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Updated May 2026 with current fees, scholarship windows, and the 16 most-asked-about Adelaide private schools. Adelaide has one of the highest concentrations of private schools per capita of any Australian capital — around 40% of South Australian secondary students attend a non-government school (Association of Independent Schools SA). This guide answers the questions Adelaide parents actually ask: which schools are the best, what they cost, how to get in, and how to choose between Anglican, Catholic, and independent options for your child.
Quick answer
The most-recognised private schools in Adelaide are St Peter's College and Prince Alfred College (PAC) for boys; Wilderness School, Walford Anglican School for Girls, and Loreto College for girls; and Pembroke School, Saint Ignatius' College, Pulteney Grammar, Westminster, Scotch College Adelaide, Mercedes College, and Concordia College for co-ed.
Annual senior fees range from about A$13,000 to A$40,000. Anglican (St Peter's, Walford), Methodist/Uniting (PAC, Scotch), Catholic (Saint Ignatius', Loreto, Mercedes, St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra), Lutheran (Concordia), and non-denominational independent (Pembroke, Westminster, Pulteney, Wilderness) options are all available — and most schools offer scholarships and bursaries that reduce fees by 10–100%.
What are the best private schools in Adelaide?
The 16 Adelaide private schools below show up most often in parent shortlists, MySchool comparisons, and SACE/IB results tables. Each entry summarises the school type, fees, standout strengths, and the year levels covered. Sources: each school's published fee schedule and prospectus, the MySchool profile, and the Association of Independent Schools SA (AISSA) directory.
1. St Peter's College
Anglican boys (Reception–Year 12), Hackney. Founded 1847 — one of the oldest schools in Australia. Strong academic results, broad sport program (the historic Intercol rivalry with PAC), SACE Stage 2 with consistent top-band performance. Fees around A$36,000 in Year 12.
2. Prince Alfred College (PAC)
Methodist/Uniting boys (Reception–Year 12), Kent Town. Founded 1869. Offers both SACE Stage 2 and the IB Diploma, so families can choose the pathway that fits the student. Renowned for cricket, rowing, and the annual PAC vs St Peter's Intercol week. Fees around A$34,000 in Year 12.
3. Saint Ignatius' College
Jesuit Catholic co-ed (Reception–Year 12), split between Norwood (Junior) and Athelstone (Senior). Strong reputation for pastoral care and social-justice formation, plus consistently competitive SACE results. Fees around A$28,000 in Year 12 — one of the more affordable options in the prestige tier.
4. Pulteney Grammar School
Independent non-denominational co-ed (Reception–Year 12), South Terrace. Founded 1847. Smaller cohort (~830 students) means tight teacher-to-student ratios. Offers SACE Stage 2 with strong creative-arts and outdoor-education programs. Fees around A$30,000 in Year 12.
5. Pembroke School
Independent co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Kensington Park. Offers both SACE and IB Diploma, with one of Adelaide's strongest IB cohorts. Known for academic flexibility, music, and rowing. Fees around A$32,000 in Year 12.
6. Wilderness School
Independent girls (Reception–Year 12), Walkerville. Founded 1884. Consistently among the top SACE-result schools in South Australia, with strong humanities and STEM programs. Fees around A$33,000 in Year 12.
7. Walford Anglican School for Girls
Anglican girls (Early Learning–Year 12), Hyde Park. Smaller cohort (~600 students) and individual learning plans for senior students. Strong arts and debating programs. Fees around A$28,000 in Year 12.
8. Loreto College
Catholic girls (Reception–Year 12), Marryatville. Run by the Loreto Sisters. Strong humanities, languages, and a long social-justice tradition. Fees around A$22,000 in Year 12 — one of the most affordable girls' options.
9. Mercedes College
Catholic Mercy co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Springfield. Authorised IB World School at all three levels (Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma) — unusual in Adelaide. Fees around A$23,000 in Year 12.
10. St Aloysius College
Catholic Mercy girls (Reception–Year 12), Adelaide CBD. City location appeals to families who already commute to the CBD. Strong music and visual-arts programs. Fees around A$13,500 in Year 12 — one of the most affordable named private schools.
11. St Michael's College
Catholic Lasallian (boys to Year 12, co-ed Junior School), Beverley + Henley Beach. Large cohort (~1,800 students). Solid SACE results and a strong sport program. Fees around A$13,000 in Year 12.
12. Cabra Dominican College
Catholic Dominican co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Cumberland Park. Long-standing inclusive enrolment policy. Strong music and drama. Fees around A$15,500 in Year 12.
13. Concordia College
Lutheran co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Highgate + Magill. SACE Stage 2 with German-language tradition (the Adelaide Hills Barossa Lutheran network). Fees around A$22,000 in Year 12.
14. Westminster School
Independent non-denominational co-ed (Early Learning–Year 12), Marion. Large campus, strong sport and outdoor-education programs, SACE Stage 2 with consistent results. Fees around A$31,000 in Year 12.
15. Scotch College Adelaide
Uniting Church co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Mitcham. Boarding option available. Strong sport, music, and an established International Student program. Fees around A$30,000 in Year 12.
16. Annesley Junior School
Co-ed primary only (Early Learning–Year 6), Wayville. Strongly regarded for early years through to upper primary; many graduates feed into Walford, Wilderness, and Pembroke. Fees around A$15,000 in Year 6.
How much do Adelaide private schools cost in 2026?
Annual fees for Adelaide private schools in 2026 range from about A$13,000 to A$40,000 for Year 12, with primary years typically 30–50% lower. The fee table below summarises the 16 schools above using each school's most recent published Year 12 schedule. Most schools also charge a one-off enrolment confirmation fee (A$1,000–A$3,000), an annual building levy (A$500–A$1,500), and additional charges for textbooks, technology, camps, and senior-year SACE/IB exam fees.
| School | Type | Approx. Year 12 fees (2026, A$/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| St Peter's College | Anglican boys | ~$36,000 |
| Prince Alfred College (PAC) | Methodist/Uniting boys | ~$34,000 |
| Saint Ignatius' College | Jesuit Catholic co-ed | ~$28,000 |
| Pulteney Grammar | Independent co-ed | ~$30,000 |
| Pembroke School | Independent co-ed (IB + SACE) | ~$32,000 |
| Wilderness School | Independent girls | ~$33,000 |
| Walford Anglican School for Girls | Anglican girls | ~$28,000 |
| Loreto College | Catholic girls | ~$22,000 |
| Mercedes College | Catholic co-ed (IB) | ~$23,000 |
| Cabra Dominican College | Catholic co-ed | ~$15,500 |
| St Aloysius College | Catholic girls (Mercy) | ~$13,500 |
| St Michael's College | Catholic co-ed | ~$13,000 |
| Concordia College | Lutheran co-ed | ~$22,000 |
| Westminster School | Independent co-ed | ~$31,000 |
| Scotch College Adelaide | Uniting co-ed | ~$30,000 |
| Annesley Junior School | Co-ed (junior only) | ~$15,000 (Year 6) |
Anglican and Methodist/Uniting boys' schools (St Peter's, PAC) and the larger non-denominational independents (Pembroke, Westminster) sit at the top of the fee range. Catholic systemic schools (St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra) are the most affordable, often less than half the fees of the top-tier schools.
