Good Shepherd Ranked 19th in SA’s Top 100 Private Primary Schools
We are proud to share that Good Shepherd Lutheran School has been ranked 19th in The Advertiser’s Top 100 Private Primary Schools in South Australia.
This ranking was assessed on academic performance, student attendance level, student–teacher ratios, and family demographic data. While this recognition is significant, we know it is not achieved by numbers alone. It is the result of the people who make up our community.
We extend our deepest and most sincere thanks to our staff, students, and families. Your commitment to living and breathing our school values each and every day is what truly sets Good Shepherd apart. This achievement belongs to all of you.
A Meaningful Achievement
This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as we are ranked among elite schools charging as much as $20,000 for their Foundation/Reception year level.
At Good Shepherd, we are proud to offer a high-quality, values-driven education that is both accessible and community-focused. Our place in the top 20 highlights the strength of our shared commitment to excellence.
Investing in Learning and Support
A defining feature of Good Shepherd is our investment in people and support structures that make a real difference in the classroom.
- We provide more than 340 hours per week of direct classroom support through our Lutheran Support Officers, who work alongside teachers to strengthen the academic program and support every learner.
- In addition, 35 hours per week is dedicated to the important roles of school counsellors and chaplains, ensuring that student wellbeing and pastoral care remain central to our school.
Our commitment extends beyond academics to nurturing the whole child. Recent initiatives reflect this approach:
- Student Leader programs, empowering our students to grow in confidence, responsibility, and voice.
- Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) initiatives, fostering understanding, respect, and connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
- Child Safe projects, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students.
- Playground redevelopments, creating engaging spaces for play, connection, and wellbeing.
- Ongoing student wellbeing supports, prioritising emotional, social, and spiritual care.
Strong Academic Outcomes
Our academic data continues to reflect strong and consistent outcomes. In the 2025 NAPLAN results, students achieved at the Strong (Str) proficiency level across all assessed areas.
These results highlight the strength of our teaching, the effectiveness of targeted support, and the effort and engagement of our students.
Our Community in Their Words
Parent Reflections
Our families consistently speak of the care, empathy, and professionalism they experience at Good Shepherd…
“I just wanted to say that the school’s professionalism and genuine love and care is simply outstanding. You manage stressful situations so very well, and I feel truly blessed to have the school be so empathetic and nurturing of (student name) in such a heightened moment. It is above and beyond. Thank you to all.”
“As a family, we really value the open classroom teachers offer just before school begins so thank you for keeping this part of the school calendar! We really appreciate being able to see the classroom, go in, have a chat with the teacher before day 1. Particularly for those kids changing stages, I think it’s super valuable so thank you!”
From Students
When asked what they love about Good Shepherd, the answers were simple and powerful…
“Making friends.”
“Learning new things”
“Everything!”
“The camps are so much fun.”
“Hanging out with my friends”
“PE with Mr Rowe”
“Showcase!”
“The Book Week parade”
Their joy captures the spirit of our school.
From Staff
Our staff describe a workplace grounded in support, purpose, and belonging…
“I really enjoy working at GSPV. I value the supportive team that I work with. I feel so blessed that I can serve in this community where I can use my gifts and share my faith with students and families as well as continue to learn and grow.”
“I joined the GSPV community 3 years ago and I am so grateful to have found a workplace that values me not just for the work that I do, but for who I am as a person. I am always welcomed and encouraged to take opportunities for professional development, and I’m well-resourced to perform my role to the high expectation expected of me… Interacting with the students and their families makes getting up for work every day so easy. They bring me such joy and happiness, and I truly love what I do… While I am not practicing of faith, I feel my personal values align very strongly with those of the school (always do good for others, love others, show care, grace, forgiveness and kindness), and I welcome and fully participate in moments of faith including daily devotion and weekly worship. I particularly love the inclusion of Aboriginal culture and understanding in daily life of the school, something I hold close to my heart… What I love most about the staff of this school, OSHC and Curiosity ELC, both those that I work with closely and daily and those I do not, is the way we all come together and work in the best interests of the children and their families… I am so proud to work at Good Shepherd and hope to be part of this community for many years to come.”
This shared sense of mission is what drives excellence across our school.
*While the comments shared above from students, staff, and families are real and genuine, names have been redacted to ensure privacy.
Looking Ahead
We’re proud to celebrate being ranked 19th in The Advertiser’s Top 100 Private Primary Schools, but our focus remains firmly on what matters most – continuing to provide a nurturing, high-quality education where every child feels known, valued, and supported to thrive.
This achievement belongs to our entire community, and together we look forward to building on this success in the years ahead.
