Saint Ignatius' College vs Thorndon Park Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 996 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Saint Ignatius' College
Athelstone · Catholic combined · R-12
1,421 students · ICSEA 1151
Thorndon Park Primary School
Athelstone · Government primary · R-6
266 students · ICSEA 1069
| Measure | Saint Ignatius' College Athelstone SA | Thorndon Park Primary School Athelstone SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 78 Top 10% | 60 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #11 of 145 | #133 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #142 of 1,259 | #1933 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | R-12 | R-6 |
| Students | 1,421 | 266 |
| Girls / boys | 656 / 765 | 114 / 152 |
| Foundation intake | 71 | 49 |
| Year 7 cohort | 182 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 148 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | -22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1151 | 1069 |
| ICSEA percentile | 95th | 75th |
| Top SEA quarter | 59% | 29% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 15% |
| Students per teacher | 11.2 | 18.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 126.9 | 14.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 70.9 | 9.3 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Athelstone 5076 | Athelstone 5076 |
| Council area | Campbelltown (SA) | Campbelltown (SA) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.ignatius.sa.edu.au | www.thornpkps.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Saint Ignatius' College scores higher on the Success Index (77.6 vs 60.0).
- •Saint Ignatius' College has the higher ICSEA (1151 vs 1069), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Saint Ignatius' College has fewer students per teacher (11.2 vs 18.7).
- •Saint Ignatius' College is the larger school with 1,421 students compared with 266.
- •Saint Ignatius' College has grown faster over five years (4% vs -22%).
- •Saint Ignatius' College is a catholic school while Thorndon Park Primary School is a government 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 Saint Ignatius' College better than Thorndon Park Primary School?
On the Success Index, Saint Ignatius' College ranks higher (77.6 vs 60.0 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 Saint Ignatius' College and Thorndon Park Primary School?
About 996 m in a straight line, between Athelstone and Athelstone in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Saint Ignatius' College has 11.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Thorndon Park Primary School has 18.7.
How do Saint Ignatius' College and Thorndon Park Primary School rank in SA?
Saint Ignatius' College is 11th of 145 and Thorndon Park Primary School is 133rd of 348 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.