What is the best private school in Adelaide?
There is no single "best" private school in Adelaide — the right answer depends on your child. For academic results across SACE and the IB, St Peter's College, Wilderness School, and Pembroke School consistently appear at the top of South Australian league tables. For all-round development with strong sport and a long heritage, Prince Alfred College and St Peter's College dominate boys' shortlists, and Wilderness, Walford, and Loreto dominate girls'. For value (results-per-dollar), Saint Ignatius' College and Loreto College often rank highest because they deliver competitive SACE outcomes at meaningfully lower fees.
The "best" Adelaide private school is the one whose values, teaching style, and community fit your child — not the one with the highest fees or oldest crest.
Use the six-step school-choice framework to translate "best" into "best for your child" — it covers values, learning style, peer environment, and pastoral care alongside results.
How do I get into St Peter's College or Prince Alfred College?
Entry into Adelaide's most-applied-to private schools — St Peter's, PAC, Saint Ignatius', Pembroke, Pulteney, Wilderness — is competitive at three main entry points: Reception, Year 7, and Year 10. The standard process is:
- Register interest early. Most schools open registrations from birth or as soon as you decide to consider them. St Peter's and PAC commonly have waiting lists 5+ years ahead for Year 7 entry.
- Attend an open day or campus tour. Open days run twice a year (Term 1 and Term 3). Tours are by appointment year-round.
- Submit the formal application. Application packs include school reports from the previous two years, a NAPLAN summary if relevant, references from a current teacher and a non-family adult, and a parent statement.
- Sit any required entrance test. Most schools require an academic test (Year 7 entry typically uses the AAS or school-administered Maths/English assessments). Scholarship applicants sit the ACER Co-operative Scholarship Test.
- Interview. Senior staff interview the child and parents, usually 30–45 minutes.
- Receive an offer and confirm. Offers come 6–18 months before the entry year. Confirmation requires payment of a non-refundable enrolment fee.
If your child sits an entrance test or scholarship exam, structured preparation makes a measurable difference. This guide on scholarship-exam preparation covers timing, content, and practice strategy. A short block of one-on-one tutoring with an Adelaide tutor in the lead-up is the single most common preparation strategy among accepted families.
What scholarships do Adelaide private schools offer?
Most Adelaide private schools offer four main scholarship categories, plus means-tested bursaries for families who can't meet full fees:
- Academic scholarships — based on the ACER Co-operative Scholarship Test plus reports and interview. Typically cover 10–50% of tuition. Most-applied-for category.
- Music scholarships — based on a live audition (one or two instruments + voice if applicable), plus a music teacher reference. Cover 10–100% of tuition.
- All-rounder / general excellence scholarships — combining academic, sport, leadership, and community involvement.
- Sport scholarships — strongest at PAC, St Peter's, Pembroke, and Westminster for boys; Wilderness, Walford, and Pembroke for girls. Specific to one or more named sports.
- Bursaries — means-tested, confidential, available at most schools to families demonstrating financial need. Cover up to 100% of tuition in hardship cases.
About one in three Adelaide private schools offer academic, music, all-rounder, or means-tested scholarships covering 10–100% of tuition — most close applications in Term 1 of Year 5 for Year 7 entry.
Application windows close in Term 1 of Year 5 (for Year 7 entry the following year), and again in Term 1 of Year 8 for senior-school entry. St Peter's, PAC, Wilderness, Pembroke, Saint Ignatius', and Mercedes are among the schools using ACER's Co-operative test, which means a single sitting can be considered by multiple schools.
Are boys, girls, or co-ed schools better in Adelaide?
Adelaide has strong single-sex and co-educational options, and the research on outcomes is genuinely mixed. The choice usually comes down to fit — your child's temperament, friendship patterns, and learning style — rather than a definitive ranking.
Single-sex boys' schools in Adelaide — St Peter's College and Prince Alfred College — are often chosen by families who value long heritage, strong sport program (the PAC/St Peter's Intercol week is one of Australia's oldest school traditions), and a tightly-bonded cohort.
Single-sex girls' schools — Wilderness, Walford, Loreto, St Aloysius — are often chosen for the consistently strong academic results and the absence of gender dynamics that some families feel hold girls back in mixed STEM and leadership settings. Wilderness in particular has one of the strongest senior-girls academic profiles in South Australia.
Co-educational schools — Pembroke, Saint Ignatius', Pulteney, Westminster, Scotch, Mercedes, Concordia, Cabra, St Michael's — are often chosen by families who want everyday social mixing to mirror the world after school, or who prefer one school for siblings of different genders. Pembroke and Mercedes additionally offer the IB Diploma alongside SACE.
What's the difference between Anglican, Catholic, and independent schools in Adelaide?
Adelaide private schools fall into four main groupings, and the differences shape culture more than curriculum (all schools follow the Australian Curriculum and SACE; some add IB).
Anglican schools (St Peter's, Walford, St Andrew's) hold weekly chapel services and follow Anglican religious-education curriculum. Tradition is visible in school uniforms, founder's-day services, and the year calendar. Open enrolment to families of all faiths.
Catholic schools divide into two streams. Systemic Catholic schools (St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra Dominican, Mercedes, Loreto) sit under Catholic Education SA and are generally most affordable. Independent Catholic schools (Saint Ignatius' College, Rostrevor) operate independently with their own boards. Both follow Catholic religious education and have weekly Mass; non-Catholic families are welcome but may be charged a higher fee tier.
Other Christian denominations: Methodist/Uniting (PAC, Scotch College Adelaide), Lutheran (Concordia). Religious observance is generally lighter than in Anglican or Catholic schools, with weekly chapel rather than daily.
Non-denominational independent schools (Pembroke, Westminster, Pulteney, Wilderness, Annesley) have no formal religious affiliation and run secular ethics programs instead. These schools typically have the broadest religious diversity in their student body.
Are Adelaide private school fees worth it?
"Worth it" depends on what you're paying for. Three honest framings:
Academic results. The top Adelaide private schools (St Peter's, Wilderness, Pembroke, PAC, Saint Ignatius') do produce consistently strong SACE Stage 2 and IB Diploma results. But strong public schools — Glenunga International, Adelaide High, Marryatville High, Brighton Secondary — produce comparable senior outcomes at no cost. If results alone matter, public is competitive.
Class size and pastoral care. This is where the spend most clearly shows. Adelaide private schools typically have 18–22 students per senior class versus 26–30 in many public schools, plus more dedicated counselling, careers, and student-wellbeing staff. For a child who needs more attention or struggles with anxiety, the smaller cohort often matters more than the league-table position.
