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St Peter's College Adelaide

Australia, Adelaide

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$2,700 - 32,910
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1383
Type Boys School, Boys School (boarding)
Opened 1847
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Australian Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages Mandarin, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

St Peter's College Adelaide is a boys' Anglican day and boarding school serving ages 3 to 18. The curriculum combines the Australian Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and the Senior School follows the South Australian Certificate of Education framework for Years 11 and 12. Year groups from early years to Year 12 enjoy a broad program, with Year 7–8 compulsory subjects and elective options in later years. The college offers languages including Chinese, Chinese Language and Literature and French, alongside EAL/D support. The school's 90‑acre campus sits kilometres from Adelaide, blending heritage and modern facilities, including junior and senior learning spaces, a redeveloped Big Quad and a boarding house. Notable features include music ensembles, drama and visual arts programs, sport with ovals and a swimming facility, and a co-curricular program such as Maths@Saints, Mind Lab and Service Learning. In 2024, 16 IB Diploma students achieved average score of 36.25.

The Essentials

St Peter's College Adelaide has 1,383 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
St Peter's College sits on a single 90-acre campus just two kilometres from the Adelaide city centre in South Australia 5069. The campus features a blend of heritage-listed and modern buildings with extensive sports facilities. The school serves students from Early Years to Year 12 on this site.

Stages
Early Years; Junior School (Prep to Year 6); Middle Years (Years 7–8); Senior Years (Years 9–12).

Type
Anglican boarding and day school for boys.

Additional learning support
Keystone Support Centre provides learning support and technology assistance; Junior School runs a Learning Assistance Program (LAP) offering prescriptive literacy support.

Country affiliation
Australia

Religious affiliation
Anglican

Bus service
Bus transport is arranged through Roundabout Charter for Prep to Year 6 (buses expected to arrive by 8:15am and depart no later than 3:45pm); a Morning Shuttle Service runs from Walford Anglican School for Girls to St Peter's College, departing Walford at 8:00am and arriving at the Junior School Administration Building at about 8:25am.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school provides boarding for boys in Years 7 to 12. The modern Boarding House accommodates 100 boarders, with private rooms for Year 11 and 12 students. Meals are served in the Da Costa Dining Hall, prepared on-site by Chartwells. Boarders have access to the on-campus facilities and grounds.

Uniform Requirement
Senior School uniform for Years 7–12 includes a summer uniform of a blue and white striped shirt with a school or house tie, blue shorts, a black belt, long white socks and black leather lace-up shoes. The blazer uniform is preferred and compulsory in Terms 2 and 3 and must be worn for muster and chapel. House ties are worn with the summer uniform in Terms 1 and 4, and with the blazer in Terms 2 and 3.

Food Options
Meals are prepared on-site in the Da Costa Dining Hall by Chartwells.

House System
Upon commencement, every student is allocated to a house. Houses are the fundamental unit of pastoral care, with Year 7–8 students in Mentor classes and Years 9–12 in small Mentor groups. Houses include Da Costa, Farr, Farrell, Hawkes, Howard, MacDermott, School and Allen, Short, Woodcock and Young.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by the Council of Governors, which develops strategies, makes prudent financial decisions and oversees investments with the Headmaster and Senior Leadership Team. The Anglican Church of Australia Collegiate School of Saint Peter operates as St Peter's College.
Fees

Annual tuition at St Peter's College Adelaide ranges from AUD 2,700 to AUD 32,910 for 2026/27.

Application and enrolment fees
- Application fee: AUD 100 (non‑refundable).
- Enrolment (confirmation) fee payable when a place is offered: AUD 2,600.

Tuition, fixed charge, IT levy and total — annual and per‑term (3 instalments) and 10‑month instalment guidance
- Prep (Annual total: AUD 18,750)
- Breakdown shown as tuition + fixed charge + IT levy included in the annual total. Annual total: AUD 18,750. Per term (3 instalments): AUD 6,250. Ten‑month instalment amount: AUD 1,875.
- Reception (Annual total: AUD 19,330)
- Per term: AUD 6,443.33. Ten‑month instalment: AUD 1,933.
- Year 1 (Annual total: AUD 20,190)
- Per term: AUD 6,730. Ten‑month instalment: AUD 2,019.
- Year 2 (Annual total: AUD 20,190)
- Per term: AUD 6,730. Ten‑month instalment: AUD 2,019.
- Year 3 (Annual total: AUD 22,730)
- Per term: AUD 7,576.67. Ten‑month instalment: AUD 2,273.
- Year 4 (Annual total: AUD 22,730)
- Per term: AUD 7,576.67. Ten‑month instalment: AUD 2,273.
- Year 5 (Annual total: AUD 25,280)
- Per term: AUD 8,426.67. Ten‑month instalment: AUD 2,528.
- Year 6 (Annual total: AUD 26,780)
- Per term: AUD 8,926.67. Ten‑month instalment: AUD 2,678.
- Year 7 (Annual total: AUD 31,220)
- Per term: AUD 10,406.67. Ten‑month instalment: AUD 3,122.
- Year 8 (Annual total: AUD 31,220)
- Per term: AUD 10,406.67. Ten‑month instalment: AUD 3,122.
- Year 9 (Annual total: AUD 31,220)
- Per term: AUD 10,406.67. Ten‑month instalment: AUD 3,122.
- Year 10 (Annual total: AUD 32,910)
- Per term: AUD 10,970. Ten‑month instalment: AUD 3,291.
- Year 11 (Annual total: AUD 32,910)
- Per term: AUD 10,970. Ten‑month instalment: AUD 3,291.
- Year 12 (Annual total: AUD 32,910)
- Per term: AUD 10,970. Ten‑month instalment: AUD 3,291.

