Open Access College vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Open Access College
Marden · Government combined · U, R-12
4,028 students · ICSEA 1017
St Joseph's School
Payneham South · Catholic primary · R-6
494 students · ICSEA 1092
| Measure | Open Access College Marden SA | St Joseph's School Payneham South SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #66 of 145 | #35 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #769 of 1,259 | #632 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-12 | R-6 |
| Students | 4,028 | 494 |
| Girls / boys | 2,140 / 1,888 | 229 / 265 |
| Foundation intake | 213 | 81 |
| Year 7 cohort | 69 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 573 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -10% | +30% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1017 | 1092 |
| ICSEA percentile | 54th | 82th |
| Top SEA quarter | 15% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 32% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 10.8 | 16.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 125.6 | 30.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 43.2 | 16.7 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 22% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 1% |
| Suburb | Marden 5070 | Payneham South 5070 |
| Council area | Norwood Payneham and St Peters | Norwood Payneham and St Peters |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.openaccess.edu.au | www.stjopayn.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (74.0 vs 44.7).
- •St Joseph's School has the higher ICSEA (1092 vs 1017), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Open Access College has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 16.0).
- •Open Access College is the larger school with 4,028 students compared with 494.
- •St Joseph's School has grown faster over five years (30% vs -10%).
- •Open Access College is a government school while St Joseph's School 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.
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 Open Access College better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (74.0 vs 44.7 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 Open Access College and St Joseph's School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Marden and Payneham South in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Open Access College has 10.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 16.0.
How do Open Access College and St Joseph's School rank in SA?
Open Access College is 66th of 145 and St Joseph's School is 35th of 348 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.