Network and tradition. Old Scholars networks (the PAC Old Reds, the Saints OC, the Wilderness Old Scholars) are real — they shape mentoring, internships, and friendships for decades. Whether you value that depends on your family's view of long-term social capital.
If fees are a stretch, two patterns are common. Many Adelaide families choose state primary then private secondary (saving 7 years of fees), entering at Year 7 or Year 10. Others combine a more affordable private school (St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra, Concordia, Loreto) with targeted private tutoring in Adelaide at A$65/hr, spending under A$3,000/year on supplementary one-on-one teaching to lift results — usually a fraction of the fee gap.
What should I check before applying to an Adelaide private school?
Run through this 8-point checklist for each school on your shortlist before submitting an application:
- Visit on a regular school day, not just open day. Open day is curated; a regular Tuesday morning shows the real culture. Most schools accept tour-by-appointment requests.
- Read the most recent annual report and ICSEA-adjusted MySchool data. Cross-check against published SACE/IB results to see how the school adds value above intake.
- Check the senior-secondary pathway. SACE only? IB only? Both? Vocational? Pembroke, PAC, and Mercedes offer both SACE and IB; most schools offer SACE only.
- Ask about class sizes by year level. Senior-cohort class sizes matter most for SACE results — aim for 18–22 in core subjects.
- Check the bursary and scholarship policy in writing. Some schools allow scholarships and bursaries to combine; others don't.
- Review the 3-year fee trend. Adelaide private school fees have risen 4–7% per year over the past five years. Project the total to Year 12.
- Speak to two current families per school. Front-office staff or the Old Scholars' network can connect you. Ask specifically about pastoral response when something has gone wrong.
- Match values explicitly. Religious observance, discipline policy, phone policy, uniform policy, and academic expectations — are these aligned with how your family operates?
What are the disadvantages of private schools in Adelaide?
Three honest tradeoffs that come with Adelaide private-school enrolment:
Cost. A$13,000–A$40,000 per year, every year. For a child starting Year 7 in 2026 and finishing Year 12 in 2031, cumulative fees range from A$80,000 (most affordable Catholic systemic) to A$260,000+ (top tier), before extras. Fee inflation has averaged 4–7% per year, so projections for younger children should account for that.
Commute. Many of the most-applied-for schools cluster on the Eastern fringe of the CBD (Hackney, Kent Town, Walkerville, Marryatville, Hyde Park) or Mitcham/Marion in the South. For families in the Northern or Southern outer suburbs, daily commute can be 45–60 minutes each way.
Social environment fit. The cultures of long-established schools are real, and not every child thrives in them. Heritage schools have stronger expectations around uniform, deportment, and tradition than most public schools. For some children that's the structure they need; for others it's a poor fit.
Related Tutero guides for Adelaide families
- How to find the best tutor in Adelaide — for choosing a tutor once school is decided.
- Choosing the right school in 6 steps — the framework to apply across your shortlist.
- 4 reasons to change your child's school — if a current placement isn't working.
- How to prepare for scholarship exams — for the ACER Co-op Test.
- 5 key benefits of private tutoring — for supplementing private-school work.
- The ideal time to begin tutoring — to get ahead of selective entry tests.
Bottom line
Adelaide has 16+ strong private schools across Anglican, Catholic, Methodist/Uniting, Lutheran, and non-denominational independent traditions. Senior fees range from A$13,000 to A$40,000, scholarships routinely cover 10–100% of tuition, and the choice of "best" depends on your child more than any league table. Visit each shortlisted school on a regular day, check the senior pathway and class sizes, and run the 8-point checklist above before applying.
Need help with the academic side? Our Adelaide tutors work with students at every Adelaide private school on Maths, English, Science, and SACE preparation — one-on-one, online, A$65 per hour, no contracts.
Updated May 2026 with current fees, scholarship windows, and the 16 most-asked-about Adelaide private schools. Adelaide has one of the highest concentrations of private schools per capita of any Australian capital — around 40% of South Australian secondary students attend a non-government school (Association of Independent Schools SA). This guide answers the questions Adelaide parents actually ask: which schools are the best, what they cost, how to get in, and how to choose between Anglican, Catholic, and independent options for your child.
Quick answer
The most-recognised private schools in Adelaide are St Peter's College and Prince Alfred College (PAC) for boys; Wilderness School, Walford Anglican School for Girls, and Loreto College for girls; and Pembroke School, Saint Ignatius' College, Pulteney Grammar, Westminster, Scotch College Adelaide, Mercedes College, and Concordia College for co-ed.
Annual senior fees range from about A$13,000 to A$40,000. Anglican (St Peter's, Walford), Methodist/Uniting (PAC, Scotch), Catholic (Saint Ignatius', Loreto, Mercedes, St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra), Lutheran (Concordia), and non-denominational independent (Pembroke, Westminster, Pulteney, Wilderness) options are all available — and most schools offer scholarships and bursaries that reduce fees by 10–100%.
What are the best private schools in Adelaide?
The 16 Adelaide private schools below show up most often in parent shortlists, MySchool comparisons, and SACE/IB results tables. Each entry summarises the school type, fees, standout strengths, and the year levels covered. Sources: each school's published fee schedule and prospectus, the MySchool profile, and the Association of Independent Schools SA (AISSA) directory.
1. St Peter's College
Anglican boys (Reception–Year 12), Hackney. Founded 1847 — one of the oldest schools in Australia. Strong academic results, broad sport program (the historic Intercol rivalry with PAC), SACE Stage 2 with consistent top-band performance. Fees around A$36,000 in Year 12.
2. Prince Alfred College (PAC)
Methodist/Uniting boys (Reception–Year 12), Kent Town. Founded 1869. Offers both SACE Stage 2 and the IB Diploma, so families can choose the pathway that fits the student. Renowned for cricket, rowing, and the annual PAC vs St Peter's Intercol week. Fees around A$34,000 in Year 12.
3. Saint Ignatius' College
Jesuit Catholic co-ed (Reception–Year 12), split between Norwood (Junior) and Athelstone (Senior). Strong reputation for pastoral care and social-justice formation, plus consistently competitive SACE results. Fees around A$28,000 in Year 12 — one of the more affordable options in the prestige tier.
4. Pulteney Grammar School
Independent non-denominational co-ed (Reception–Year 12), South Terrace. Founded 1847. Smaller cohort (~830 students) means tight teacher-to-student ratios. Offers SACE Stage 2 with strong creative-arts and outdoor-education programs. Fees around A$30,000 in Year 12.
5. Pembroke School
Independent co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Kensington Park. Offers both SACE and IB Diploma, with one of Adelaide's strongest IB cohorts. Known for academic flexibility, music, and rowing. Fees around A$32,000 in Year 12.
