McDonald Park School vs Mil Lel Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 5.7 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
Mil Lel Primary School
Mil Lel · Government primary · R-6
114 students · ICSEA 1005
| Measure | McDonald Park School Mount Gambier SA | Mil Lel Primary School Mil Lel SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #331 of 348 | #201 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #4606 of 4,908 | #3024 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 379 | 114 |
| Girls / boys | 200 / 179 | 57 / 57 |
| Foundation intake | 63 | 21 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -31% | +12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 948 | 1005 |
| ICSEA percentile | 24th | 49th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 24% |
| Students per teacher | 15.8 | 16.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.0 | 6.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.0 | 6.0 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 0% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 6% |
| Suburb | Mount Gambier 5290 | Mil Lel 5291 |
| Council area | Mount Gambier | Grant |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.mcparkr7.sa.edu.au | www.millelps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mil Lel Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (45.8 vs 23.3).
- •Mil Lel Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1005 vs 948), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •McDonald Park School has fewer students per teacher (15.8 vs 16.5).
- •McDonald Park School is the larger school with 379 students compared with 114.
- •Mil Lel Primary School has grown faster over five years (12% 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 Mil Lel Primary School?
On the Success Index, Mil Lel Primary School ranks higher (45.8 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 Mil Lel Primary School?
About 5.7 km in a straight line, between Mount Gambier and Mil Lel in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
McDonald Park School has 15.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mil Lel Primary School has 16.5.
How do McDonald Park School and Mil Lel Primary School rank in SA?
McDonald Park School is 331st of 348 and Mil Lel Primary School is 201st of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.