Parafield Gardens Primary School vs Salisbury Downs Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Parafield Gardens Primary School
Parafield Gardens · Government primary · U, R-6
575 students · ICSEA 968
Salisbury Downs Primary School
Salisbury Downs · Government primary · R-6
271 students · ICSEA 926
| Measure | Parafield Gardens Primary School Parafield Gardens SA | Salisbury Downs Primary School Salisbury Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 34 Lower 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #269 of 348 | #320 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #3862 of 4,908 | #4480 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-6 |
| Students | 575 | 271 |
| Girls / boys | 293 / 282 | 123 / 148 |
| Foundation intake | 99 | 54 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -17% | -18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 968 | 926 |
| ICSEA percentile | 32th | 17th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 46% | 61% |
| Students per teacher | 16.2 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 35.6 | 20.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.0 | 14.8 |
| Language background other than English | 64% | 45% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 11% |
| Suburb | Parafield Gardens 5107 | Salisbury Downs 5108 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.pgardens.sa.edu.au | www.sdps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Parafield Gardens Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (33.6 vs 25.2).
- •Parafield Gardens Primary School has the higher ICSEA (968 vs 926), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Salisbury Downs Primary School has fewer students per teacher (13.2 vs 16.2).
- •Parafield Gardens Primary School is the larger school with 575 students compared with 271.
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 Primary School better than Salisbury Downs Primary School?
On the Success Index, Parafield Gardens Primary School ranks higher (33.6 vs 25.2 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 Primary 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 Primary School has 16.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Salisbury Downs Primary School has 13.2.
How do Parafield Gardens Primary School and Salisbury Downs Primary School rank in SA?
Parafield Gardens Primary School is 269th of 348 and Salisbury Downs Primary School is 320th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.