6. Wilderness School
Independent girls (Reception–Year 12), Walkerville. Founded 1884. Consistently among the top SACE-result schools in South Australia, with strong humanities and STEM programs. Fees around A$33,000 in Year 12.
7. Walford Anglican School for Girls
Anglican girls (Early Learning–Year 12), Hyde Park. Smaller cohort (~600 students) and individual learning plans for senior students. Strong arts and debating programs. Fees around A$28,000 in Year 12.
8. Loreto College
Catholic girls (Reception–Year 12), Marryatville. Run by the Loreto Sisters. Strong humanities, languages, and a long social-justice tradition. Fees around A$22,000 in Year 12 — one of the most affordable girls' options.
9. Mercedes College
Catholic Mercy co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Springfield. Authorised IB World School at all three levels (Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma) — unusual in Adelaide. Fees around A$23,000 in Year 12.
10. St Aloysius College
Catholic Mercy girls (Reception–Year 12), Adelaide CBD. City location appeals to families who already commute to the CBD. Strong music and visual-arts programs. Fees around A$13,500 in Year 12 — one of the most affordable named private schools.
11. St Michael's College
Catholic Lasallian (boys to Year 12, co-ed Junior School), Beverley + Henley Beach. Large cohort (~1,800 students). Solid SACE results and a strong sport program. Fees around A$13,000 in Year 12.
12. Cabra Dominican College
Catholic Dominican co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Cumberland Park. Long-standing inclusive enrolment policy. Strong music and drama. Fees around A$15,500 in Year 12.
13. Concordia College
Lutheran co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Highgate + Magill. SACE Stage 2 with German-language tradition (the Adelaide Hills Barossa Lutheran network). Fees around A$22,000 in Year 12.
14. Westminster School
Independent non-denominational co-ed (Early Learning–Year 12), Marion. Large campus, strong sport and outdoor-education programs, SACE Stage 2 with consistent results. Fees around A$31,000 in Year 12.
15. Scotch College Adelaide
Uniting Church co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Mitcham. Boarding option available. Strong sport, music, and an established International Student program. Fees around A$30,000 in Year 12.
16. Annesley Junior School
Co-ed primary only (Early Learning–Year 6), Wayville. Strongly regarded for early years through to upper primary; many graduates feed into Walford, Wilderness, and Pembroke. Fees around A$15,000 in Year 6.
How much do Adelaide private schools cost in 2026?
Annual fees for Adelaide private schools in 2026 range from about A$13,000 to A$40,000 for Year 12, with primary years typically 30–50% lower. The fee table below summarises the 16 schools above using each school's most recent published Year 12 schedule. Most schools also charge a one-off enrolment confirmation fee (A$1,000–A$3,000), an annual building levy (A$500–A$1,500), and additional charges for textbooks, technology, camps, and senior-year SACE/IB exam fees.
| School | Type | Approx. Year 12 fees (2026, A$/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| St Peter's College | Anglican boys | ~$36,000 |
| Prince Alfred College (PAC) | Methodist/Uniting boys | ~$34,000 |
| Saint Ignatius' College | Jesuit Catholic co-ed | ~$28,000 |
| Pulteney Grammar | Independent co-ed | ~$30,000 |
| Pembroke School | Independent co-ed (IB + SACE) | ~$32,000 |
| Wilderness School | Independent girls | ~$33,000 |
| Walford Anglican School for Girls | Anglican girls | ~$28,000 |
| Loreto College | Catholic girls | ~$22,000 |
| Mercedes College | Catholic co-ed (IB) | ~$23,000 |
| Cabra Dominican College | Catholic co-ed | ~$15,500 |
| St Aloysius College | Catholic girls (Mercy) | ~$13,500 |
| St Michael's College | Catholic co-ed | ~$13,000 |
| Concordia College | Lutheran co-ed | ~$22,000 |
| Westminster School | Independent co-ed | ~$31,000 |
| Scotch College Adelaide | Uniting co-ed | ~$30,000 |
| Annesley Junior School | Co-ed (junior only) | ~$15,000 (Year 6) |
Anglican and Methodist/Uniting boys' schools (St Peter's, PAC) and the larger non-denominational independents (Pembroke, Westminster) sit at the top of the fee range. Catholic systemic schools (St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra) are the most affordable, often less than half the fees of the top-tier schools.
What is the best private school in Adelaide?
There is no single "best" private school in Adelaide — the right answer depends on your child. For academic results across SACE and the IB, St Peter's College, Wilderness School, and Pembroke School consistently appear at the top of South Australian league tables. For all-round development with strong sport and a long heritage, Prince Alfred College and St Peter's College dominate boys' shortlists, and Wilderness, Walford, and Loreto dominate girls'. For value (results-per-dollar), Saint Ignatius' College and Loreto College often rank highest because they deliver competitive SACE outcomes at meaningfully lower fees.
The "best" Adelaide private school is the one whose values, teaching style, and community fit your child — not the one with the highest fees or oldest crest.
Use the six-step school-choice framework to translate "best" into "best for your child" — it covers values, learning style, peer environment, and pastoral care alongside results.
How do I get into St Peter's College or Prince Alfred College?
Entry into Adelaide's most-applied-to private schools — St Peter's, PAC, Saint Ignatius', Pembroke, Pulteney, Wilderness — is competitive at three main entry points: Reception, Year 7, and Year 10. The standard process is:
- Register interest early. Most schools open registrations from birth or as soon as you decide to consider them. St Peter's and PAC commonly have waiting lists 5+ years ahead for Year 7 entry.
- Attend an open day or campus tour. Open days run twice a year (Term 1 and Term 3). Tours are by appointment year-round.
- Submit the formal application. Application packs include school reports from the previous two years, a NAPLAN summary if relevant, references from a current teacher and a non-family adult, and a parent statement.
- Sit any required entrance test. Most schools require an academic test (Year 7 entry typically uses the AAS or school-administered Maths/English assessments). Scholarship applicants sit the ACER Co-operative Scholarship Test.
- Interview. Senior staff interview the child and parents, usually 30–45 minutes.
- Receive an offer and confirm. Offers come 6–18 months before the entry year. Confirmation requires payment of a non-refundable enrolment fee.
If your child sits an entrance test or scholarship exam, structured preparation makes a measurable difference. This guide on scholarship-exam preparation covers timing, content, and practice strategy. A short block of one-on-one tutoring with an Adelaide tutor in the lead-up is the single most common preparation strategy among accepted families.
What scholarships do Adelaide private schools offer?
Most Adelaide private schools offer four main scholarship categories, plus means-tested bursaries for families who can't meet full fees:
- Academic scholarships — based on the ACER Co-operative Scholarship Test plus reports and interview. Typically cover 10–50% of tuition. Most-applied-for category.
- Music scholarships — based on a live audition (one or two instruments + voice if applicable), plus a music teacher reference. Cover 10–100% of tuition.
- All-rounder / general excellence scholarships — combining academic, sport, leadership, and community involvement.
