Mount Carmel College vs Pennington School R-6
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 929 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mount Carmel College
Rosewater · Catholic combined · R-12
1,204 students · ICSEA 1008
Pennington School R-6
Pennington · Government primary · U, R-6
262 students · ICSEA 934
| Measure | Mount Carmel College Rosewater SA | Pennington School R-6 Pennington SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 46 Lower 50% | 31 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #62 of 145 | #287 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #750 of 1,259 | #4046 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | R-12 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 1,204 | 262 |
| Girls / boys | 557 / 647 | 124 / 138 |
| Foundation intake | 61 | 49 |
| Year 7 cohort | 167 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 106 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +105% | -15% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1008 | 934 |
| ICSEA percentile | 51th | 19th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 31% | 49% |
| Students per teacher | 14.4 | 10.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 83.5 | 24.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.7 | 17.2 |
| Language background other than English | 34% | 69% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 23% |
| Suburb | Rosewater 5013 | Pennington 5013 |
| Council area | Port Adelaide Enfield | Charles Sturt |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mcc.catholic.edu.au/ | penningtonr6.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Mount Carmel College scores higher on the Success Index (45.6 vs 31.1).
- •Mount Carmel College has the higher ICSEA (1008 vs 934), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pennington School R-6 has fewer students per teacher (10.6 vs 14.4).
- •Mount Carmel College is the larger school with 1,204 students compared with 262.
- •Mount Carmel College has grown faster over five years (105% vs -15%).
- •Mount Carmel College is a catholic school while Pennington School R-6 is a government 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 Mount Carmel College better than Pennington School R-6?
On the Success Index, Mount Carmel College ranks higher (45.6 vs 31.1 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 Carmel College and Pennington School R-6?
About 929 m in a straight line, between Rosewater and Pennington in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mount Carmel College has 14.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pennington School R-6 has 10.6.
How do Mount Carmel College and Pennington School R-6 rank in SA?
Mount Carmel College is 62nd of 145 and Pennington School R-6 is 287th of 348 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.