McDonald Park School vs Mount Gambier High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 2.4 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
Mount Gambier High School
Mount Gambier · Government high school · U, 7-12
778 students · ICSEA 946
| Measure | McDonald Park School Mount Gambier SA | Mount Gambier High School Mount Gambier SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #331 of 348 | #72 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #4606 of 4,908 | #1293 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | U, 7-12 |
| Students | 379 | 778 |
| Girls / boys | 200 / 179 | 390 / 388 |
| Foundation intake | 63 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 142 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 119 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -31% | +6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 948 | 946 |
| ICSEA percentile | 24th | 23th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 54% |
| Students per teacher | 15.8 | 13.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.0 | 55.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.0 | 34.1 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 7% |
| 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.mghs.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mount Gambier High School scores higher on the Success Index (25.6 vs 23.3).
- •McDonald Park School has the higher ICSEA (948 vs 946), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mount Gambier High School has fewer students per teacher (13.9 vs 15.8).
- •Mount Gambier High School is the larger school with 778 students compared with 379.
- •Mount Gambier High School has grown faster over five years (6% 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 Mount Gambier High School?
On the Success Index, Mount Gambier High School ranks higher (25.6 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 Mount Gambier High School?
About 2.4 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 Mount Gambier High School has 13.9.
How do McDonald Park School and Mount Gambier High School rank in SA?
McDonald Park School is 331st of 348 and Mount Gambier High School is 72nd of 84 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.