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Concordia College

Australia, Adelaide

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$0 - 31,330
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1375
Type Co-educational
Opened 1890
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Taught languages German, Mandarin
Typical class size 22
Strengths STEM, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Concordia College is an independent, co-educational IB World School in Adelaide, Australia, serving students from early learning to Year 12 across campuses. The college offers the IB Primary Years Programme for ELC to Year 6 and the IB Middle Years Programme for Years 7 to 10, with Year 11 and 12 housed on the Concordia Campus in Highgate. The campuses include St John's Campus Highgate (ELC–Year 6), Concordia Campus Highgate (Year 7–12), and St Peters Campus Blackwood (ELC–Year 6). Facilities include Nautilus Centre for Art and STEM, the Design and Technology Centre with 3D printers and laser cutters, a high-definition Concordia Media Studio, and modern libraries and study spaces. The school emphasizes service learning, leadership, and music, with around 30 instrumental groups and opportunities for overseas tours. German starts in early years, followed by German or Chinese from Year 7, and lunchtime clubs and house activities support wellbeing and community.

The Essentials

Concordia College has 1,375 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
Concordia College operates across three campuses in Adelaide, South Australia. The St John's Campus (ELC–Year 6) and the Concordia Campus (Year 7–Year 12) are located in Highgate, about 5 km from the Adelaide CBD in a leafy eastern suburb. The St Peters Campus (ELC–Year 6) is in Blackwood, in the foothills. A bus service links nearby suburbs with routes from Aberfoyle Park, Eden Hills, Edwardstown, Golden Grove, Melrose Park, Enfield and Windsor Gardens, with Adelaide Metro services to the Adelaide Hills.

Stages
ELC to Year 12. Primary School covers Reception to Year 6; Middle School covers Years 7 to 10; Senior School covers Years 11 and 12. St John's Campus – Highgate houses ELC to Year 6; Concordia Campus – Highgate houses Year 7 to Year 12; St Peters Campus – Blackwood houses ELC to Year 6.

Type
Independent, co-educational school and an International Baccalaureate World School.

Additional learning support
Specialised Support provides counselling and pastoral care, with wellbeing at the center of the approach. Support begins with manageable class sizes, and a team of counsellors across campuses including Primary School Counsellors, a Middle School Counsellor, a Senior School Counsellor, and a College Chaplain.

Country affiliation
Australia

Religious affiliation
Lutheran

Bus service
Bus Service: Our bus service runs from Aberfoyle Park, Eden Hills, Edwardstown, Golden Grove, Melrose Park, Enfield and Windsor Gardens, with Adelaide Metro services via the South Eastern Freeway to the Adelaide Hills. Contact the Finance Department for latest updates.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Homestay arranged through Happy Homestay Adelaide.

Uniform Requirement
Summer, winter and sports uniforms are used; winter uniform is compulsory from the start of Term 2 for all students (ELC-Year 12).

Food Options
CC Cafe (canteen) operates on campus; online ordering via Qkr! (Mastercard) for lunches and drinks.

House System
The school has a four-house system: Cheltenham (green), Highgate (navy), Malvern (yellow) and Winchester (red). Inter-House sporting events and leadership roles are part of the program, with two Year 12 captains and two deputies per house.

Governance and Ownership
The Concordia College Board governs the school, administering and controlling the school and managing its assets; board committees include Education, Finance, Gender Equity, Governance, Ministry, Old Concordians' Association, Policy, Risk and Compliance, and Property.
Fees

Annual tuition at Concordia College ranges from up to AUD 31,330 for 2026/27.

Application & enrolment charges
- Application fee: AUD 75 non-refundable (AUD 100 for multiple siblings).
- Enrolment deposit: AUD 1,200 non-refundable (applied to the first term tuition fees for ELC to Year 12).

Domestic tuition and compulsory annual charges (by campus and year group)
Note: per-term figures shown below are calculated by dividing the stated annual total tuition fee by four. Where a separate mid‑year intake figure is published, that mid‑year amount is shown alongside the full‑year figure. The published totals below include the Composite Fee, IT Levy and Building Fund Contribution where indicated.

- St John's Campus (Highgate) – Reception (full year): Tuition AUD 8,170; Composite Fee AUD 500; IT Levy AUD 425; Building Fund AUD 300. Total compulsory fees (per year) AUD 9,395. Per term (tuition only): AUD 2,042.50. Mid‑year (reception) pro rata figures published: tuition AUD 4,085; composite AUD 250; IT levy AUD 212.50; building fund AUD 150; total compulsory fees (mid‑year) AUD 4,697.50.

