Noarlunga Downs Primary School vs Riverdale Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 44 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Noarlunga Downs Primary School
Noarlunga Downs · Government primary · U, R-6
124 students · ICSEA 937
Riverdale Primary School
Salisbury Downs · Government primary · U, R-6
241 students · ICSEA 937
| Measure | Noarlunga Downs Primary School Noarlunga Downs SA | Riverdale Primary School Salisbury Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #264 of 348 | #274 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #3792 of 4,908 | #3895 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 124 | 241 |
| Girls / boys | 60 / 64 | 113 / 128 |
| Foundation intake | 23 | 42 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | -13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 937 | 937 |
| ICSEA percentile | 20th | 20th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 51% | 58% |
| Students per teacher | 10.9 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.4 | 21.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.4 | 22.4 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 21% | 8% |
| Suburb | Noarlunga Downs 5168 | Salisbury Downs 5108 |
| Council area | Onkaparinga | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.ndownsps.sa.edu.au | riverdaleps.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Noarlunga Downs Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (34.8 vs 33.3).
- •Riverdale Primary School is the larger school with 241 students compared with 124.
- •Noarlunga Downs Primary School has grown faster over five years (3% vs -13%).
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 Noarlunga Downs Primary School better than Riverdale Primary School?
On the Success Index, Noarlunga Downs Primary School ranks higher (34.8 vs 33.3 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 Noarlunga Downs Primary School and Riverdale Primary School?
About 44 km in a straight line, between Noarlunga Downs and Salisbury Downs in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Noarlunga Downs Primary School has 10.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Riverdale Primary School has 11.4.
How do Noarlunga Downs Primary School and Riverdale Primary School rank in SA?
Noarlunga Downs Primary School is 264th of 348 and Riverdale Primary School is 274th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.