Mary MacKillop Memorial School vs Penola Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 642 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mary MacKillop Memorial School
Penola · Catholic primary · R-6
57 students · ICSEA 1029
Penola Primary School
Penola · Government primary · R-6
133 students · ICSEA 977
| Measure | Mary MacKillop Memorial School Penola SA | Penola Primary School Penola SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 57 Top 50% | 45 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #212 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | – | #3111 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 57 | 133 |
| Girls / boys | 26 / 31 | 63 / 70 |
| Foundation intake | 2 | 25 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -34% | -27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1029 | 977 |
| ICSEA percentile | 60th | 36th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 44% |
| Students per teacher | 9.5 | 9.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 6.0 | 13.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.0 | 6.1 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 7% |
| Suburb | Penola 5277 | Penola 5277 |
| Council area | Wattle Range | Wattle Range |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.mmms.catholic.edu.au | www.penolaps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mary MacKillop Memorial School scores higher on the Success Index (56.5 vs 44.6).
- •Mary MacKillop Memorial School has the higher ICSEA (1029 vs 977), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Penola Primary School is the larger school with 133 students compared with 57.
- •Penola Primary School has grown faster over five years (-27% vs -34%).
- •Mary MacKillop Memorial School is a catholic school while Penola Primary School is a government 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 Mary MacKillop Memorial School better than Penola Primary School?
On the Success Index, Mary MacKillop Memorial School ranks higher (56.5 vs 44.6 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 Mary MacKillop Memorial School and Penola Primary School?
About 642 m in a straight line, between Penola and Penola in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mary MacKillop Memorial School has 9.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Penola Primary School has 9.6.
How do Mary MacKillop Memorial School and Penola Primary School rank in SA?
Mary MacKillop Memorial School is unranked and Penola Primary School is 212th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.