- Sport scholarships — strongest at PAC, St Peter's, Pembroke, and Westminster for boys; Wilderness, Walford, and Pembroke for girls. Specific to one or more named sports.
- Bursaries — means-tested, confidential, available at most schools to families demonstrating financial need. Cover up to 100% of tuition in hardship cases.
About one in three Adelaide private schools offer academic, music, all-rounder, or means-tested scholarships covering 10–100% of tuition — most close applications in Term 1 of Year 5 for Year 7 entry.
Application windows close in Term 1 of Year 5 (for Year 7 entry the following year), and again in Term 1 of Year 8 for senior-school entry. St Peter's, PAC, Wilderness, Pembroke, Saint Ignatius', and Mercedes are among the schools using ACER's Co-operative test, which means a single sitting can be considered by multiple schools.
Are boys, girls, or co-ed schools better in Adelaide?
Adelaide has strong single-sex and co-educational options, and the research on outcomes is genuinely mixed. The choice usually comes down to fit — your child's temperament, friendship patterns, and learning style — rather than a definitive ranking.
Single-sex boys' schools in Adelaide — St Peter's College and Prince Alfred College — are often chosen by families who value long heritage, strong sport program (the PAC/St Peter's Intercol week is one of Australia's oldest school traditions), and a tightly-bonded cohort.
Single-sex girls' schools — Wilderness, Walford, Loreto, St Aloysius — are often chosen for the consistently strong academic results and the absence of gender dynamics that some families feel hold girls back in mixed STEM and leadership settings. Wilderness in particular has one of the strongest senior-girls academic profiles in South Australia.
Co-educational schools — Pembroke, Saint Ignatius', Pulteney, Westminster, Scotch, Mercedes, Concordia, Cabra, St Michael's — are often chosen by families who want everyday social mixing to mirror the world after school, or who prefer one school for siblings of different genders. Pembroke and Mercedes additionally offer the IB Diploma alongside SACE.
What's the difference between Anglican, Catholic, and independent schools in Adelaide?
Adelaide private schools fall into four main groupings, and the differences shape culture more than curriculum (all schools follow the Australian Curriculum and SACE; some add IB).
Anglican schools (St Peter's, Walford, St Andrew's) hold weekly chapel services and follow Anglican religious-education curriculum. Tradition is visible in school uniforms, founder's-day services, and the year calendar. Open enrolment to families of all faiths.
Catholic schools divide into two streams. Systemic Catholic schools (St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra Dominican, Mercedes, Loreto) sit under Catholic Education SA and are generally most affordable. Independent Catholic schools (Saint Ignatius' College, Rostrevor) operate independently with their own boards. Both follow Catholic religious education and have weekly Mass; non-Catholic families are welcome but may be charged a higher fee tier.
Other Christian denominations: Methodist/Uniting (PAC, Scotch College Adelaide), Lutheran (Concordia). Religious observance is generally lighter than in Anglican or Catholic schools, with weekly chapel rather than daily.
Non-denominational independent schools (Pembroke, Westminster, Pulteney, Wilderness, Annesley) have no formal religious affiliation and run secular ethics programs instead. These schools typically have the broadest religious diversity in their student body.
Are Adelaide private school fees worth it?
"Worth it" depends on what you're paying for. Three honest framings:
Academic results. The top Adelaide private schools (St Peter's, Wilderness, Pembroke, PAC, Saint Ignatius') do produce consistently strong SACE Stage 2 and IB Diploma results. But strong public schools — Glenunga International, Adelaide High, Marryatville High, Brighton Secondary — produce comparable senior outcomes at no cost. If results alone matter, public is competitive.
Class size and pastoral care. This is where the spend most clearly shows. Adelaide private schools typically have 18–22 students per senior class versus 26–30 in many public schools, plus more dedicated counselling, careers, and student-wellbeing staff. For a child who needs more attention or struggles with anxiety, the smaller cohort often matters more than the league-table position.
Network and tradition. Old Scholars networks (the PAC Old Reds, the Saints OC, the Wilderness Old Scholars) are real — they shape mentoring, internships, and friendships for decades. Whether you value that depends on your family's view of long-term social capital.
If fees are a stretch, two patterns are common. Many Adelaide families choose state primary then private secondary (saving 7 years of fees), entering at Year 7 or Year 10. Others combine a more affordable private school (St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra, Concordia, Loreto) with targeted private tutoring in Adelaide at A$65/hr, spending under A$3,000/year on supplementary one-on-one teaching to lift results — usually a fraction of the fee gap.
What should I check before applying to an Adelaide private school?
Run through this 8-point checklist for each school on your shortlist before submitting an application:
- Visit on a regular school day, not just open day. Open day is curated; a regular Tuesday morning shows the real culture. Most schools accept tour-by-appointment requests.
- Read the most recent annual report and ICSEA-adjusted MySchool data. Cross-check against published SACE/IB results to see how the school adds value above intake.
- Check the senior-secondary pathway. SACE only? IB only? Both? Vocational? Pembroke, PAC, and Mercedes offer both SACE and IB; most schools offer SACE only.
- Ask about class sizes by year level. Senior-cohort class sizes matter most for SACE results — aim for 18–22 in core subjects.
- Check the bursary and scholarship policy in writing. Some schools allow scholarships and bursaries to combine; others don't.
- Review the 3-year fee trend. Adelaide private school fees have risen 4–7% per year over the past five years. Project the total to Year 12.
- Speak to two current families per school. Front-office staff or the Old Scholars' network can connect you. Ask specifically about pastoral response when something has gone wrong.
- Match values explicitly. Religious observance, discipline policy, phone policy, uniform policy, and academic expectations — are these aligned with how your family operates?
What are the disadvantages of private schools in Adelaide?
Three honest tradeoffs that come with Adelaide private-school enrolment:
Cost. A$13,000–A$40,000 per year, every year. For a child starting Year 7 in 2026 and finishing Year 12 in 2031, cumulative fees range from A$80,000 (most affordable Catholic systemic) to A$260,000+ (top tier), before extras. Fee inflation has averaged 4–7% per year, so projections for younger children should account for that.
Commute. Many of the most-applied-for schools cluster on the Eastern fringe of the CBD (Hackney, Kent Town, Walkerville, Marryatville, Hyde Park) or Mitcham/Marion in the South. For families in the Northern or Southern outer suburbs, daily commute can be 45–60 minutes each way.
Social environment fit. The cultures of long-established schools are real, and not every child thrives in them. Heritage schools have stronger expectations around uniform, deportment, and tradition than most public schools. For some children that's the structure they need; for others it's a poor fit.
Related Tutero guides for Adelaide families
- How to find the best tutor in Adelaide — for choosing a tutor once school is decided.
- Choosing the right school in 6 steps — the framework to apply across your shortlist.
- 4 reasons to change your child's school — if a current placement isn't working.
- How to prepare for scholarship exams — for the ACER Co-op Test.
