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Sacred Heart College vs St Mary's Memorial School

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureSacred Heart College
Somerton Park SA
St Mary's Memorial School
Glenelg SA
Success Index
64
Top 50%
75
Top 10%
State rank (type)#24 of 145#22 of 348
National rank (type)#384 of 1,259#513 of 4,908
SectorCatholicCatholic
TypeCombinedPrimary
Year range7-12R-6
Students2,033405
Girls / boys940 / 1,093221 / 184
Foundation intake–48
Year 7 cohort360–
Year 12 cohort325–
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth+9%+7%
ICSEA
Average 1000
10831113
ICSEA percentile80th87th
Top SEA quarter32%43%
Bottom SEA quarter9%4%
Students per teacher13.116.2
Teaching staff (FTE)155.325.0
Non-teaching staff (FTE)83.914.7
Language background other than English4%10%
Indigenous students2%0%
SuburbSomerton Park 5044Glenelg 5045
Council areaHoldfast BayHoldfast Bay
RemotenessMajor CitiesMajor Cities
Websitewww.shc.sa.edu.auwww.stmarmem.catholic.edu.au

The verdict

  • •St Mary's Memorial School scores higher on the Success Index (75.3 vs 64.4).
  • •St Mary's Memorial School has the higher ICSEA (1113 vs 1083), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •Sacred Heart College has fewer students per teacher (13.1 vs 16.2).
  • •Sacred Heart College is the larger school with 2,033 students compared with 405.

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 Sacred Heart College better than St Mary's Memorial School?

On the Success Index, St Mary's Memorial School ranks higher (75.3 vs 64.4 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 Sacred Heart College and St Mary's Memorial School?

About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Somerton Park and Glenelg in South Australia.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

Sacred Heart College has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's Memorial School has 16.2.

How do Sacred Heart College and St Mary's Memorial School rank in SA?

Sacred Heart College is 24th of 145 and St Mary's Memorial School is 22nd of 348 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.