McLaren Vale Primary School vs Tatachilla Lutheran College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
McLaren Vale Primary School
Mclaren Vale · Government primary · R-6
521 students · ICSEA 1018
Tatachilla Lutheran College
Mclaren Vale · Independent combined · R-12
1,103 students · ICSEA 1068
| Measure | McLaren Vale Primary School Mclaren Vale SA | Tatachilla Lutheran College Mclaren Vale SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Lower 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #189 of 348 | #41 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #2826 of 4,908 | #540 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | R-6 | R-12 |
| Students | 521 | 1,103 |
| Girls / boys | 257 / 264 | 566 / 537 |
| Foundation intake | 92 | 51 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 123 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 102 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1018 | 1068 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 75th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 25% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 18.2 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 28.6 | 88.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 23.4 | 42.6 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 2% |
| Suburb | Mclaren Vale 5171 | Mclaren Vale 5171 |
| Council area | Onkaparinga | Onkaparinga |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mclarenvps.sa.edu.au | www.tatachilla.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Tatachilla Lutheran College scores higher on the Success Index (55.6 vs 48.2).
- •Tatachilla Lutheran College has the higher ICSEA (1068 vs 1018), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Tatachilla Lutheran College has fewer students per teacher (12.5 vs 18.2).
- •Tatachilla Lutheran College is the larger school with 1,103 students compared with 521.
- •Tatachilla Lutheran College has grown faster over five years (1% vs -6%).
- •McLaren Vale Primary School is a government school while Tatachilla 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 Windsor Gardens
Frequently asked questions
Is McLaren Vale Primary School better than Tatachilla Lutheran College?
On the Success Index, Tatachilla Lutheran College ranks higher (55.6 vs 48.2 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 McLaren Vale Primary School and Tatachilla Lutheran College?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Mclaren Vale and Mclaren Vale in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
McLaren Vale Primary School has 18.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tatachilla Lutheran College has 12.5.
How do McLaren Vale Primary School and Tatachilla Lutheran College rank in SA?
McLaren Vale Primary School is 189th of 348 and Tatachilla Lutheran College is 41st of 145 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.