- 5 key benefits of private tutoring — for supplementing private-school work.
- The ideal time to begin tutoring — to get ahead of selective entry tests.
Bottom line
Adelaide has 16+ strong private schools across Anglican, Catholic, Methodist/Uniting, Lutheran, and non-denominational independent traditions. Senior fees range from A$13,000 to A$40,000, scholarships routinely cover 10–100% of tuition, and the choice of "best" depends on your child more than any league table. Visit each shortlisted school on a regular day, check the senior pathway and class sizes, and run the 8-point checklist above before applying.
Need help with the academic side? Our Adelaide tutors work with students at every Adelaide private school on Maths, English, Science, and SACE preparation — one-on-one, online, A$65 per hour, no contracts.
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Updated May 2026 with current fees, scholarship windows, and the 16 most-asked-about Adelaide private schools. Adelaide has one of the highest concentrations of private schools per capita of any Australian capital — around 40% of South Australian secondary students attend a non-government school (Association of Independent Schools SA). This guide answers the questions Adelaide parents actually ask: which schools are the best, what they cost, how to get in, and how to choose between Anglican, Catholic, and independent options for your child.
Quick answer
The most-recognised private schools in Adelaide are St Peter's College and Prince Alfred College (PAC) for boys; Wilderness School, Walford Anglican School for Girls, and Loreto College for girls; and Pembroke School, Saint Ignatius' College, Pulteney Grammar, Westminster, Scotch College Adelaide, Mercedes College, and Concordia College for co-ed.
Annual senior fees range from about A$13,000 to A$40,000. Anglican (St Peter's, Walford), Methodist/Uniting (PAC, Scotch), Catholic (Saint Ignatius', Loreto, Mercedes, St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra), Lutheran (Concordia), and non-denominational independent (Pembroke, Westminster, Pulteney, Wilderness) options are all available — and most schools offer scholarships and bursaries that reduce fees by 10–100%.
What are the best private schools in Adelaide?
The 16 Adelaide private schools below show up most often in parent shortlists, MySchool comparisons, and SACE/IB results tables. Each entry summarises the school type, fees, standout strengths, and the year levels covered. Sources: each school's published fee schedule and prospectus, the MySchool profile, and the Association of Independent Schools SA (AISSA) directory.
1. St Peter's College
Anglican boys (Reception–Year 12), Hackney. Founded 1847 — one of the oldest schools in Australia. Strong academic results, broad sport program (the historic Intercol rivalry with PAC), SACE Stage 2 with consistent top-band performance. Fees around A$36,000 in Year 12.
2. Prince Alfred College (PAC)
Methodist/Uniting boys (Reception–Year 12), Kent Town. Founded 1869. Offers both SACE Stage 2 and the IB Diploma, so families can choose the pathway that fits the student. Renowned for cricket, rowing, and the annual PAC vs St Peter's Intercol week. Fees around A$34,000 in Year 12.
3. Saint Ignatius' College
Jesuit Catholic co-ed (Reception–Year 12), split between Norwood (Junior) and Athelstone (Senior). Strong reputation for pastoral care and social-justice formation, plus consistently competitive SACE results. Fees around A$28,000 in Year 12 — one of the more affordable options in the prestige tier.
4. Pulteney Grammar School
Independent non-denominational co-ed (Reception–Year 12), South Terrace. Founded 1847. Smaller cohort (~830 students) means tight teacher-to-student ratios. Offers SACE Stage 2 with strong creative-arts and outdoor-education programs. Fees around A$30,000 in Year 12.
5. Pembroke School
Independent co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Kensington Park. Offers both SACE and IB Diploma, with one of Adelaide's strongest IB cohorts. Known for academic flexibility, music, and rowing. Fees around A$32,000 in Year 12.
6. Wilderness School
Independent girls (Reception–Year 12), Walkerville. Founded 1884. Consistently among the top SACE-result schools in South Australia, with strong humanities and STEM programs. Fees around A$33,000 in Year 12.
7. Walford Anglican School for Girls
Anglican girls (Early Learning–Year 12), Hyde Park. Smaller cohort (~600 students) and individual learning plans for senior students. Strong arts and debating programs. Fees around A$28,000 in Year 12.
8. Loreto College
Catholic girls (Reception–Year 12), Marryatville. Run by the Loreto Sisters. Strong humanities, languages, and a long social-justice tradition. Fees around A$22,000 in Year 12 — one of the most affordable girls' options.
9. Mercedes College
Catholic Mercy co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Springfield. Authorised IB World School at all three levels (Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma) — unusual in Adelaide. Fees around A$23,000 in Year 12.
10. St Aloysius College
Catholic Mercy girls (Reception–Year 12), Adelaide CBD. City location appeals to families who already commute to the CBD. Strong music and visual-arts programs. Fees around A$13,500 in Year 12 — one of the most affordable named private schools.
11. St Michael's College
Catholic Lasallian (boys to Year 12, co-ed Junior School), Beverley + Henley Beach. Large cohort (~1,800 students). Solid SACE results and a strong sport program. Fees around A$13,000 in Year 12.
12. Cabra Dominican College
Catholic Dominican co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Cumberland Park. Long-standing inclusive enrolment policy. Strong music and drama. Fees around A$15,500 in Year 12.
13. Concordia College
Lutheran co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Highgate + Magill. SACE Stage 2 with German-language tradition (the Adelaide Hills Barossa Lutheran network). Fees around A$22,000 in Year 12.
14. Westminster School
Independent non-denominational co-ed (Early Learning–Year 12), Marion. Large campus, strong sport and outdoor-education programs, SACE Stage 2 with consistent results. Fees around A$31,000 in Year 12.
15. Scotch College Adelaide
Uniting Church co-ed (Reception–Year 12), Mitcham. Boarding option available. Strong sport, music, and an established International Student program. Fees around A$30,000 in Year 12.
16. Annesley Junior School
Co-ed primary only (Early Learning–Year 6), Wayville. Strongly regarded for early years through to upper primary; many graduates feed into Walford, Wilderness, and Pembroke. Fees around A$15,000 in Year 6.
How much do Adelaide private schools cost in 2026?
