Pembroke School vs St Joseph's Memorial School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 945 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Pembroke School
Kensington Park · Independent combined · R-12
1,672 students · ICSEA 1171
St Joseph's Memorial School
Norwood · Catholic primary · R-6
192 students · ICSEA 1108
| Measure | Pembroke School Kensington Park SA | St Joseph's Memorial School Norwood SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 81 Top 10% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #6 of 145 | #46 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #96 of 1,259 | #837 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | R-12 | R-6 |
| Students | 1,672 | 192 |
| Girls / boys | 798 / 874 | 86 / 106 |
| Foundation intake | 45 | 25 |
| Year 7 cohort | 164 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 243 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +1% | -15% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1171 | 1108 |
| ICSEA percentile | 98th | 86th |
| Top SEA quarter | 70% | 43% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 9.5 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 175.9 | 13.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 100.1 | 8.0 |
| Language background other than English | 29% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 2% |
| Suburb | Kensington Park 5068 | Norwood 5067 |
| Council area | Burnside | Norwood Payneham and St Peters |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.pembroke.sa.edu.au | www.sjms.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Pembroke School scores higher on the Success Index (80.7 vs 71.9).
- •Pembroke School has the higher ICSEA (1171 vs 1108), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pembroke School has fewer students per teacher (9.5 vs 14.4).
- •Pembroke School is the larger school with 1,672 students compared with 192.
- •Pembroke School has grown faster over five years (1% vs -15%).
- •Pembroke School is a independent school while St Joseph's Memorial School 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 Pembroke School better than St Joseph's Memorial School?
On the Success Index, Pembroke School ranks higher (80.7 vs 71.9 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 Pembroke School and St Joseph's Memorial School?
About 945 m in a straight line, between Kensington Park and Norwood in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Pembroke School has 9.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's Memorial School has 14.4.
How do Pembroke School and St Joseph's Memorial School rank in SA?
Pembroke School is 6th of 145 and St Joseph's Memorial School is 46th of 348 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.