McAuley Community School vs Paringa Park Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
McAuley Community School
Hove · Catholic primary · R-6
451 students · ICSEA 1099
Paringa Park Primary School
North Brighton · Government primary · U, R-6
515 students · ICSEA 1101
| Measure | McAuley Community School Hove SA | Paringa Park Primary School North Brighton SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #55 of 348 | #65 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #920 of 4,908 | #1077 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 451 | 515 |
| Girls / boys | 231 / 220 | 259 / 256 |
| Foundation intake | 71 | 94 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +29% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1099 | 1101 |
| ICSEA percentile | 84th | 85th |
| Top SEA quarter | 38% | 41% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 16.0 | 16.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 28.2 | 30.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.9 | 11.3 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 18% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 2% |
| Suburb | Hove 5048 | North Brighton 5048 |
| Council area | Holdfast Bay | Holdfast Bay |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mcs.catholic.edu.au | www.paringpkps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •McAuley Community School scores higher on the Success Index (71.0 vs 69.3).
- •Paringa Park Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1101 vs 1099), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •McAuley Community School has fewer students per teacher (16.0 vs 16.7).
- •Paringa Park Primary School is the larger school with 515 students compared with 451.
- •McAuley Community School has grown faster over five years (29% vs -8%).
- •McAuley Community School is a catholic school while Paringa Park 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 McAuley Community School better than Paringa Park Primary School?
On the Success Index, McAuley Community School ranks higher (71.0 vs 69.3 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 McAuley Community School and Paringa Park Primary School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Hove and North Brighton in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
McAuley Community School has 16.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Paringa Park Primary School has 16.7.
How do McAuley Community School and Paringa Park Primary School rank in SA?
McAuley Community School is 55th of 348 and Paringa Park Primary School is 65th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.