Best Private Schools in Adelaide, Australia - June 2026

Australia / South Australia / Adelaide
Discover the top-rated private schools in Adelaide, known for their academic excellence, comprehensive extracurricular programs, and supportive learning environments. Find the ideal educational institution to ensure your child's future success in 2026.
1

St Peter's College

Australia, Adelaide
4.9

Prestigious Anglican boys' school offering IB and SACE programs.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1847
  • Employees: 200-500
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +61 8 8404 0400
  • Email: enquiries@stpeters.sa.edu.au

About the Company

St Peter's College provides an elite educational environment, focusing on academic excellence, leadership, and character development. Its extensive curriculum and world-class sporting facilities make it a top choice for families seeking holistic growth for their sons.

Pros

  • Outstanding academic results
  • Elite sporting facilities

Cons

  • High tuition fees
  • Large campus can be overwhelming
2

Walford Anglican School for Girls

Australia, Adelaide
4.8

Leading girls' school known for academic rigor and IB excellence.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1893
  • Employees: 150-300
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +61 8 8272 6555
  • Email: office@walford.asn.au

About the Company

Walford is renowned for its empowering environment for young women. With a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning and the International Baccalaureate program, the school consistently achieves high academic standards in a supportive community.

Pros

  • Strong academic focus
  • Excellent IB results

Cons

  • Limited co-educational opportunities
  • Competitive atmosphere
3

Prince Alfred College

Australia, Adelaide
4.7

Prominent boys' school offering a diverse and high-quality education.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1867
  • Employees: 200-500
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +61 8 8334 1200
  • Email: pac@pac.edu.au

About the Company

Prince Alfred College fosters a culture of excellence in academics, arts, and sports. With a focus on modern pedagogy and traditional values, the school prepares students for global challenges through a well-rounded and deeply engaging curriculum.

Pros

  • Great community culture
  • Strong alumni network

Cons

  • Campus traffic during drop-offs
  • Expensive uniform costs
4

Pembroke School

Australia, Adelaide
4.9

A prestigious co-educational school with a global outlook.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1974
  • Employees: 300-600
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +61 8 8366 6200
  • Email: school@pembroke.sa.edu.au

About the Company

Pembroke School is widely recognized for its inclusive and innovative co-educational environment. It emphasizes individual student development through a broad range of curricular and co-curricular programs, encouraging a love for lifelong learning.

Pros

  • Excellent co-ed environment
  • Diverse extracurriculars

Cons

  • Waitlist can be long
  • High demand for entry
5

Seymour College

Australia, Adelaide
4.6

Leading girls' school offering a focus on leadership and innovation.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1922
  • Employees: 200-400
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +61 8 8303 9000
  • Email: info@seymour.sa.edu.au

About the Company

Seymour College empowers girls through a personalized learning approach and a focus on resilience. The school offers both SACE and IB pathways, ensuring students are well-prepared for university success in a nurturing environment.

Pros

  • Supportive faculty
  • Modern teaching methods

Cons

  • Extensive school activities
  • Strict uniform policy
6

Scotch College Adelaide

Australia, Adelaide
4.5

Dynamic co-educational school with strong community spirit.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1919
  • Employees: 200-450
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +61 8 8274 4333
  • Email: admissions@scotch.sa.edu.au

About the Company

Scotch College offers an innovative, values-based education. Known for its 'Torrens Park' campus and high-quality boarding facilities, the school focuses on creating well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact on society.

Pros

  • Vibrant campus life
  • Strong boarding program

Cons

  • Location is far from city
  • High tuition
7

Wilderness School

Australia, Adelaide
5.0

Renowned girls' school with a history of academic excellence.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1884
  • Employees: 150-350
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +61 8 8344 6688
  • Email: school@wilderness.com.au

About the Company

Wilderness School fosters a culture of excellence for girls, emphasizing individual potential and a sense of service. Known for top-tier SACE results, the school provides a rigorous academic curriculum supported by a compassionate and close-knit community.

Pros

  • Consistent academic success
  • Strong sense of community

Cons

  • Highly competitive entry
  • Limited intake spots
8

Mercedes College

Australia, Adelaide
4.6

Catholic co-educational school known for its IB focus.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1954
  • Employees: 150-300
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +61 8 8372 3200
  • Email: mercedes@mercedes.catholic.edu.au

About the Company

Mercedes College provides a holistic Catholic education centered on the IB program. The school encourages a commitment to social justice and service, developing compassionate, globally-minded graduates within a faith-based community.

