Education and Schools in Adelaide

If you’re moving to Adelaide, you’ll find plenty of high-quality public and private schools to choose from. The compulsory school-going age is from 6 to 16, although most children attend school beyond the compulsory years.

If you want your child to study at an international school in Adelaide, be aware that your choices will be limited. It’s a good idea to start the application process as early as possible.

Public schools in Adelaide

Your children will attend public schools in Adelaide based on your designated school zone or catchment area, which is determined by your residential address. English is the language of instruction in government schools in Australia, but some schools offer bilingual programmes where teaching is conducted in English alongside another language, such as French, Chinese, Italian, or Japanese.

Government schooling is free for permanent Australian residents, but if you hold a temporary visa, you’ll need to pay a flat fee to attend.

Education and Schools in Australia
Visas for Australia

Useful links

• School Zoning Information
• South Australian Department for Education

Private and independent schools in Adelaide

If you’re a temporary visa holder and are paying school fees anyway, you might consider sending your child to an independent or Catholic school. Although Catholic schools are private, they’re funded by a combination of donations and state funding, making their fees often more reasonable than independent schools.

On the other hand, independent schools aren’t religiously affiliated and may have unique educational philosophies. There are plenty of independent schools, but they can be quite costly, especially when factoring in additional expenses such as textbooks, field trips, and uniforms.

Useful links

• Find a Catholic School
• Association of Independent Schools of South Australia

International schools in Adelaide

International schools in Adelaide offer a strong option if you’re seeking a globally recognised education for your child. Most of these schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, which is well-regarded for its emphasis on critical thinking and intercultural understanding.

Fees at international schools in Adelaide are more affordable than those in Sydney or Melbourne, making Adelaide an attractive option for families considering international education. That said, these fees can be steep, and you should also budget for extra expenses like uniforms, school trips, and extracurricular activities.

Demand for places at international schools is generally high, with longer waiting lists for more established schools. Some schools have specific entry requirements, including language proficiency tests, interviews, and submission of previous school records, so it’s essential to check with the individual institutions for detailed information.

Useful links

• IB Schools in Australasia
• Study Adelaide

Special-needs education in Adelaide

Special-needs education in Adelaide is focused on ensuring that your child’s educational experience is as inclusive and supportive as possible. Mainstream schools provide a range of internal interventions to help integrate children with special needs.

If your child requires additional support, obtaining an Individual Education Plan (IEP) can be the best way forward. To get an IEP, start by consulting with your child’s teachers to identify specific needs, arrange a meeting with the school’s Student Support Group, and gather documentation, such as specialist assessments. Once in place, the IEP will be regularly reviewed to monitor your child’s progress and make necessary adjustments.

Government initiatives such as the Programme for Students with Disabilities (PSD) offer additional funding for schools to support students who have special educational needs. It’s worth inquiring about available grants and assistance from your local education office to ensure your child gets the required help.

Tutors in Adelaide

Adelaide offers a broad spectrum of tutoring options, from specialised subject tutoring in areas like maths or science to programmes covering multiple subjects. Whether your child is adapting to a new curriculum, needs help with a particular subject, or is preparing for university entrance exams, tutoring can provide the necessary boost.

Top tutoring companies for university preparation include Tutors SA, High Performance Learning, and Kip McGrath Education Centres. Many tutoring centres offer programmes specifically aimed at helping expat children adjust to the Australian schooling system. These include cultural orientation sessions and language support to help improve English proficiency.

Useful links

• Tutors SA
• Kip McGrath Education Centres
• High Performance Learning