Donald Primary School vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 710 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Donald Primary School
Donald · Government primary · Prep-6
81 students · ICSEA 964
St Mary's School
Donald · Catholic primary · Prep-6
28 students · ICSEA 1001
| Measure | Donald Primary School Donald VIC | St Mary's School Donald VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 49 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1160 of 1,290 | – |
| National rank (type) | #3752 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 81 | 28 |
| Girls / boys | 43 / 38 | 10 / 18 |
| Foundation intake | 7 | 6 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | -22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 964 | 1001 |
| ICSEA percentile | 31th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 37% |
| Students per teacher | 10.0 | 6.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 8.1 | 4.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.0 | 1.9 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 17% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 25% |
| Suburb | Donald 3480 | Donald 3480 |
| Council area | Buloke | Buloke |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.donaldps.vic.edu.au | www.smdonald.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's School scores higher on the Success Index (49.3 vs 35.2).
- •St Mary's School has the higher ICSEA (1001 vs 964), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary's School has fewer students per teacher (6.7 vs 10.0).
- •Donald Primary School is the larger school with 81 students compared with 28.
- •Donald Primary School has grown faster over five years (-8% vs -22%).
- •Donald Primary School is a government school while St Mary's School is a catholic 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 Donald Primary School better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's School ranks higher (49.3 vs 35.2 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 Donald Primary School and St Mary's School?
About 710 m in a straight line, between Donald and Donald in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Donald Primary School has 10.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 6.7.
How do Donald Primary School and St Mary's School rank in VIC?
Donald Primary School is 1160th of 1,290 and St Mary's School is unranked among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.