Roxby Downs Area School vs St Barbara's Parish School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 390 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Roxby Downs Area School
Roxby Downs · Government combined · U, R-12
491 students · ICSEA 922
St Barbara's Parish School
Roxby Downs · Catholic combined · R-9
201 students · ICSEA 975
| Measure | Roxby Downs Area School Roxby Downs SA | St Barbara's Parish School Roxby Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 36 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #142 of 145 | #104 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #1230 of 1,259 | #949 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | U, R-12 | R-9 |
| Students | 491 | 201 |
| Girls / boys | 224 / 267 | 102 / 99 |
| Foundation intake | 55 | 28 |
| Year 7 cohort | 40 | 21 |
| Year 12 cohort | 28 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -18% | +14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 922 | 975 |
| ICSEA percentile | 16th | 36th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 51% | 36% |
| Students per teacher | 12.8 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 37.9 | 15.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.2 | 14.9 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 17% | 5% |
| Suburb | Roxby Downs 5725 | Roxby Downs 5725 |
| Council area | Roxby Downs | Roxby Downs |
| Remoteness | Remote | Remote |
| Website | www.rdas.sa.edu.au | stbarbs.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Barbara's Parish School scores higher on the Success Index (35.6 vs 21.4).
- •St Barbara's Parish School has the higher ICSEA (975 vs 922), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Roxby Downs Area School is the larger school with 491 students compared with 201.
- •St Barbara's Parish School has grown faster over five years (14% vs -18%).
- •Roxby Downs Area School is a government school while St Barbara's Parish 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 Roxby Downs Area School better than St Barbara's Parish School?
On the Success Index, St Barbara's Parish School ranks higher (35.6 vs 21.4 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 Roxby Downs Area School and St Barbara's Parish School?
About 390 m in a straight line, between Roxby Downs and Roxby Downs in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Roxby Downs Area School has 12.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Barbara's Parish School has 12.7.
How do Roxby Downs Area School and St Barbara's Parish School rank in SA?
Roxby Downs Area School is 142nd of 145 and St Barbara's Parish School is 104th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.