Paralowie School vs Riverdale Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Paralowie School
Paralowie · Government combined · R-12
1,373 students · ICSEA 909
Riverdale Primary School
Salisbury Downs · Government primary · U, R-6
241 students · ICSEA 937
| Measure | Paralowie School Paralowie SA | Riverdale Primary School Salisbury Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 19 Lower 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #145 of 145 | #274 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #1255 of 1,259 | #3895 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | R-12 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 1,373 | 241 |
| Girls / boys | 642 / 731 | 113 / 128 |
| Foundation intake | 78 | 42 |
| Year 7 cohort | 139 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 102 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | -13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 909 | 937 |
| ICSEA percentile | 13th | 20th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 68% | 58% |
| Students per teacher | 13.9 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 99.1 | 21.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 54.8 | 22.4 |
| Language background other than English | 41% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 8% |
| Suburb | Paralowie 5108 | Salisbury Downs 5108 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.paralowie.sa.edu.au | riverdaleps.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Riverdale Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (33.3 vs 18.6).
- •Riverdale Primary School has the higher ICSEA (937 vs 909), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Riverdale Primary School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 13.9).
- •Paralowie School is the larger school with 1,373 students compared with 241.
- •Paralowie School has grown faster over five years (-6% vs -13%).
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 Paralowie School better than Riverdale Primary School?
On the Success Index, Riverdale Primary School ranks higher (33.3 vs 18.6 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 Paralowie School and Riverdale Primary School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Paralowie and Salisbury Downs in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Paralowie School has 13.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Riverdale Primary School has 11.4.
How do Paralowie School and Riverdale Primary School rank in SA?
Paralowie School is 145th of 145 and Riverdale Primary School is 274th of 348 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.