McDonald Park School vs Melaleuca Park Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
McDonald Park School
Mount Gambier · Government primary · U, R-6
379 students · ICSEA 948
Melaleuca Park Primary School
Mount Gambier · Government primary · U, R-6
107 students · ICSEA 882
| Measure | McDonald Park School Mount Gambier SA | Melaleuca Park Primary School Mount Gambier SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 29 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #331 of 348 | #303 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #4606 of 4,908 | #4246 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 379 | 107 |
| Girls / boys | 200 / 179 | 53 / 54 |
| Foundation intake | 63 | 13 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -31% | -20% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 948 | 882 |
| ICSEA percentile | 24th | 8th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 63% |
| Students per teacher | 15.8 | 8.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.0 | 12.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.0 | 11.8 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 17% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 29% |
| Suburb | Mount Gambier 5290 | Mount Gambier 5290 |
| Council area | Mount Gambier | Mount Gambier |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.mcparkr7.sa.edu.au | www.melparkps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Melaleuca Park Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (28.5 vs 23.3).
- •McDonald Park School has the higher ICSEA (948 vs 882), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Melaleuca Park Primary School has fewer students per teacher (8.6 vs 15.8).
- •McDonald Park School is the larger school with 379 students compared with 107.
- •Melaleuca Park Primary School has grown faster over five years (-20% vs -31%).
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 McDonald Park School better than Melaleuca Park Primary School?
On the Success Index, Melaleuca Park Primary School ranks higher (28.5 vs 23.3 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 McDonald Park School and Melaleuca Park Primary School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Mount Gambier and Mount Gambier in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
McDonald Park School has 15.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Melaleuca Park Primary School has 8.6.
How do McDonald Park School and Melaleuca Park Primary School rank in SA?
McDonald Park School is 331st of 348 and Melaleuca Park Primary School is 303rd of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.