By Eddie Franklin Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is home to a diverse range of private schools offering different educational philosophies, academic programmes, and extracurricular opportunities. From prestigious independent institutions to Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran schools, families have numerous options when choosing an educational environment for their children.
Private schools in Adelaide cater to different age groups, with some offering education from early learning through Year 12, while others specialise in primary or secondary education. Depending on the institution, students may also have access to boarding facilities, leadership programmes, specialised learning opportunities, and pathways to further education.
However, choosing a private school involves more than considering its reputation. Parents should also examine admission requirements, tuition fees, school location, class environment, curriculum, student support services, and the school’s educational philosophy.
This guide explores 20 private schools in Adelaide and its metropolitan area, highlighting their general characteristics and admission requirements. It is designed to help parents, guardians, and prospective students identify schools worth considering.
Important: Admission policies, year-level availability, tuition fees, application deadlines, and international student eligibility can change. The requirements outlined below are general guidance rather than guarantees of admission. Applicants should confirm current requirements directly with their chosen schools.
Top 20 Private Schools in Adelaide
1. Pembroke School
Location: Kensington Park
School type: Independent, co-educational
Year levels: Early learning to Year 12
Pembroke School is an established independent school offering co-educational learning from the early years through senior secondary education. Its educational approach combines academic learning with opportunities for students to participate in sport, music, leadership, and other extracurricular activities.
The school may appeal to families seeking a continuous educational pathway from early childhood to Year 12.
General admission requirements:
- Submit an enrolment application.
- Provide the student’s birth certificate and relevant identification documents.
- Supply previous school reports for students transferring from another school.
- Participate in any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the school’s age and year-level placement criteria.
- Complete the required enrolment procedures and fee arrangements.
2. St Peter’s College
Location: St Peters
School type: Independent Anglican boys’ school
Year levels: Junior school to Year 12
St Peter’s College is a historic Adelaide school providing education for boys. Its educational environment combines academic study with opportunities in sport, music, leadership, and other co-curricular activities.
Families considering the school can investigate its academic programmes, pastoral care, and boarding arrangements where relevant.
General admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s enrolment application.
- Provide identification documents and previous academic reports.
- Attend any required interview or entrance assessment.
- Meet the school’s age and year-level requirements.
- Confirm boarding requirements separately if applying for a boarding place.
3. Prince Alfred College
Location: Kent Town
School type: Independent boys’ school
Year levels: Early learning to Year 12
Prince Alfred College is a long-established boys’ school in Adelaide. It offers an educational programme that includes classroom learning, sporting activities, music, leadership development, and other opportunities designed to support students’ personal growth.
Parents may wish to examine its academic offerings, school culture, and arrangements for students entering different year levels.
General admission requirements:
- Submit an application through the school’s enrolment process.
- Provide the student’s birth certificate and relevant school records.
- Complete any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the relevant age and year-level entry criteria.
- Review additional conditions for boarding applicants, if applicable.
4. Wilderness School
Location: Medindie
School type: Independent girls’ school
Year levels: Early learning to Year 12
Wilderness School provides education for girls in an environment that combines academic learning with personal development. Students have opportunities to participate in activities such as sport, music, leadership, and creative programmes.
Families seeking a girls-only school can explore its curriculum, student wellbeing support, and approach to developing independence and confidence.
General admission requirements:
- Complete the enrolment application.
- Provide the student’s birth certificate and previous school reports, where applicable.
- Attend any requested interview or assessment.
- Meet the school’s age and year-level placement requirements.
- Confirm the relevant enrolment procedures and fees.
5. Walford Anglican School for Girls
Location: Hyde Park
School type: Independent Anglican girls’ school
Year levels: Early learning to Year 12
Walford Anglican School for Girls offers education within an Anglican tradition. Its programmes combine academic learning with opportunities for personal development, leadership, and extracurricular participation.
Parents considering Walford may wish to investigate its educational philosophy, religious education, student support, and subject offerings.
General admission requirements:
- Submit an enrolment application.
- Provide the required identification and previous school records.
- Complete any interview or assessment requested by the school.
- Meet the relevant age and year-level criteria.
- Review the school’s enrolment policies and fee arrangements.
6. Scotch College Adelaide
Location: Torrens Park
School type: Independent boys’ school
Year levels: Early learning to Year 12
Scotch College Adelaide is an independent boys’ school with a Presbyterian heritage. Its educational offering includes academic subjects, sport, music, and other co-curricular activities.
Families can explore the school’s curriculum, pastoral care, and opportunities for students to develop their interests and abilities beyond the classroom.
General admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s application process.
- Provide identification documents and previous academic reports.
