Stella Maris Parish School vs Sunrise Christian School Marion
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Stella Maris Parish School
Seacombe Gardens · Catholic primary · R-6
429 students · ICSEA 1086
Sunrise Christian School Marion
Marion · Independent combined · R-9
320 students · ICSEA 1090
| Measure | Stella Maris Parish School Seacombe Gardens SA | Sunrise Christian School Marion Marion SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #52 of 348 | #32 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #888 of 4,908 | #480 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | R-6 | R-9 |
| Students | 429 | 320 |
| Girls / boys | 209 / 220 | 162 / 158 |
| Foundation intake | 52 | 23 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 34 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +34% | +32% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1086 | 1090 |
| ICSEA percentile | 80th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 35% | 35% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 9% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 15.7 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 27.3 | 22.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.2 | 15.1 |
| Language background other than English | 21% | 41% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Seacombe Gardens 5047 | Marion 5043 |
| Council area | Marion | Marion |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.smps.catholic.edu.au | sunrise.sa.edu.au/marion/ |
The verdict
- •Stella Maris Parish School scores higher on the Success Index (71.4 vs 58.9).
- •Sunrise Christian School Marion has the higher ICSEA (1090 vs 1086), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sunrise Christian School Marion has fewer students per teacher (14.4 vs 15.7).
- •Stella Maris Parish School is the larger school with 429 students compared with 320.
- •Stella Maris Parish School is a catholic school while Sunrise Christian School Marion 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 Stella Maris Parish School better than Sunrise Christian School Marion?
On the Success Index, Stella Maris Parish School ranks higher (71.4 vs 58.9 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 Stella Maris Parish School and Sunrise Christian School Marion?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Seacombe Gardens and Marion in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Stella Maris Parish School has 15.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sunrise Christian School Marion has 14.4.
How do Stella Maris Parish School and Sunrise Christian School Marion rank in SA?
Stella Maris Parish School is 52nd of 348 and Sunrise Christian School Marion is 32nd of 145 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.