Mount Barker South Primary School vs Mount Barker Waldorf School
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.
Mount Barker South Primary School
Mount Barker · Government primary · U, R-6
399 students · ICSEA 1011
Mount Barker Waldorf School
Mount Barker · Independent combined · R-12
321 students · ICSEA 1087
| Measure | Mount Barker South Primary School Mount Barker SA | Mount Barker Waldorf School Mount Barker SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #172 of 348 | #20 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #2597 of 4,908 | #330 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-12 |
| Students | 399 | 321 |
| Girls / boys | 195 / 204 | 157 / 164 |
| Foundation intake | 64 | 26 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 31 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 14 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +21% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1011 | 1087 |
| ICSEA percentile | 52th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 12% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 16.1 | 10.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.8 | 29.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.1 | 19.8 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 3% |
| Suburb | Mount Barker 5251 | Mount Barker 5251 |
| Council area | Mount Barker | Mount Barker |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mtbsouthps.sa.edu.au | www.mtbarkerwaldorf.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Mount Barker Waldorf School scores higher on the Success Index (66.7 vs 51.3).
- •Mount Barker Waldorf School has the higher ICSEA (1087 vs 1011), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mount Barker Waldorf School has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 16.1).
- •Mount Barker South Primary School is the larger school with 399 students compared with 321.
- •Mount Barker South Primary School has grown faster over five years (21% vs 4%).
- •Mount Barker South Primary School is a government school while Mount Barker Waldorf School 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 Mount Barker South Primary School better than Mount Barker Waldorf School?
On the Success Index, Mount Barker Waldorf School ranks higher (66.7 vs 51.3 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 Mount Barker South Primary School and Mount Barker Waldorf School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Mount Barker and Mount Barker in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mount Barker South Primary School has 16.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mount Barker Waldorf School has 10.8.
How do Mount Barker South Primary School and Mount Barker Waldorf School rank in SA?
Mount Barker South Primary School is 172nd of 348 and Mount Barker Waldorf School is 20th of 145 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.