- St John's Campus (Highgate) – Years 1–6 (per year): Tuition AUD 8,170 for Years 1–3 and Years 4–5 and Year 6 (published per-year totals vary by composite fee); IT Levy AUD 425; Building Fund AUD 300. Example totals (per year): Year 1 total AUD 9,495; Year 3 total AUD 9,695; Years 4–5 total AUD 9,845; Year 6 total AUD 10,795. Per term (tuition only for standard Year levels): AUD 2,042.50.

- St Peters Campus (Blackwood) – Reception–Year 6 (per year): Published tuition and totals differ from St John's. Example published totals (per year): Reception total AUD 8,010 (Reception mid‑year AUD 4,005); Year 1 total AUD 8,060; Year 3 total AUD 8,160; Year 6 total AUD 8,160. Per term (tuition only where tuition shown as AUD 6,935): AUD 1,733.75.

- Concordia Campus (Highgate) – Years 7–12 (per year): Tuition AUD 17,100 for Years 7–10 and Years 11–12 (published composite and IT levy vary). Example published totals (per year): Year 7 total compulsory fees AUD 19,780; Years 8–10 total AUD 19,880; Years 11–12 total AUD 19,830. Per term (tuition only): AUD 4,275.

International student tuition (2026 international fee schedule) — annual and per‑term
- St John's Campus / St Peters Campus (Reception–Year 6): Tuition published AUD 18,900 (each year level). Total compulsory fees per year range (examples): Reception total AUD 20,125 (St John's) and AUD 19,975 (St Peters). Per term (tuition only): AUD 4,725 (calculated as annual tuition ÷ 4).
- Concordia Campus (Years 7–12) international tuition (per year): Years 7–10 tuition AUD 28,000; Years 11–12 tuition AUD 28,600. Example total compulsory fees per year: Year 7 total AUD 30,680; Year 11 total AUD 31,330. Per term (tuition only): AUD 7,000 (Years 7–10) and AUD 7,150 (Years 11–12) (computed as annual ÷ 4).

Composite fee, IT levy, Building Fund and other compulsory items
- Composite Fee: covers most curriculum requirements (textbooks, diary/magazine, project materials, many co‑curricular activities, year‑level camps and excursions). Amounts vary by year group (examples in domestic schedules: AUD 500–AUD 1,900).
- IT Levy: includes provision of a fully serviced device, software and campus web access. Domestic examples: AUD 425 (primary) and AUD 780 (secondary).
- Building Fund Contribution: compulsory fee AUD 300 per student, up to a maximum of AUD 600 per family.

Other compulsory or regular charges
- Concordia Parents & Friends membership: AUD 40 per family (annual charge included on first term account).
- Old Concordians Association (OCA) membership: one‑off fee AUD 250 per student invoiced on the first fee account (Reception to Year 12).
- School bus (where applicable): Term pass AUD 320; Multitrip (20 trips) AUD 90; Single trip AUD 5.

Early Learning Centre (ELC) and OSHC (Out of School Hours Care) charges
- ELC (term program 7:30am–6:00pm): AUD 150 per day. Optional care during term breaks: AUD 150 per day. ELC attendance and accounts are managed through the Fully Booked system; ELC fees are paid fortnightly by direct debit via Ezidebit.
- OSHC session fees: Before School Care 7:30–8:30am AUD 20 (permanent) / AUD 22 (casual); After School Care to 6:00pm AUD 35 (permanent) / AUD 37 (casual); Vacation Care AUD 90 per day. OSHC enrolment fee: AUD 30 per child (one‑off). OSHC bookings and payments are managed through Fully Booked and Ezidebit.

Uniform and one‑off items (representative prices, February 2026 price list)
- Sample uniform prices (selected items): Girls summer dress AUD 110; Boys summer shorts AUD 52; Blazer AUD 224; Polo shirt AUD 56–60; Rugby jumper AUD 94; Backpack large AUD 102. Prices are published in the uniform price list (prices shown are as of February 2026).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment options published: (1) Annually in advance, payable by 30 November of the preceding year (3% discount on tuition fees when paid annually in advance); (2) 12 monthly direct debit/credit card instalments; (3) continuation of existing payment arrangements where applicable. Payment is due by the end of the month in which accounts are rendered; fees under agreed payment plans must be finalised by the end of October each year. The College may charge late payment fees and recovery costs and may terminate enrolment where fees are in arrears. One school term's written notice is required when withdrawing a student, otherwise an additional term's fees will be charged in lieu of notice.

