Parafield Gardens High School vs Thomas More College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South Australia, 1.3 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
Thomas More College
Salisbury Downs · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,132 students · ICSEA 973
| Measure | Parafield Gardens High School Parafield Gardens SA | Thomas More College Salisbury Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #76 of 84 | #53 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #1397 of 1,472 | #965 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | U, 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,277 | 1,132 |
| Girls / boys | 589 / 688 | 558 / 574 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 185 | 219 |
| Year 12 cohort | 196 | 134 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +27% | +24% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 928 | 973 |
| ICSEA percentile | 17th | 35th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 61% | 44% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 11.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 92.8 | 95.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 43.6 | 44.8 |
| Language background other than English | 52% | 55% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 1% |
| Suburb | Parafield Gardens 5107 | Salisbury Downs 5108 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.pghs.sa.edu.au | www.tmc.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Thomas More College scores higher on the Success Index (39.6 vs 21.1).
- •Thomas More College has the higher ICSEA (973 vs 928), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Thomas More College has fewer students per teacher (11.8 vs 13.8).
- •Parafield Gardens High School is the larger school with 1,277 students compared with 1,132.
- •Parafield Gardens High School is a government school while Thomas More College 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Parafield Gardens High School better than Thomas More College?
On the Success Index, Thomas More College ranks higher (39.6 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 Thomas More College?
About 1.3 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 Thomas More College has 11.8.
How do Parafield Gardens High School and Thomas More College rank in SA?
Parafield Gardens High School is 76th of 84 and Thomas More College is 53rd of 84 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.