McDonald Park School vs St Martins Lutheran College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 653 m 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
St Martins Lutheran College
Mount Gambier · Independent combined · R-12
810 students · ICSEA 1028
| Measure | McDonald Park School Mount Gambier SA | St Martins Lutheran College Mount Gambier SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 50 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #331 of 348 | #54 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #4606 of 4,908 | #667 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-12 |
| Students | 379 | 810 |
| Girls / boys | 200 / 179 | 412 / 398 |
| Foundation intake | 63 | 39 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 103 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 58 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -31% | +9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 948 | 1028 |
| ICSEA percentile | 24th | 59th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 24% |
| Students per teacher | 15.8 | 12.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.0 | 67.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.0 | 43.9 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 3% |
| 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.stmartins.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Martins Lutheran College scores higher on the Success Index (49.7 vs 23.3).
- •St Martins Lutheran College has the higher ICSEA (1028 vs 948), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Martins Lutheran College has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 15.8).
- •St Martins Lutheran College is the larger school with 810 students compared with 379.
- •St Martins Lutheran College has grown faster over five years (9% vs -31%).
- •McDonald Park School is a government school while St Martins Lutheran College is an independent 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.
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 St Martins Lutheran College?
On the Success Index, St Martins Lutheran College ranks higher (49.7 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 St Martins Lutheran College?
About 653 m 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 St Martins Lutheran College has 12.1.
How do McDonald Park School and St Martins Lutheran College rank in SA?
McDonald Park School is 331st of 348 and St Martins Lutheran College is 54th of 145 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.