- Participate in any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the school’s age and year-level entry criteria.
- Confirm any additional requirements for boarding or specialist programmes.
7. Pulteney Grammar School
Location: Adelaide CBD
School type: Independent, co-educational
Year levels: Early learning to Year 12
Pulteney Grammar School is a co-educational independent school located in central Adelaide. Its programmes incorporate academic learning alongside opportunities in sport, the arts, leadership, and other extracurricular activities.
Its central location may be worth considering for families assessing transport arrangements and daily commuting.
General admission requirements:
- Submit the school’s enrolment application.
- Provide the student’s birth certificate and previous school reports, where applicable.
- Complete any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the relevant year-level placement criteria.
- Review application deadlines, fees, and enrolment conditions.
8. Westminster School
Location: Marion
School type: Independent, co-educational
Year levels: Early learning to Year 12
Westminster School is an independent co-educational institution in Adelaide’s southern suburbs. Students can participate in academic programmes and a range of extracurricular activities, including sport, the arts, and leadership opportunities.
Families may wish to examine its subject offerings, student wellbeing programmes, and school environment when considering enrolment.
General admission requirements:
- Complete the enrolment application.
- Supply the student’s identification documents and previous school records.
- Attend any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the school’s age and year-level criteria.
- Confirm the applicable fees and enrolment procedures.
9. Mercedes College
Location: Springfield
School type: Catholic, co-educational
Year levels: Early learning to Year 12
Mercedes College is a Catholic co-educational school offering education across a range of year levels. Its educational environment includes academic learning, religious education, personal development, and extracurricular activities.
Families interested in Catholic education can explore its curriculum, faith-based programmes, and student support services.
General admission requirements:
- Submit an enrolment application.
- Provide the student’s birth certificate and relevant school reports.
- Complete any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the school’s age and year-level placement requirements.
- Review any Catholic enrolment priorities and applicable fees.
10. Concordia College
Location: Highgate
School type: Lutheran, co-educational
Year levels: Early learning to Year 12
Concordia College is a Lutheran co-educational school in Adelaide. It offers academic programmes alongside opportunities for students to participate in sport, music, and other activities.
Parents considering Concordia can investigate its educational approach, religious education, and arrangements for supporting students throughout their schooling.
General admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s enrolment application.
- Provide identification and previous academic records.
- Attend any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the relevant age and year-level entry requirements.
- Confirm the school’s enrolment policies and fee schedule.
11. Saint Ignatius’ College
Location: Athelstone
School type: Catholic, co-educational
Year levels: Reception to Year 12
Saint Ignatius’ College is a Catholic school with a Jesuit educational tradition. It provides co-educational learning and opportunities for students to participate in academic, sporting, cultural, and community activities.
Families may wish to explore its religious education programme, curriculum, pastoral care, and extracurricular opportunities.
General admission requirements:
- Submit the school’s enrolment application.
- Provide the student’s birth certificate and previous school reports.
- Complete any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the school’s age and year-level placement criteria.
- Review its enrolment priorities and relevant fee arrangements.
12. St Dominic’s Priory College
Location: North Adelaide
School type: Catholic girls’ school
Year levels: Primary to secondary
St Dominic’s Priory College is a Catholic girls’ school with a Dominican tradition. Its educational approach combines academic learning with religious formation and opportunities for personal development.
Parents seeking a girls-only Catholic educational environment can investigate the college’s curriculum, student support, and extracurricular programmes.
General admission requirements:
- Complete the enrolment application.
- Provide identification and previous school reports.
- Attend any requested interview or assessment.
- Meet the relevant age and year-level entry requirements.
- Confirm enrolment priorities, fees, and application deadlines.
13. Loreto College
Location: Marryatville
School type: Catholic girls’ school
Year levels: Secondary education
Loreto College is a Catholic girls’ school associated with the Loreto educational tradition. It provides an environment that combines academic education with spiritual development, leadership opportunities, and extracurricular activities.
Families can examine its subject choices, pastoral care, and educational philosophy when considering secondary school enrolment.
General admission requirements:
- Submit the college’s enrolment application.
- Provide the student’s birth certificate and previous academic reports.
- Complete any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the entry requirements for the relevant year level.
- Review the college’s Catholic enrolment policies and fee arrangements.
14. Cabra Dominican College
Location: Cumberland Park
School type: Catholic, co-educational
Year levels: Secondary education
Cabra Dominican College is a Catholic co-educational secondary school. Its educational programmes include academic subjects, religious education, and opportunities for students to participate in sporting, cultural, and other extracurricular activities.
