Open Access College vs Vale Park Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.1 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
Vale Park Primary School
Vale Park · Government primary · R-6
393 students · ICSEA 1097
| Measure | Open Access College Marden SA | Vale Park Primary School Vale Park SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #66 of 145 | #62 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #769 of 1,259 | #1053 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-12 | R-6 |
| Students | 4,028 | 393 |
| Girls / boys | 2,140 / 1,888 | 185 / 208 |
| Foundation intake | 213 | 91 |
| Year 7 cohort | 69 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 573 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -10% | -20% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1017 | 1097 |
| ICSEA percentile | 54th | 83th |
| Top SEA quarter | 15% | 37% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 32% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 10.8 | 16.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 125.6 | 24.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 43.2 | 12.2 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 57% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 0% |
| Suburb | Marden 5070 | Vale Park 5081 |
| Council area | Norwood Payneham and St Peters | Walkerville |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.openaccess.edu.au | www.valeparkps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Vale Park Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (69.6 vs 44.7).
- •Vale Park Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1097 vs 1017), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Open Access College has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 16.1).
- •Open Access College is the larger school with 4,028 students compared with 393.
- •Open Access College has grown faster over five years (-10% vs -20%).
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 Open Access College better than Vale Park Primary School?
On the Success Index, Vale Park Primary School ranks higher (69.6 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 Vale Park Primary School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Marden and Vale Park in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Open Access College has 10.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Vale Park Primary School has 16.1.
How do Open Access College and Vale Park Primary School rank in SA?
Open Access College is 66th of 145 and Vale Park Primary School is 62nd of 348 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.