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St Monica's Parish School vs Wilderness School

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureSt Monica's Parish School
Walkerville SA
Wilderness School
Medindie SA
Success Index
73
Top 25%
83
Top 5%
State rank (type)#39 of 348#4 of 145
National rank (type)#709 of 4,908#63 of 1,259
SectorCatholicIndependent
TypePrimaryCombined
Year rangeR-6R-12
Students192856
Girls / boys96 / 96856 / 0
Foundation intake3441
Year 7 cohort–89
Year 12 cohort–95
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth-3%+5%
ICSEA
Average 1000
11021176
ICSEA percentile85th98th
Top SEA quarter41%70%
Bottom SEA quarter7%1%
Students per teacher14.311.1
Teaching staff (FTE)13.477.4
Non-teaching staff (FTE)5.137.7
Language background other than English32%44%
Indigenous students2%0%
SuburbWalkerville 5081Medindie 5081
Council areaWalkervilleWalkerville
RemotenessMajor CitiesMajor Cities
Websitewww.stmonica.catholic.edu.au/www.wilderness.com.au

The verdict

  • •Wilderness School scores higher on the Success Index (83.0 vs 73.3).
  • •Wilderness School has the higher ICSEA (1176 vs 1102), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •Wilderness School has fewer students per teacher (11.1 vs 14.3).
  • •Wilderness School is the larger school with 856 students compared with 192.
  • •Wilderness School has grown faster over five years (5% vs -3%).
  • •St Monica's Parish School is a catholic school while Wilderness School is an independent 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 St Monica's Parish School better than Wilderness School?

On the Success Index, Wilderness School ranks higher (83.0 vs 73.3 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 Monica's Parish School and Wilderness School?

About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Walkerville and Medindie in South Australia.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

St Monica's Parish School has 14.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Wilderness School has 11.1.

How do St Monica's Parish School and Wilderness School rank in SA?

St Monica's Parish School is 39th of 348 and Wilderness School is 4th of 145 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.