Boarding fees (where applicable)
- Boarding annual fee (boarder residential charge): AUD 30,170 per year. Per term (3 instalments): AUD 10,056.67. Ten‑month instalment amount shown: AUD 3,017. Boarder incidentals and some boarder extras are charged separately when incurred.

Other compulsory and typical additional charges
- Fixed charges / levies: included in the annual totals above; the fixed levy covers compulsory curriculum camps (excluding rowing camps), curriculum tests, photography, student photocopying, student accident insurance and school publications.
- IT levy: included in the annual totals above; covers IT infrastructure and internal IT helpdesk support.
- Music tuition (private lessons): AUD 1,680 per annum (billed at the start of each semester). Instrument hire (where required) is AUD 450 per annum. These charges are additional to tuition and billed separately.
- Early Learning Centre (where applicable): daily fee AUD 125; fixed charge (ELC) AUD 75 pa.
- Voluntary Building Fund donation: AUD 600 per family (included on fee statement unless declined). This donation may be paid in three equal instalments (AUD 200) or under the ten‑month direct debit option as smaller monthly amounts. Contributions are tax‑deductible through the School Foundation.
- Incidental and sundry charges: bus charges, interstate/overseas trips, study guides, non‑booklist textbooks, replacement diaries, unreturned library books and boarder incidentals are charged when incurred and are due within 30 days. Private purchases (stationery, textbooks, laptop purchases, uniform, music shop items) are additional. The Uniform Shop operates on campus and recycled uniform options are available.

Discounts and sibling concessions
- Sibling discount (for brothers attending concurrently): second brother 10%, third brother 20%, fourth and subsequent brother 30% (applies to tuition; does not apply to fixed charge, IT levy or boarding fees).
- Early‑payment discount: 1.0% discount applies if the full year of fees (tuition, fixed charges, IT levy and boarding fees) is paid in full before 28 February of the year.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard billing: fees are invoiced in three instalments each year on 31 January, 30 April and 31 July; invoices are due 30 days after the invoice date (standard due dates run to late February, late May and late August as applicable). Per‑term amounts are the annual totals divided across those three instalments.
- Ten‑month instalment option: available (direct debit) with payments on the 16th of each month from February to November; ten‑month instalment amounts are published in the fee schedule and examples are shown above. To join the ten‑month plan, families enter details via the School's Keystone finance portal.
- Late payment and arrears: a AUD 30 administration late fee applies to payments made after the due date. Interest may be charged on outstanding accounts at 10% per annum, calculated daily. Collection costs and legal fees for overdue accounts are recoverable by the School. Persistent non‑payment can lead to exclusion from optional trips and may result in the student being prevented from attending school or having the enrolment forfeited.

Refunds and withdrawal terms
- Withdrawal notice: parents must provide one term's written notice to the Director of Enrolments when withdrawing a student. Failure to provide the required notice will incur a full term's fee penalty equal to a full term's tuition plus the IT levy and fixed levies. The School may apply a holding fee of 25% of total tuition, IT and fixed levies if re‑entry is requested after a year away. Suspension or disciplinary exclusions do not attract fee refunds.
- Sundry and activity charges (for example, music lessons, instrument hire, camps and trips) are billed in advance or when incurred and are generally non‑refundable if the service has commenced or insufficient notice of withdrawal is provided; specific conditions (such as notice periods for music lessons) apply.

Methods of payment and practical payment information
- BPAY (Biller code 8631): full payment of each statement can be made via internet banking using BPAY View. The BPAY reference appears on the fee statement.
- Keystone / online credit card: payment by credit card is available via the Keystone portal; credit card merchant fees apply and are passed on at bank charge rates — listed as 1% for Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
- Telephone payments by credit card are accepted via the Business Services number during business hours; in‑person merchant facilities are available at designated school offices. Cheques may be posted to Business Services (payable to St Peter's College). Cash is not accepted on campus for security reasons.
- Statements and delivery: fee statements are emailed to parents/guardians; families can view transactions, statements and receipts via the Keystone finance tab.