Pros

  • Strong values-based education
  • Excellent IB authorization

Cons

  • Religious instruction focus
  • School uniforms
9

Rostrevor College

Australia, Adelaide
4.5

Catholic boys' school focused on character and traditional values.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1923
  • Employees: 150-250
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +61 8 8364 8200
  • Email: rostrevor@rostrevor.sa.edu.au

About the Company

Rostrevor College offers a comprehensive education for boys in the Catholic tradition. With a focus on character, leadership, and athletic development, the school prepares students to lead with integrity and purpose in their adult lives.

Pros

  • Extensive sporting programs
  • Affordable for private

Cons

  • Traditional academic focus
  • Single-sex environment
10

St Ignatius College

Australia, Adelaide
4.7

Ignatian school emphasizing faith, social justice, and scholarship.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1951
  • Employees: 200-400
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +61 8 8334 9300
  • Email: info@ignatius.sa.edu.au

About the Company

St Ignatius College offers a rigorous education based on Jesuit values. The school fosters curiosity and reflection, encouraging students to become men and women for others, emphasizing high-level intellectual engagement and service to the community.

Pros

  • Strong moral framework
  • Excellent academic rigor

Cons

  • Distance from city center
  • Strict religious curriculum
11

Annesley Junior School

Australia, Adelaide
4.8

Specialized primary education in a highly nurturing environment.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1902
  • Employees: 50-150
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +61 8 8373 1761
  • Email: admin@annesley.sa.edu.au

About the Company

Annesley Junior School provides a warm, inquiry-based environment for primary-aged children. Its focus on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme ensures a deep, conceptual understanding that prepares children for future success.

Pros

  • Excellent early childhood
  • Small class sizes

Cons

  • Only primary school
  • Limited campus size
12

St Peter's Girls' School

Australia, Adelaide
4.9

Prestigious school with a strong focus on student wellbeing.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1894
  • Employees: 200-400
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +61 8 8334 2222
  • Email: office@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

About the Company

St Peter's Girls provides an exceptional educational experience for girls from ELC to Year 12. With a heavy focus on the 'Saints Girls' wellbeing program, the school ensures every student is supported as they strive for personal and academic excellence.

Pros

  • Focus on wellbeing
  • High academic performance

Cons

  • Demand is very high
  • Limited extracurricular variety
13

Trinity College

Australia, Adelaide
4.5

Large, multi-campus school offering accessible private education.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1984
  • Employees: 400-800
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +61 8 8522 0666
  • Email: enquiries@trinity.sa.edu.au

About the Company

Trinity College provides a high-quality, inclusive education across several campuses in the north of Adelaide. The school offers a diverse range of subjects and co-curricular opportunities, making it a popular choice for many families.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Multi-campus convenience

Cons

  • Large student body
  • Less individual attention
14

Loreto College

Australia, Adelaide
4.6

Catholic girls' school focused on academic growth and community.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1905
  • Employees: 150-300
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +61 8 8334 4200
  • Email: info@loreto.sa.edu.au

About the Company

Loreto College inspires young women to be confident, compassionate, and capable leaders. The school provides a vibrant learning environment with strong academic programs and a supportive community rooted in the Loreto tradition.

Pros

  • Empowering environment
  • Strong sense of sisterhood

Cons

  • Strict behavioral codes
  • High competition
15

Glenunga International High School

Australia, Adelaide
4.8

Highly regarded public-private hybrid known for IB excellence.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1989
  • Employees: 200-400
  • Price Range: $
  • Phone: +61 8 8207 3733
  • Email: gihs@gihs.sa.edu.au

About the Company

Though a government school, its world-class IB program makes it a top-tier competitor for private schools. With a multicultural student body and exceptional academic results, it is a premier choice for high-achieving students.

Pros

  • World-class IB program
  • High cultural diversity

Cons

  • Highly zoned enrollment
  • Large school population

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What are the benefits of private schools in Adelaide?
Private schools in Adelaide offer smaller class sizes, advanced facilities, and a diverse range of extracurricular activities that foster holistic development.

How do I choose the best private school for my child?
Consider factors such as academic performance, tuition fees, religious affiliation, school culture, and proximity to your home.

Are private schools in Adelaide expensive?
Tuition fees vary significantly between schools; it is recommended to check individual school websites for the 2026 fee structure and scholarship opportunities.

Do private schools in Adelaide offer boarding?
Yes, several prestigious private schools in Adelaide provide boarding facilities for both local and international students.

When should I apply for private schools in Adelaide?
It is advised to apply at least 1-2 years in advance as many popular schools have long waiting lists.

Are there international school options in Adelaide?
Yes, many private schools cater to international students and offer support services for those relocating to Australia.