Mawson Lakes School vs Parafield Gardens High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 2.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mawson Lakes School
Mawson Lakes · Government primary · R-6
716 students · ICSEA 1060
Parafield Gardens High School
Parafield Gardens · Government high school · U, 7-12
1,277 students · ICSEA 928
| Measure | Mawson Lakes School Mawson Lakes SA | Parafield Gardens High School Parafield Gardens SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 58 Top 50% | 21 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #141 of 348 | #76 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #2078 of 4,908 | #1397 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | R-6 | U, 7-12 |
| Students | 716 | 1,277 |
| Girls / boys | 344 / 372 | 589 / 688 |
| Foundation intake | 141 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 185 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 196 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | +27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1060 | 928 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 17th |
| Top SEA quarter | 25% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 61% |
| Students per teacher | 18.5 | 13.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 38.6 | 92.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.2 | 43.6 |
| Language background other than English | 66% | 52% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 7% |
| Suburb | Mawson Lakes 5095 | Parafield Gardens 5107 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mawsonlakes.sa.edu.au | www.pghs.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mawson Lakes School scores higher on the Success Index (58.1 vs 21.1).
- •Mawson Lakes School has the higher ICSEA (1060 vs 928), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Parafield Gardens High School has fewer students per teacher (13.8 vs 18.5).
- •Parafield Gardens High School is the larger school with 1,277 students compared with 716.
- •Parafield Gardens High School has grown faster over five years (27% vs -6%).
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 Mawson Lakes School better than Parafield Gardens High School?
On the Success Index, Mawson Lakes School ranks higher (58.1 vs 21.1 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 Mawson Lakes School and Parafield Gardens High School?
About 2.6 km in a straight line, between Mawson Lakes and Parafield Gardens in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mawson Lakes School has 18.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Parafield Gardens High School has 13.8.
How do Mawson Lakes School and Parafield Gardens High School rank in SA?
Mawson Lakes School is 141st of 348 and Parafield Gardens High School is 76th of 84 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.