Parafield Gardens High School vs Salisbury Downs Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Parafield Gardens High School
Parafield Gardens · Government high school · U, 7-12
1,277 students · ICSEA 928
Salisbury Downs Primary School
Salisbury Downs · Government primary · R-6
271 students · ICSEA 926
| Measure | Parafield Gardens High School Parafield Gardens SA | Salisbury Downs Primary School Salisbury Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #76 of 84 | #320 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #1397 of 1,472 | #4480 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | U, 7-12 | R-6 |
| Students | 1,277 | 271 |
| Girls / boys | 589 / 688 | 123 / 148 |
| Foundation intake | – | 54 |
| Year 7 cohort | 185 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 196 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +27% | -18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 928 | 926 |
| ICSEA percentile | 17th | 17th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 61% | 61% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 92.8 | 20.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 43.6 | 14.8 |
| Language background other than English | 52% | 45% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 11% |
| Suburb | Parafield Gardens 5107 | Salisbury Downs 5108 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.pghs.sa.edu.au | www.sdps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Salisbury Downs Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (25.2 vs 21.1).
- •Parafield Gardens High School has the higher ICSEA (928 vs 926), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Salisbury Downs Primary School has fewer students per teacher (13.2 vs 13.8).
- •Parafield Gardens High School is the larger school with 1,277 students compared with 271.
- •Parafield Gardens High School has grown faster over five years (27% vs -18%).
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 Parafield Gardens High School better than Salisbury Downs Primary School?
On the Success Index, Salisbury Downs Primary School ranks higher (25.2 vs 21.1 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 Parafield Gardens High School and Salisbury Downs Primary School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Parafield Gardens and Salisbury Downs in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Parafield Gardens High School has 13.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Salisbury Downs Primary School has 13.2.
How do Parafield Gardens High School and Salisbury Downs Primary School rank in SA?
Parafield Gardens High School is 76th of 84 and Salisbury Downs Primary School is 320th of 348 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.