Mary MacKillop Memorial School vs St Gabriel's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 346 km 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
St Gabriel's School
Enfield · Catholic primary · R-6
306 students · ICSEA 1032
| Measure | Mary MacKillop Memorial School Penola SA | St Gabriel's School Enfield SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 57 Top 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #126 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | – | #1836 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 57 | 306 |
| Girls / boys | 26 / 31 | 150 / 156 |
| Foundation intake | 2 | 47 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -34% | +46% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1029 | 1032 |
| ICSEA percentile | 60th | 61th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 9.5 | 13.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 6.0 | 22.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.0 | 10.4 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 58% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 2% |
| Suburb | Penola 5277 | Enfield 5085 |
| Council area | Wattle Range | Port Adelaide Enfield |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mmms.catholic.edu.au | www.sgs.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Gabriel's School scores higher on the Success Index (61.1 vs 56.5).
- •St Gabriel's School has the higher ICSEA (1032 vs 1029), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mary MacKillop Memorial School has fewer students per teacher (9.5 vs 13.6).
- •St Gabriel's School is the larger school with 306 students compared with 57.
- •St Gabriel's School has grown faster over five years (46% vs -34%).
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 South Geelong
Frequently asked questions
Is Mary MacKillop Memorial School better than St Gabriel's School?
On the Success Index, St Gabriel's School ranks higher (61.1 vs 56.5 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 Memorial School and St Gabriel's School?
About 346 km in a straight line, between Penola and Enfield 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 St Gabriel's School has 13.6.
How do Mary MacKillop Memorial School and St Gabriel's School rank in SA?
Mary MacKillop Memorial School is unranked and St Gabriel's School is 126th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.