Samaritan College vs St Barbara's Parish School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 281 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Samaritan College
Whyalla · Catholic combined · R-12
881 students · ICSEA 979
St Barbara's Parish School
Roxby Downs · Catholic combined · R-9
201 students · ICSEA 975
| Measure | Samaritan College Whyalla SA | St Barbara's Parish School Roxby Downs SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 33 Lower 50% | 36 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #113 of 145 | #104 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #999 of 1,259 | #949 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-9 |
| Students | 881 | 201 |
| Girls / boys | 466 / 415 | 102 / 99 |
| Foundation intake | 82 | 28 |
| Year 7 cohort | 104 | 21 |
| Year 12 cohort | 67 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +31% | +14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 979 | 975 |
| ICSEA percentile | 37th | 36th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 37% | 36% |
| Students per teacher | 13.9 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 63.2 | 15.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 41.4 | 14.9 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 5% |
| Suburb | Whyalla 5600 | Roxby Downs 5725 |
| Council area | Whyalla | Roxby Downs |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Remote |
| Website | www.samaritan.catholic.edu.au | stbarbs.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Barbara's Parish School scores higher on the Success Index (35.6 vs 33.3).
- •Samaritan College has the higher ICSEA (979 vs 975), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Barbara's Parish School has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 13.9).
- •Samaritan College is the larger school with 881 students compared with 201.
- •Samaritan College has grown faster over five years (31% vs 14%).
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 Samaritan College better than St Barbara's Parish School?
On the Success Index, St Barbara's Parish School ranks higher (35.6 vs 33.3 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 Samaritan College and St Barbara's Parish School?
About 281 km in a straight line, between Whyalla and Roxby Downs in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Samaritan College has 13.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Barbara's Parish School has 12.7.
How do Samaritan College and St Barbara's Parish School rank in SA?
Samaritan College is 113th of 145 and St Barbara's Parish School is 104th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.