Annual fees for Adelaide private schools in 2026 range from about A$13,000 to A$40,000 for Year 12, with primary years typically 30–50% lower. The fee table below summarises the 16 schools above using each school's most recent published Year 12 schedule. Most schools also charge a one-off enrolment confirmation fee (A$1,000–A$3,000), an annual building levy (A$500–A$1,500), and additional charges for textbooks, technology, camps, and senior-year SACE/IB exam fees.
| School | Type | Approx. Year 12 fees (2026, A$/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| St Peter's College | Anglican boys | ~$36,000 |
| Prince Alfred College (PAC) | Methodist/Uniting boys | ~$34,000 |
| Saint Ignatius' College | Jesuit Catholic co-ed | ~$28,000 |
| Pulteney Grammar | Independent co-ed | ~$30,000 |
| Pembroke School | Independent co-ed (IB + SACE) | ~$32,000 |
| Wilderness School | Independent girls | ~$33,000 |
| Walford Anglican School for Girls | Anglican girls | ~$28,000 |
| Loreto College | Catholic girls | ~$22,000 |
| Mercedes College | Catholic co-ed (IB) | ~$23,000 |
| Cabra Dominican College | Catholic co-ed | ~$15,500 |
| St Aloysius College | Catholic girls (Mercy) | ~$13,500 |
| St Michael's College | Catholic co-ed | ~$13,000 |
| Concordia College | Lutheran co-ed | ~$22,000 |
| Westminster School | Independent co-ed | ~$31,000 |
| Scotch College Adelaide | Uniting co-ed | ~$30,000 |
| Annesley Junior School | Co-ed (junior only) | ~$15,000 (Year 6) |
Anglican and Methodist/Uniting boys' schools (St Peter's, PAC) and the larger non-denominational independents (Pembroke, Westminster) sit at the top of the fee range. Catholic systemic schools (St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra) are the most affordable, often less than half the fees of the top-tier schools.
What is the best private school in Adelaide?
There is no single "best" private school in Adelaide — the right answer depends on your child. For academic results across SACE and the IB, St Peter's College, Wilderness School, and Pembroke School consistently appear at the top of South Australian league tables. For all-round development with strong sport and a long heritage, Prince Alfred College and St Peter's College dominate boys' shortlists, and Wilderness, Walford, and Loreto dominate girls'. For value (results-per-dollar), Saint Ignatius' College and Loreto College often rank highest because they deliver competitive SACE outcomes at meaningfully lower fees.
The "best" Adelaide private school is the one whose values, teaching style, and community fit your child — not the one with the highest fees or oldest crest.
Use the six-step school-choice framework to translate "best" into "best for your child" — it covers values, learning style, peer environment, and pastoral care alongside results.
How do I get into St Peter's College or Prince Alfred College?
Entry into Adelaide's most-applied-to private schools — St Peter's, PAC, Saint Ignatius', Pembroke, Pulteney, Wilderness — is competitive at three main entry points: Reception, Year 7, and Year 10. The standard process is:
- Register interest early. Most schools open registrations from birth or as soon as you decide to consider them. St Peter's and PAC commonly have waiting lists 5+ years ahead for Year 7 entry.
- Attend an open day or campus tour. Open days run twice a year (Term 1 and Term 3). Tours are by appointment year-round.
- Submit the formal application. Application packs include school reports from the previous two years, a NAPLAN summary if relevant, references from a current teacher and a non-family adult, and a parent statement.
- Sit any required entrance test. Most schools require an academic test (Year 7 entry typically uses the AAS or school-administered Maths/English assessments). Scholarship applicants sit the ACER Co-operative Scholarship Test.
- Interview. Senior staff interview the child and parents, usually 30–45 minutes.
- Receive an offer and confirm. Offers come 6–18 months before the entry year. Confirmation requires payment of a non-refundable enrolment fee.
If your child sits an entrance test or scholarship exam, structured preparation makes a measurable difference. This guide on scholarship-exam preparation covers timing, content, and practice strategy. A short block of one-on-one tutoring with an Adelaide tutor in the lead-up is the single most common preparation strategy among accepted families.
What scholarships do Adelaide private schools offer?
Most Adelaide private schools offer four main scholarship categories, plus means-tested bursaries for families who can't meet full fees:
- Academic scholarships — based on the ACER Co-operative Scholarship Test plus reports and interview. Typically cover 10–50% of tuition. Most-applied-for category.
- Music scholarships — based on a live audition (one or two instruments + voice if applicable), plus a music teacher reference. Cover 10–100% of tuition.
- All-rounder / general excellence scholarships — combining academic, sport, leadership, and community involvement.
- Sport scholarships — strongest at PAC, St Peter's, Pembroke, and Westminster for boys; Wilderness, Walford, and Pembroke for girls. Specific to one or more named sports.
- Bursaries — means-tested, confidential, available at most schools to families demonstrating financial need. Cover up to 100% of tuition in hardship cases.
About one in three Adelaide private schools offer academic, music, all-rounder, or means-tested scholarships covering 10–100% of tuition — most close applications in Term 1 of Year 5 for Year 7 entry.
Application windows close in Term 1 of Year 5 (for Year 7 entry the following year), and again in Term 1 of Year 8 for senior-school entry. St Peter's, PAC, Wilderness, Pembroke, Saint Ignatius', and Mercedes are among the schools using ACER's Co-operative test, which means a single sitting can be considered by multiple schools.
Are boys, girls, or co-ed schools better in Adelaide?
Adelaide has strong single-sex and co-educational options, and the research on outcomes is genuinely mixed. The choice usually comes down to fit — your child's temperament, friendship patterns, and learning style — rather than a definitive ranking.
Single-sex boys' schools in Adelaide — St Peter's College and Prince Alfred College — are often chosen by families who value long heritage, strong sport program (the PAC/St Peter's Intercol week is one of Australia's oldest school traditions), and a tightly-bonded cohort.
Single-sex girls' schools — Wilderness, Walford, Loreto, St Aloysius — are often chosen for the consistently strong academic results and the absence of gender dynamics that some families feel hold girls back in mixed STEM and leadership settings. Wilderness in particular has one of the strongest senior-girls academic profiles in South Australia.
Co-educational schools — Pembroke, Saint Ignatius', Pulteney, Westminster, Scotch, Mercedes, Concordia, Cabra, St Michael's — are often chosen by families who want everyday social mixing to mirror the world after school, or who prefer one school for siblings of different genders. Pembroke and Mercedes additionally offer the IB Diploma alongside SACE.
What's the difference between Anglican, Catholic, and independent schools in Adelaide?
Adelaide private schools fall into four main groupings, and the differences shape culture more than curriculum (all schools follow the Australian Curriculum and SACE; some add IB).
Anglican schools (St Peter's, Walford, St Andrew's) hold weekly chapel services and follow Anglican religious-education curriculum. Tradition is visible in school uniforms, founder's-day services, and the year calendar. Open enrolment to families of all faiths.
Catholic schools divide into two streams. Systemic Catholic schools (St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra Dominican, Mercedes, Loreto) sit under Catholic Education SA and are generally most affordable. Independent Catholic schools (Saint Ignatius' College, Rostrevor) operate independently with their own boards. Both follow Catholic religious education and have weekly Mass; non-Catholic families are welcome but may be charged a higher fee tier.
Other Christian denominations: Methodist/Uniting (PAC, Scotch College Adelaide), Lutheran (Concordia). Religious observance is generally lighter than in Anglican or Catholic schools, with weekly chapel rather than daily.
Non-denominational independent schools (Pembroke, Westminster, Pulteney, Wilderness, Annesley) have no formal religious affiliation and run secular ethics programs instead. These schools typically have the broadest religious diversity in their student body.
