Education in South Australia

It helps to understand how schooling works in South Australia. 
There are three sectors - Catholic schools, Independent schools and Government schools.

In South Australia, primary schooling begins at Reception level with completion at secondary school being in years 12 and 13.

• Preschool: In South Australia, preschools are also known as kindergartens.  Qualified teachers support children's development in eight preschools within the Catholic system.
• Early Learning Centres: some schools offer Early Learning Centres with qualified staff providing a preschool learning environment.  These cater for children from three years to school age supporting families with their child's development and faith formation.  As fully licensed child care centres, they are able to provide affordable access to families.
• Early Childhood Centres: within the Catholic Education system, there are three Early Childhood Centres meeting the needs of children from six months to six years, and their families.  These centres include playgroups, preschool and child care and long-day child care.
• Boarding Schools: we have five boarding schools that accommodate for families living in regional and remote South Australia.
• Technical Colleges: our three Technical Colleges offer unique trade-focussed SACE courses and students receive mentoring and support from industry-experienced teachers and trainers.
• Special needs: qualified and skilled staff provide a range of schooling options to support students with disabilities and their families.

You might like to take the opportunity to use our Find A School function to consider aspects of a location that suits your families, the tradition or charism of the school, fees structures (which you can find from the school’s own web site).

Once you’ve located a school in the area you have an interest in, then you can approach the school individually or seek further assistance from the Catholic Education Office. 

The South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools (SACCS) has oversight of education in all Catholic schools and sets directions, allocates resources and develops policies for Catholic schools in South Australia.

The Commission and its four Standing Committees are supported by a number of permanent committees and working parties. Catholic Education SA through its schools, colleges and centres, implements SACCS’ decisions and policies.

Visit the Annual Report website 2023.