McDonald Park School vs Mount Gambier North Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.8 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 North Primary School
Mount Gambier · Government primary · U, R-6
190 students · ICSEA 888
| Measure | McDonald Park School Mount Gambier SA | Mount Gambier North Primary School Mount Gambier SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #331 of 348 | #324 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #4606 of 4,908 | #4514 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 379 | 190 |
| Girls / boys | 200 / 179 | 99 / 91 |
| Foundation intake | 63 | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -31% | -32% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 948 | 888 |
| ICSEA percentile | 24th | 9th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 71% |
| Students per teacher | 15.8 | 7.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.0 | 23.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.0 | 16.4 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 31% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 18% |
| 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.mtgnorthps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mount Gambier North Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (24.8 vs 23.3).
- •McDonald Park School has the higher ICSEA (948 vs 888), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mount Gambier North Primary School has fewer students per teacher (7.9 vs 15.8).
- •McDonald Park School is the larger school with 379 students compared with 190.
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 Torquay
Frequently asked questions
Is McDonald Park School better than Mount Gambier North Primary School?
On the Success Index, Mount Gambier North Primary School ranks higher (24.8 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 Mount Gambier North Primary School?
About 1.8 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 North Primary School has 7.9.
How do McDonald Park School and Mount Gambier North Primary School rank in SA?
McDonald Park School is 331st of 348 and Mount Gambier North Primary School is 324th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.