Are Adelaide private school fees worth it?
"Worth it" depends on what you're paying for. Three honest framings:
Academic results. The top Adelaide private schools (St Peter's, Wilderness, Pembroke, PAC, Saint Ignatius') do produce consistently strong SACE Stage 2 and IB Diploma results. But strong public schools — Glenunga International, Adelaide High, Marryatville High, Brighton Secondary — produce comparable senior outcomes at no cost. If results alone matter, public is competitive.
Class size and pastoral care. This is where the spend most clearly shows. Adelaide private schools typically have 18–22 students per senior class versus 26–30 in many public schools, plus more dedicated counselling, careers, and student-wellbeing staff. For a child who needs more attention or struggles with anxiety, the smaller cohort often matters more than the league-table position.
Network and tradition. Old Scholars networks (the PAC Old Reds, the Saints OC, the Wilderness Old Scholars) are real — they shape mentoring, internships, and friendships for decades. Whether you value that depends on your family's view of long-term social capital.
If fees are a stretch, two patterns are common. Many Adelaide families choose state primary then private secondary (saving 7 years of fees), entering at Year 7 or Year 10. Others combine a more affordable private school (St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra, Concordia, Loreto) with targeted private tutoring in Adelaide at A$65/hr, spending under A$3,000/year on supplementary one-on-one teaching to lift results — usually a fraction of the fee gap.
What should I check before applying to an Adelaide private school?
Run through this 8-point checklist for each school on your shortlist before submitting an application:
- Visit on a regular school day, not just open day. Open day is curated; a regular Tuesday morning shows the real culture. Most schools accept tour-by-appointment requests.
- Read the most recent annual report and ICSEA-adjusted MySchool data. Cross-check against published SACE/IB results to see how the school adds value above intake.
- Check the senior-secondary pathway. SACE only? IB only? Both? Vocational? Pembroke, PAC, and Mercedes offer both SACE and IB; most schools offer SACE only.
- Ask about class sizes by year level. Senior-cohort class sizes matter most for SACE results — aim for 18–22 in core subjects.
- Check the bursary and scholarship policy in writing. Some schools allow scholarships and bursaries to combine; others don't.
- Review the 3-year fee trend. Adelaide private school fees have risen 4–7% per year over the past five years. Project the total to Year 12.
- Speak to two current families per school. Front-office staff or the Old Scholars' network can connect you. Ask specifically about pastoral response when something has gone wrong.
- Match values explicitly. Religious observance, discipline policy, phone policy, uniform policy, and academic expectations — are these aligned with how your family operates?
What are the disadvantages of private schools in Adelaide?
Three honest tradeoffs that come with Adelaide private-school enrolment:
Cost. A$13,000–A$40,000 per year, every year. For a child starting Year 7 in 2026 and finishing Year 12 in 2031, cumulative fees range from A$80,000 (most affordable Catholic systemic) to A$260,000+ (top tier), before extras. Fee inflation has averaged 4–7% per year, so projections for younger children should account for that.
Commute. Many of the most-applied-for schools cluster on the Eastern fringe of the CBD (Hackney, Kent Town, Walkerville, Marryatville, Hyde Park) or Mitcham/Marion in the South. For families in the Northern or Southern outer suburbs, daily commute can be 45–60 minutes each way.
Social environment fit. The cultures of long-established schools are real, and not every child thrives in them. Heritage schools have stronger expectations around uniform, deportment, and tradition than most public schools. For some children that's the structure they need; for others it's a poor fit.
Related Tutero guides for Adelaide families
- How to find the best tutor in Adelaide — for choosing a tutor once school is decided.
- Choosing the right school in 6 steps — the framework to apply across your shortlist.
- 4 reasons to change your child's school — if a current placement isn't working.
- How to prepare for scholarship exams — for the ACER Co-op Test.
- 5 key benefits of private tutoring — for supplementing private-school work.
- The ideal time to begin tutoring — to get ahead of selective entry tests.
Bottom line
Adelaide has 16+ strong private schools across Anglican, Catholic, Methodist/Uniting, Lutheran, and non-denominational independent traditions. Senior fees range from A$13,000 to A$40,000, scholarships routinely cover 10–100% of tuition, and the choice of "best" depends on your child more than any league table. Visit each shortlisted school on a regular day, check the senior pathway and class sizes, and run the 8-point checklist above before applying.
Need help with the academic side? Our Adelaide tutors work with students at every Adelaide private school on Maths, English, Science, and SACE preparation — one-on-one, online, A$65 per hour, no contracts.
The most-recognised private schools in Adelaide include St Peter's College, Prince Alfred College (PAC), Saint Ignatius' College, Pembroke School, Wilderness School, Walford Anglican School for Girls, Loreto College, Pulteney Grammar, Westminster, Scotch College Adelaide, Mercedes College, Concordia College, St Aloysius College, St Michael's College, Cabra Dominican College, and Annesley Junior School. The right "best" depends on your child — fit, learning style, and family values matter as much as league-table position.
Annual senior fees for Adelaide private schools in 2026 range from about A$13,000 (St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra) to A$40,000 (top-tier Anglican and independent boys'). Most named private schools sit in the A$22,000–A$36,000 band. Add a one-off enrolment fee, building levy, and extras for camps, technology, and senior exam fees. Fees have grown 4–7% annually over the past five years.
Register interest as early as possible (waiting lists run 5+ years for Year 7), attend an open day or campus tour, submit a formal application with school reports and references, sit any required entrance test, and complete a parent + child interview. Offers come 6–18 months before the entry year. Scholarship applicants sit the ACER Co-operative Test in Term 1 of Year 5 for Year 7 entry.
Most Adelaide private schools offer academic, music, all-rounder, and sport scholarships, plus means-tested bursaries. Scholarships typically cover 10–100% of tuition. Academic scholarships are based on the ACER Co-operative Scholarship Test plus reports and interview. Application windows close in Term 1 of Year 5 for Year 7 entry, and Term 1 of Year 8 for senior entry.
It depends on what you value. Strong public schools (Glenunga International, Adelaide High, Marryatville High) produce comparable senior results at no cost. Adelaide private schools mainly buy smaller class sizes (18–22 vs 26–30 senior), more pastoral care, and access to long-standing Old Scholar networks. For families seeking these specifically, fees are often justified; for families chasing only academic results, public can be competitive.
Anglican schools (St Peter's, Walford) hold weekly chapel and tend toward heritage tradition. Catholic schools split into systemic (St Aloysius, St Michael's, Cabra, Mercedes, Loreto) — generally most affordable — and independent Catholic (Saint Ignatius'). Non-denominational independents (Pembroke, Westminster, Wilderness, Pulteney) have no religious requirement and the broadest religious diversity. The denomination matters mostly for school culture, not curriculum — all schools follow the Australian Curriculum and SACE.
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