Parents may wish to consider its curriculum, school culture, and student support when comparing secondary school options.
General admission requirements:
- Complete the college’s enrolment application.
- Provide the required identification and previous school records.
- Participate in any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the relevant year-level placement requirements.
- Confirm enrolment priorities, fees, and application procedures.
15. Immanuel College
Location: Novar Gardens
School type: Lutheran, co-educational
Year levels: Secondary education
Immanuel College is a Lutheran co-educational school in Adelaide’s western suburbs. It offers secondary education with opportunities for students to participate in academic programmes, sport, music, leadership, and community activities.
Families can explore its subject offerings, religious education, and approach to student wellbeing.
General admission requirements:
- Submit an enrolment application.
- Provide identification documents and previous academic reports.
- Complete any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the school’s age and year-level entry requirements.
- Review its enrolment policies and fee arrangements.
16. St Michael’s College
Location: Henley Beach
School type: Catholic, co-educational
Year levels: Primary to secondary
St Michael’s College is a Catholic co-educational school serving families in Adelaide’s western suburbs. It provides academic learning alongside religious education and opportunities to participate in sport, cultural activities, and other school programmes.
Its location may be convenient for families living around Henley Beach and nearby communities.
General admission requirements:
- Complete the enrolment application.
- Provide the student’s birth certificate and previous school reports.
- Attend any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the relevant age and year-level placement criteria.
- Confirm the school’s enrolment policies and fees.
17. Blackfriars Priory School
Location: Prospect
School type: Catholic boys’ school
Year levels: Primary to secondary
Blackfriars Priory School is a Catholic boys’ school with a Dominican educational heritage. Its programmes combine academic instruction with religious education and opportunities for students to develop their interests through extracurricular activities.
Families considering Blackfriars can investigate its curriculum, pastoral care, and approach to supporting students’ educational progress.
General admission requirements:
- Submit an enrolment application.
- Provide the student’s identification documents and previous school reports.
- Complete any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the school’s age and year-level placement requirements.
- Review Catholic enrolment policies and applicable fees.
18. Rostrevor College
Location: Woodforde
School type: Catholic boys’ school
Year levels: Primary to Year 12
Rostrevor College is a Catholic boys’ school in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs. Its educational environment includes academic learning, religious formation, sport, leadership, and other co-curricular activities.
Parents can explore its curriculum, school culture, and student wellbeing arrangements when considering enrolment.
General admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s enrolment application.
- Provide identification and previous academic reports.
- Attend any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the relevant age and year-level entry criteria.
- Confirm the school’s current enrolment procedures and fees.
19. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College
Location: Enfield
School type: Catholic girls’ school
Year levels: Secondary education
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, commonly known as OLSH College, is a Catholic girls’ school in Adelaide’s northern metropolitan area. Its educational programmes combine academic study with religious education, personal development, and extracurricular opportunities.
Families may wish to investigate its subject offerings, student support, and approach to secondary education.
General admission requirements:
- Submit the college’s enrolment application.
- Provide the student’s birth certificate and previous school reports.
- Complete any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the school’s age and year-level placement criteria.
- Review the college’s enrolment policies and fee arrangements.
20. St John’s Grammar School
Location: Belair
School type: Independent, co-educational
Year levels: Early learning to Year 12
St John’s Grammar School is an independent co-educational school located in Adelaide’s southern foothills. It offers academic learning alongside opportunities for students to participate in sport, the arts, leadership, and other activities.
Parents can explore its curriculum, educational philosophy, student wellbeing programmes, and transport arrangements when considering whether it meets their family’s needs.
General admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s enrolment application.
- Provide the student’s birth certificate and previous academic reports, where applicable.
- Attend any required interview or assessment.
- Meet the school’s age and year-level entry criteria.
- Confirm application deadlines, fees, and any additional enrolment conditions.
General Admission Requirements for Private Schools in Adelaide
Although admission policies differ between institutions, families applying to private schools in Adelaide should be prepared to provide several common documents and meet certain enrolment conditions.
1. Birth Certificate and Identification Documents
Schools commonly request a birth certificate or other documents confirming the student’s identity and date of birth.
International applicants may also need to provide passport details, visa information, and other documentation required by the school.
2. Previous School Reports and Academic Records
Students transferring from another school are generally expected to provide previous academic reports.
These records help the admissions team understand the student’s educational background and determine an appropriate year-level placement.
3. Completed Enrolment Application
Parents or guardians typically need to complete an application form containing information about the student, family, educational history, and requested entry year.
Some schools accept applications well in advance of the intended starting date, so families should investigate enrolment timelines early.
4. Interviews and Entrance Assessments
Certain schools may request an interview, academic assessment, or other evaluation.
