McDonald Park School is a government primary in Mount Gambier with a strong focus on pastoral care and community.
NAPLAN 26 points below national year-level averages and solid student growth; the result is a B overall.
McDonald Park School is a government primary in Mount Gambier with a strong focus on pastoral care and community. The school runs structured peer support and student leadership programs, backed by social learning initiatives designed to build student wellbeing. A tight-knit community culture means families know each other well. Learning spaces are flexible and varied, supported by a gymnasium, resource centre, and multiple playgrounds that give children room to grow both socially and physically. This school suits families who value belonging and want their child in an environment where pastoral support is woven into daily life.
McDonald Park School is also known as MPS Mount Gambier.
McDonald Park School draws students from the McDonald Park School.
McDonald Park School has an overall SchoolRank score of 50.1/100, rated "Average". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades B− (Slightly below average) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 948 (24th percentile; the national average is 1,000). Notably, student growth grades B+ (Good).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at McDonald Park School, Year 3 students averaged 377 across the tested NAPLAN domains, below the national average of 407 for that year level, and Year 5 students averaged 468, below the national average of 490 for that year level. National averages are specific to each year level, because NAPLAN scores are scaled so older year levels score higher. A school-wide average can't be compared with a single national figure.
McDonald Park School is a small government primary school with approximately 379 students. It offers education for years U, R-6. As a government school, enrolment is generally available to students living within the school's designated catchment zone. Families outside the zone may apply for out-of-area placement subject to availability.
McDonald Park School is a government school, so there are no tuition fees. Families may be asked to contribute to voluntary school fees covering materials, excursions, and activities. The school grades B− (Slightly below average) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
McDonald Park School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 15.8:1. This is around the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning class sizes are typical for Australian schools. Support staff make up 37% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 91%, which is good.
McDonald Park School is located in Mount Gambier, SA, in outer regional Australia. Its ICSEA is 948 (24th percentile; the national average is 1,000). ICSEA measures the advantage of a school's community, from its parents' education and occupation, not the school's quality. A school with a lower ICSEA and strong academic results may be teaching particularly effectively.