Salisbury Downs Primary School vs The Pines School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Salisbury Downs Primary School
Salisbury Downs · Government primary · R-6
271 students · ICSEA 926
The Pines School
Parafield Gardens · Government primary · U, R-6
671 students · ICSEA 967
| Measure | Salisbury Downs Primary School Salisbury Downs SA | The Pines School Parafield Gardens SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #320 of 348 | #277 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #4480 of 4,908 | #3914 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | R-6 | U, R-6 |
| Students | 271 | 671 |
| Girls / boys | 123 / 148 | 330 / 341 |
| Foundation intake | 54 | 92 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -18% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 926 | 967 |
| ICSEA percentile | 17th | 32th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 61% | 49% |
| Students per teacher | 13.2 | 15.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.6 | 43.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.8 | 22.4 |
| Language background other than English | 45% | 71% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 6% |
| Suburb | Salisbury Downs 5108 | Parafield Gardens 5107 |
| Council area | Salisbury | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.sdps.sa.edu.au | www.thepines.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •The Pines School scores higher on the Success Index (33.1 vs 25.2).
- •The Pines School has the higher ICSEA (967 vs 926), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Salisbury Downs Primary School has fewer students per teacher (13.2 vs 15.5).
- •The Pines School is the larger school with 671 students compared with 271.
- •The Pines School has grown faster over five years (-9% vs -18%).
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 Salisbury Downs Primary School better than The Pines School?
On the Success Index, The Pines School ranks higher (33.1 vs 25.2 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 Salisbury Downs Primary School and The Pines School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Salisbury Downs and Parafield Gardens in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Salisbury Downs Primary School has 13.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Pines School has 15.5.
How do Salisbury Downs Primary School and The Pines School rank in SA?
Salisbury Downs Primary School is 320th of 348 and The Pines School is 277th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.