Requirements can differ according to the student’s age, year level, and the school’s admission procedures. An assessment should not automatically be interpreted as a guarantee of acceptance.
5. Age and Year-Level Requirements
Students must meet the school’s age and placement requirements.
For children transferring from overseas or another Australian state, the school may review previous educational records before determining the appropriate year level.
6. Religious Education and Enrolment Priorities
Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and other faith-based schools may have enrolment policies reflecting their religious traditions.
Some may apply priorities relating to religious affiliation, siblings already attending the school, or other circumstances. Families should confirm the policies of each institution individually.
7. Tuition Fees and Additional Expenses
Parents should examine the complete fee schedule rather than considering tuition alone.
Additional expenses may include:
- Application or enrolment fees.
- Enrolment deposits.
- Uniforms and school supplies.
- Technology and learning resources.
- Excursions, camps, and extracurricular activities.
- Boarding and accommodation expenses, where applicable.
Families should also ask whether scholarships, bursaries, or payment arrangements are available.
8. International Student Admission Requirements
International students should confirm whether a school accepts overseas applicants and whether it is authorised to enrol students who require a student visa.
Additional requirements may involve English-language proficiency, visa documentation, welfare arrangements, accommodation, and evidence of previous education.
Not every private school accepts international students at every year level.
Comparison Table: Private Schools in Adelaide
The table below summarises the 20 schools discussed in this guide.
| No. | School | Location | School type | Broad year-level offering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pembroke School | Kensington Park | Independent, co-educational | Early learning–Year 12 |
| 2 | St Peter’s College | St Peters | Anglican, boys | Junior school–Year 12 |
| 3 | Prince Alfred College | Kent Town | Independent, boys | Early learning–Year 12 |
| 4 | Wilderness School | Medindie | Independent, girls | Early learning–Year 12 |
| 5 | Walford Anglican School for Girls | Hyde Park | Anglican, girls | Early learning–Year 12 |
| 6 | Scotch College Adelaide | Torrens Park | Independent, boys | Early learning–Year 12 |
| 7 | Pulteney Grammar School | Adelaide CBD | Independent, co-educational | Early learning–Year 12 |
| 8 | Westminster School | Marion | Independent, co-educational | Early learning–Year 12 |
| 9 | Mercedes College | Springfield | Catholic, co-educational | Early learning–Year 12 |
| 10 | Concordia College | Highgate | Lutheran, co-educational | Early learning–Year 12 |
| 11 | Saint Ignatius’ College | Athelstone | Catholic, co-educational | Reception–Year 12 |
| 12 | St Dominic’s Priory College | North Adelaide | Catholic, girls | Primary–secondary |
| 13 | Loreto College | Marryatville | Catholic, girls | Secondary |
| 14 | Cabra Dominican College | Cumberland Park | Catholic, co-educational | Secondary |
| 15 | Immanuel College | Novar Gardens | Lutheran, co-educational | Secondary |
| 16 | St Michael’s College | Henley Beach | Catholic, co-educational | Primary–secondary |
| 17 | Blackfriars Priory School | Prospect | Catholic, boys | Primary–secondary |
| 18 | Rostrevor College | Woodforde | Catholic, boys | Primary–Year 12 |
| 19 | Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College | Enfield | Catholic, girls | Secondary |
| 20 | St John’s Grammar School | Belair | Independent, co-educational | Early learning–Year 12 |
Year-level descriptions are broad summaries. Families should confirm the current school structure and entry points directly with each institution.
Related
Conclusion
Adelaide offers a wide variety of private schools for families seeking different educational environments. The city’s independent, Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran institutions provide options for boys, girls, and students in co-educational settings.
When comparing schools, parents should consider the student’s age, academic interests, preferred learning environment, location, tuition budget, extracurricular interests, and any religious or educational preferences that matter to the family.
Admission requirements also deserve careful attention. Application deadlines, year-level availability, assessment procedures, enrolment priorities, and international student policies can vary significantly between schools.
Before making a decision, shortlist several schools, review their current admission requirements, compare their fees, and arrange visits where possible. Speaking with admissions staff can help clarify questions about curriculum, student support, school culture, and the application process.
Ultimately, choosing a private school is about identifying an environment that aligns with a student’s educational needs and the family’s circumstances. Careful research and early preparation can make the application process more manageable and help families approach enrolment with greater confidence.
Join EdubaseNG WhatsApp Channel to get the latest education & student loan tips
Join our Telegram Channel to get the latest news about Student Loans & Education News.
Are you a stakeholder in education? You can become our guest writer. Write to us using our our email address here