Refund information (key points)
- Application fees and the published enrolment deposit are non‑refundable. For international students, refunds of unspent course fees are handled under the published refund policy; specific conditions apply for visa refusal, student default, provider default and timing of written notice. Examples from the published policy: if a visa is refused with documentary evidence, the school will refund unspent course fees minus the lesser of 5% of course fees received or AUD 500; if a student withdraws more than four weeks before course commencement a refund of unspent tuition fees will be made less the application fee; no refund is available where enrolment is cancelled for failure to meet visa conditions (progress, attendance, welfare) or failure to pay fees. Domestic withdrawal requires one school term's written notice or an additional term's fees will be charged in lieu of notice.

Boarding / accommodation
- The College does not operate on‑site boarding houses; homestay arrangements (through an established homestay provider) are used for international students requiring accommodation and welfare support. Boarding as an on‑campus option is not applicable.

Fee payment channels and practical payment details
- Online payments: SEQTA Engage is used for fee payments and other online payments; a QuickWeb Westpac payment option is also used for some transactions. Domestic recurring payment options include direct debit and credit card instalments; ELC and OSHC use Ezidebit (managed through Fully Booked for bookings). Statements include the payment options and bank details for the family account.

Other notes on regular charges
- Some co‑curricular excursions, special camps and optional activities are included in the Composite Fee; other optional activities or external charges (e.g., some tours, external exam fees for particular programs where applicable) may be invoiced separately. For international students there are additional published approximate costs such as homestay application/enrolment fees, Overseas Student Health Cover and agent fees where applicable.

(End of fees overview.)
Academics

Concordia College teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Early Learning Centre to Year 6 and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) from Year 7 to Year 10. Concordia Campus – Highgate hosts Year 7–12.

Exam Results
Year 12 results highlight strong outcomes: the top two ATARs are 99.65 and 99.15 (Michael Pope and Jacob Sutton). 15% of Year 12 students were in the top 5% nationally (ATAR above 95) and 30% were in the top 10% nationally (ATAR above 90). 100% of Year 12 students completed SACE. 75 A+ grades were awarded across 11 subjects (10.4% of all grades) and 71 students used Vocational Education and Training (VET) as part of their SACE.

Higher Education Progression
Senior School learning pathways include University Studies, with Year 12 students able to replace or supplement Stage 2 SACE subjects with university courses (recognised by the SACE Board and usable for SACE completion and ATAR). Pathways include Adelaide University Headstart, Flinders University Extension Studies, and other university/TAFE entry routes; alternative pathways through VET and University Studies are described in the handbook, with guidance on SATAC entry options.

Gifted and Talented
The College supports enrichment and extended learning for high-ability students through programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (Bronze) for SACE credit, STEM and other enrichment activities, ICAS and other competitions, and events like Gifted Awareness Week. There are after-school enrichment offerings such as the Young Engineers Club and a range of competitions (OzCLO, da Vinci Decathlon) and clubs that cater to gifted and talented students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing is fundamental to successful learning. Students who are happy, confident and able to establish meaningful relationships are better placed to achieve positive learning outcomes. Promoting wellbeing is a key strategic priority, with the Wellbeing Team working with a Psychology Researcher-in-Residence to develop an integrated, sequenced wellbeing framework from ELC to Year 12, and peer support through buddy programs and cross-year mentoring. SchoolTV provides resources to discuss and respond to wellbeing, and a Graduate Transition program supports students after leaving school.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Our specialised support places students' wellbeing at the centre of all we do. Teachers and our specialist counselling and ministry staff form a supportive network to care for students' emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing, with manageable class sizes that enable close attention to academic progress and wellbeing. The pastoral team includes Student Counsellors and a College Chaplain who provide a listening ear, guidance and support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language Support is provided by EAL teachers for students for whom English is not their family's first language, with assessment-based levels of support that may include structured EAL classes and/or one-to-one tutoring. A dedicated Bilingual Support Officer assists with cultural awareness, translation and interpreting when required. Entry requirements recognise English language proficiency with tests such as AEAS, IELTS, TOEFL (Junior) and PTE; students may be enrolled in an English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) prior to mainstream enrolment, and a Transition Program helps ready students for joining mainstream study.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a core focus across the College from ELC to Year 12, with coordinated supports and resources. The Wellbeing framework is research-based and integrated across year levels, supported by Peer Support, restorative practices, and SchoolTV resources addressing mental health topics; the program also includes a Graduate Transition component to support students after graduation.

