Skip to content
S

St Francis Xavier's Regional Catholic School vs Surrey Downs Primary School

A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South Australia, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureSt Francis Xavier's Regional Catholic School
Wynn Vale SA
Surrey Downs Primary School
Surrey Downs SA
Success Index
61
Top 50%
40
Lower 50%
State rank (type)#125 of 348#234 of 348
National rank (type)#1835 of 4,908#3410 of 4,908
SectorCatholicGovernment
TypePrimaryPrimary
Year rangeR-6U, R-6
Students561148
Girls / boys305 / 25668 / 80
Foundation intake11025
Year 7 cohort––
Year 12 cohort––
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth+23%-47%
ICSEA
Average 1000
1051986
ICSEA percentile69th40th
Top SEA quarter21%10%
Bottom SEA quarter16%44%
Students per teacher16.713.5
Teaching staff (FTE)33.611.0
Non-teaching staff (FTE)20.68.7
Language background other than English5%13%
Indigenous students3%7%
SuburbWynn Vale 5127Surrey Downs 5126
Council areaTea Tree GullyTea Tree Gully
RemotenessMajor CitiesMajor Cities
Websitewww.sfx.catholic.edu.ausurreydowns.sa.edu.au

The verdict

  • •St Francis Xavier's Regional Catholic School scores higher on the Success Index (61.1 vs 40.3).
  • •St Francis Xavier's Regional Catholic School has the higher ICSEA (1051 vs 986), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •Surrey Downs Primary School has fewer students per teacher (13.5 vs 16.7).
  • •St Francis Xavier's Regional Catholic School is the larger school with 561 students compared with 148.
  • •St Francis Xavier's Regional Catholic School has grown faster over five years (23% vs -47%).
  • •St Francis Xavier's Regional Catholic School is a catholic school while Surrey Downs 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.

Free academic assessment

Torn between two schools? Start with your child.

Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.

  • Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
  • English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
  • Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
  • Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Windsor Gardens

No cost, no obligation. By submitting you agree to be contacted by Success Tutoring about your enquiry. See our privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

Is St Francis Xavier's Regional Catholic School better than Surrey Downs Primary School?

On the Success Index, St Francis Xavier's Regional Catholic School ranks higher (61.1 vs 40.3 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 St Francis Xavier's Regional Catholic School and Surrey Downs Primary School?

About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Wynn Vale and Surrey Downs in South Australia.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

St Francis Xavier's Regional Catholic School has 16.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Surrey Downs Primary School has 13.5.

How do St Francis Xavier's Regional Catholic School and Surrey Downs Primary School rank in SA?

St Francis Xavier's Regional Catholic School is 125th of 348 and Surrey Downs Primary School is 234th of 348 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.