Palmerston District Primary School is a progressive, inquiry-led government school where concept-based learning sits at the core.
NAPLAN 18 points below national year-level averages; the result is a B- overall.
Palmerston District Primary School is a progressive, inquiry-led government school where concept-based learning sits at the core. The school has a strongly pastoral character and tight-knit community feel, supported by dedicated English as Additional Language, disability support, and the Defence School Mentor Program. Active lunchtime clubs extend learning beyond the classroom. It suits families wanting a learning-centred approach with genuine pastoral care and strong community connections.
Palmerston District Primary School draws students from the Palmerston District Primary School.
Palmerston District Primary School has an overall SchoolRank score of 51/100, rated "Average". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, extracurricular programs, and value for money. Academically, the school scores 48/100, indicating developing performance relative to other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1077, well above the national average of 1,000.
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Palmerston District Primary School, Year 3 students averaged 395 across the tested NAPLAN domains, below the national average of 407 for that year level, and Year 5 students averaged 465, 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.
Palmerston District Primary School is a medium-sized government primary school with approximately 640 students. It offers education for years K-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.
Palmerston District Primary 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 has a value score of 51/100 on SchoolRank, which compares educational outcomes relative to cost, government schools typically score well on this measure.
Palmerston District Primary School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 12.7:1. This is below the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning students generally receive more individual attention. Support staff make up 35% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 89%, which is moderate.
Palmerston District Primary School is located in Palmerston, ACT, classified as a major cities school. With an ICSEA of 1077 (78th percentile), the school community's socio-educational advantage is above average, families tend to have higher education and income levels. ICSEA measures the educational advantage of a school's community, not the school's quality, a lower ICSEA school with strong academic scores may indicate particularly effective teaching.