Safeguarding
Concordia College maintains a Child Safe Policy and Child Safe Codes of Conduct, emphasising zero tolerance for harm and a child-centered culture. The policy outlines staff, volunteer and contractor responsibilities, ongoing training, reporting obligations, risk management, and processes for identifying, responding to and reporting concerns to protect the safety and wellbeing of students. A designated Child Safe Champion and regular governance reviews support ongoing compliance.
Parent Experience

History
Concordia College was established in 1890 in Murtoa, Victoria as a boys' college and training ground for future pastors and teachers. Fifteen years later, it moved to the present Year 7 to 12 campus in Highgate, Adelaide, about 5km southeast of the CBD. In 1952, St John's Lutheran Primary School opened on the adjacent site, and the college has maintained a long association with the St John's Lutheran Church congregation in Unley. In 2016, Concordia College and St John's Lutheran School joined together as one College, with around 1,300 students from ELC to Year 12. In 2023, St Peters Lutheran School, Blackwood, joined the College as a third campus for ELC to Year 6. The Heritage Trail opened in 2015 to commemorate the 125th anniversary, and the Heritage Centre preserves archived materials.

Community
Concordia Campus – Highgate hosts Year 7–Year 12, while St John's Campus – Highgate and St Peters Campus – Blackwood host ELC–Year 6. The College maintains a close association with St John's Lutheran Church in Unley and with St Peters Lutheran Church; St Peters joined the College in 2023. The Heritage Trail opened in 2015 and the Heritage Centre preserves archived materials for the community. Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) and Vacation Care are provided at St John's (Highgate) and St Peters (Blackwood) campuses, expanding care and activity options beyond the school day. The College hosts a range of events, including arts performances and competitions such as the college musical and awards like the Oliphant Science Awards (2025).

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Concordia Parents & Friends (P&F) is the body for all parents and carers of students at Concordia College, with staff represented by the Principal, the Director of Community Relations and/or other nominated representatives, and with Friends invited to participate. Its objectives are to uphold the College's Vision, Mission and Values; develop a sense of community among parents and friends; provide two-way communication between parents, friends and the school; coordinate social and educative activities; and raise funds for equipment not provided through school budgets. The Concordia P&F consists of all parents and carers; staff represented by the Principal and other nominated representatives; and Friends who support the objectives. The Annual General Meeting is held in Term 1 each year to elect officers, and meetings occur at least once per term; officers include President, Vice‑President, Secretary and Treasurer. Funds are held in a consolidated fund administered by the Finance Office, and are used to support approved projects and activities or ad hoc needs, under the P&F framework. The Concordia P&F operates under Concordia College and works with the Principal to engage the parent community and contribute to school goals.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Concordia College has Highgate and Blackwood campuses with tree-studded ovals and grounds for outdoor sport. The facilities are award-winning and contemporary, with heritage buildings integrated into modern learning spaces. Key facilities include the Nautilus Centre for Art and STEM and the Concordia Chapel. The Concordia Media Studio and a range of learning spaces, including libraries and design spaces, support creative and scholarly work. The St John's Campus hosts Wirrkuta Trruku Activity Hall for PE and events, while Murtoa Building and the Atrium provide flexible spaces for Middle to Senior School study.

Sports Facilities
Tree-studded ovals and grounds support outdoor sport across campuses. Wirrkuta Trruku Activity Hall on St John's Campus provides indoor space for physical education and assemblies. Outdoor play spaces and the general grounds further support sports and recreation. The campuses accommodate a range of sport-related activities through their open spaces and PE facilities.

Academic Facilities
The Nautilus Centre offers leading-edge facilities for Art and STEM. The Design and Technology Centre is equipped with 3D printers and laser cutters to support cross-curricular projects. The Concordia Media Studio is a high-definition television studio used by Media, Photography, Music and Drama, with production facilities and hire options. St John's Campus Library provides a dynamic space for inquiry and collaborative work, while the Yangadlitya Resource Centre supports individual study. Murtoa Building houses flexible classrooms for the Middle School, Digital Technologies, Media and Music, and the Atrium serves as a modern senior-school study space.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-curricular programs include Music and Sport. Clubs & Activities, Camps & Trips are offered. Student Leadership opportunities and Service Learning are part of the program. The House Program provides competition and community activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the International Baccalaureate from ELC to Year 10, including the IB Primary Years Programme for ELC–Year 6 and the IB Middle Years Programme for Years 7–10. The IB program supports inquiry-based learning and holistic development across Primary and Middle Years. The College operates on three campuses: St John's Campus – Highgate (ELC–Year 6), Concordia Campus – Highgate (Year 7–Year 12), and St Peters Campus – Blackwood (ELC–Year 6).

