Memorial Oval Primary School vs Samaritan College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Memorial Oval Primary School
Whyalla · Government primary · R-6
206 students · ICSEA 919
Samaritan College
Whyalla · Catholic combined · R-12
881 students · ICSEA 979
| Measure | Memorial Oval Primary School Whyalla SA | Samaritan College Whyalla SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #332 of 348 | #113 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #4633 of 4,908 | #999 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | R-6 | R-12 |
| Students | 206 | 881 |
| Girls / boys | 98 / 108 | 466 / 415 |
| Foundation intake | 24 | 82 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 104 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 67 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -39% | +31% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 919 | 979 |
| ICSEA percentile | 15th | 37th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 63% | 37% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 13.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 14.9 | 63.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.5 | 41.4 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 9% |
| Suburb | Whyalla 5600 | Whyalla 5600 |
| Council area | Whyalla | Whyalla |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.mops.sa.edu.au | www.samaritan.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Samaritan College scores higher on the Success Index (33.3 vs 22.8).
- •Samaritan College has the higher ICSEA (979 vs 919), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Samaritan College is the larger school with 881 students compared with 206.
- •Samaritan College has grown faster over five years (31% vs -39%).
- •Memorial Oval Primary School is a government school while Samaritan College is a catholic 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Memorial Oval Primary School better than Samaritan College?
On the Success Index, Samaritan College ranks higher (33.3 vs 22.8 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 Memorial Oval Primary School and Samaritan College?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Whyalla and Whyalla in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Memorial Oval Primary School has 13.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Samaritan College has 13.9.
How do Memorial Oval Primary School and Samaritan College rank in SA?
Memorial Oval Primary School is 332nd of 348 and Samaritan College is 113th of 145 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.