.8).
- •Pembroke School is the larger school with 1,672 students compared with 291.
- •Pembroke School has grown faster over five years (1% vs -29%).
- •Mary MacKillop College is a catholic school while Pembroke School is an independent 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 Mary MacKillop College better than Pembroke School?
On the Success Index, Pembroke School ranks higher (80.7 vs 75.5 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 Mary MacKillop College and Pembroke School?
About 754 m in a straight line, between Kensington and Kensington Park in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mary MacKillop College has 10.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pembroke School has 9.5.
How do Mary MacKillop College and Pembroke School rank in SA?
Mary MacKillop College is 6th of 84 and Pembroke School is 6th of 145 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.