Arts & Creative
The music program features around 30 groups, from Year 2 Recorder through to String Ensembles, Orchestra, Big Bands and Contemporary Band. Students perform in annual concerts and may represent Concordia on regional or international tours; overseas tours have included Europe, Japan, Malaysia, China and Hong Kong. Instrumental lessons are offered from Year 2 to Year 12, with scholarships available for skilled musicians. From Year 7, Special Interest Music mentors Musicianship, Ensemble Performance and Music Arrangement; the School Musical runs annually and overseas tours occur every few years.

Cultural & Language
German is taught from Reception to Year 6. From Year 7, students choose to study either German or Chinese, using the language in everyday situations and studying a variety of language texts.

Social & Hobbies
Lunchtime clubs include backgammon, debating, robotics and handicrafts. Our lunchtime clubs are student-led and supervised by a staff member who oversees each activity, helping students explore interests and build leadership skills. Clubs and activities broaden friendships across year levels.

Community & Service
Service Learning is integral to Concordia's Lutheran mission, focusing on social responsibility and leadership development alongside spiritual growth. Overseas opportunities have included Fiji Habitat for Humanity, football outreach in Vanuatu and the Kalahari Experience in South Africa. Locally, students partner with a drop-in centre in the Adelaide CBD, undertake service activities in Unley, and participate in fundraising such as the 40 Hour Famine, Red Shield Appeal and Walk My Way.

Leadership & Professional
Student Leadership develops leadership across Primary, Middle and Senior Schools. Senior students can be Student Leaders, House Captains, Sport and Music Captains, while younger students can become Year 6 Student Leaders or join the Middle School Leaders. Other roles include Year 9 Ambassadors and Year 11 Peer Support Leaders, along with numerous less public leadership opportunities like lunchtime club organizers.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is fundamental to successful learning. The College emphasises wellbeing with a focus on happiness, confidence and meaningful relationships to support positive learning outcomes.
Languages

Language Provision
German is taught from Early Learning to Year 5, with Year 6 continuing German and introducing Chinese at the St John's campus. At the St Peters campus, Chinese is studied and students can choose German or Chinese when they move to the Middle School in Year 7 (Middle Years Programme 7-9). From Year 7, students study one language in the Middle Years Programme, using German or Chinese in everyday situations and within cultural contexts. A German Exchange Program is available to students.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquire. Read the prospectus and learn about Concordia's enrolment process. Visit the campus on a College Tour or submit an Online Enquiry to learn more. Contact the Enrolment Office for assistance with your enquiry.

2. Apply. Submit an enrolment form as early as possible together with the application fee. A separate application form is needed for each child. View the Enrolment Policy. Complete an online Enrolment Application Form and, for international applicants, complete an International Student Enrolment Application Form.

3. Accept. Enrolment offers for primary entry points are made from 1 March, two years before entry. Offers for other year levels are made close to commencement. Offers are made in writing by letter or email.

Scholarships
We offer a variety of scholarships through the support of our generous donors. New and existing students may apply for more than one scholarship where applicable. To find out about future scholarship opportunities, join our scholarships mailing list.

Year 7 – 12 Excellence Scholarship 2027: Recognises new or continuing outstanding students in Years 7 to 12 who excel in academics, performing arts, sports and/or community contribution. Provides 50% remission of tuition fees for up to six years, depending on year of entry.

Music Scholarships 2027: Musically gifted new or continuing Year 7 to 12 students may receive music scholarships; remission of tuition fees based on ability with instrumental bursaries available for up to six years, depending on year of entry. Subject to audition.

Senior School Entry Scholarship 2027: Senior School Entry Scholarships are available to new students commencing Year 10 in 2027, recognising all-rounders with a passion in academics, sports and extra-curricular activities. These scholarships provide up to 50% tuition fee remission for up to three years.

Otto Senior School Technology Scholarship 2027: Through the generous support of the Otto family, Concordia College offers a Senior School Technology Scholarship for a new or continuing student in Year 10, 11 or 12 in 2027 who displays outstanding characteristics in a Technology-related subject such as: Design, Technology & Engineering; Digital Technology or Media Studies. The successful applicant will continue a Technology subject to the end of Year 12. This scholarship provides 25% remission of tuition fees for up to three years.

Academic Scholarships 2027: Academic scholarships are available annually to prospective or continuing Year 7 to Year 12 students based on the results of ACER testing. For 2027 entry, the ACER Scholarship Test will be held at Concordia College (Concordia Campus - meeting in the Chapel at 45 Cheltenham Street, Highgate) from 8.45am until around 12pm on Saturday, 7 February 2026. These scholarships provide partial remission of tuition fees for up to six years. Applications for Academic Scholarships in 2027 are now closed.
School Events
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