Notes on implementation of fees
- The fixed levy and IT levy are compulsory and apply to all students, including those receiving scholarships or sibling discounts. Certain charges (for example, boarding incidentals, music-related consumables, bus charges and some excursions) are charged in addition to the tuition/fixed/IT figures above. Families may be offered payment options including the three‑instalment schedule or the ten‑month direct debit plan.
Academics

St Peter's College Adelaide teaches Australian Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Senior School follows the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) framework for Years 11–12, with Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects and a broad elective program. Year 7 and Year 8 have compulsory subjects including English, Humanities, Mathematics (streamed), Science, Technology, Theology and Philosophy, Visual Arts, Drama, Music and Wellbeing; language options include Chinese, Chinese Language and Literature, French, EAL/D and Curriculum Support. Year 9 includes English, Geography and History (one semester each), Wellbeing, Languages, Mathematics, Science and Theology and Philosophy, with four electives. Year 10 provides a broad electives program with a wide range of subjects such as Art, Design, Digital Technologies, Criminology, Game and App Development, and more. The Senior School runs School Enrichment Programs for advanced learners, including Maths@Saints, the Micro-Credentials Program, the Social Enterprise Funding Program, Curriculum Societies and a bespoke Elective Program, with differentiation and opportunities for individual students. The curriculum is aligned with SACE while also providing International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma outcomes; in 2024, 16 students completed the IB Diploma with an average score of 36.25.

Exam Results
151 candidates completed the SACE in 2024; the median ATAR was 92.55 and 193 merits were achieved; five students attained an ATAR of 99.95. Sixteen students completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma with an average score of 36.25 (median ATAR 91.58) and 21 IB merits. 160 of 174 graduates applied for tertiary study; 65.5% studied in South Australia, 20.69% interstate and 1.72% overseas. Of those pursuing tertiary places, 41% studied at the University of Adelaide, 37% at the University of South Australia and 6% at Flinders University.

Higher Education Progression
Post-school destinations show the majority pursue tertiary study in Australia; 65.5% studied in South Australia, 20.69% interstate and 1.72% overseas. Among those seeking tertiary places, 41% studied at the University of Adelaide, 37% at the University of South Australia and 6% at Flinders University.

Gifted and Talented
School Enrichment Programs tailor to interests, abilities and learner profiles, offering Maths@Saints, the Micro-Credentials Program, the Social Enterprise Funding Program, Curriculum Societies and a bespoke Elective Program. The School works with individual students on differentiated, custom enrichment projects to challenge high-ability learners.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing Education is central to learning at St Peter's College. The wellbeing framework is built on wellbeing programs that influence all aspects of school life. The taught wellbeing curriculum draws on the work of Professor Martin Seligman and teaches skills to strengthen relationships, build positive emotions, enhance personal resilience, promote mindfulness and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Wellbeing talks and ongoing monitoring within pastoral care groups support the wellbeing of all students. Registered psychologists and chaplains work across all year levels to support boys and their families. The House system and broader pastoral care programs underpin the wellbeing strategy and foster belonging.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Curriculum Support is available for identified students (for identified students only).

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) is offered as a language option in Year 7. In Year 8, EAL/D continues to be offered (by invitation). In Year 12, EAL/D is listed among Senior School subjects at Stage 2.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing Education is central to learning; the wellbeing framework includes a taught curriculum and year-level wellbeing talks with ongoing monitoring. The program draws on Professor Martin Seligman's work and teaches skills to strengthen relationships, build resilience, promote mindfulness and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Wellbeing is supported by registered psychologists and chaplains across all year levels.

Safeguarding
The school provides a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment. Pastoral care, the House system, and an Anglican framework prioritise safeguarding and a sense of belonging.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1847 as the Anglican Church of Australia Collegiate School of St Peter, Sancti Petri Schola Collegiata (SPSC). Opening on 15 July 1847 with 11 students and one teacher behind Holy Trinity Church on North Terrace. Augustus Short, the first Anglican Bishop of Adelaide, helped establish the school with a £2,000 endowment from the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge and arranged land on the present Hackney Road site. By 1850, 120 students were housed in the Big School Room, believed to be Australia's oldest classroom in constant use. The school's Anglican heritage continues under the trading name The Anglican Church of Australia Collegiate School of Saint Peter, today known as St Peter's College; notable alumni include three Nobel Laureates, 10 Australian premiers, 42 Rhodes Scholars and an Australian of the Year.

Community
St Peter's College describes itself as a flourishing community that partners with families, alumni and friends to create an exceptional learning environment. Active groups include Friends of Saints (Junior and Senior School) and Friends of Music; the Mission Guild, established in 1923, raises funds for charities and runs the Recycled Uniform Shop; and the Dutton Society reconnects past parents to maintain engagement. The St Peter's College Foundation supports benefaction to sustain the School, and the Old Scholars network (SPOC) connects more than 11,000 alumni with the School through reunions and events. Mentoring and Careers Advice is provided by the CEO-in-Residence program, and Careers Evening brings professionals and volunteers to the School.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
St Peter's College has active parent and interest groups that promote fellowship, build community and raise funds for school and charity projects. Friends of Saints and Friends of Music support families and staff and promote participation in the music program. Mission Guild, established in 1923, raises funds for charities and runs the Recycled Uniform Shop. The Dutton Society reconnects past parents to sustain engagement with the School. The Foundation supports benefaction and ongoing fundraising. Old Scholars (SPOC) connects more than 11,000 alumni through reunions and events; mentoring and careers activities include the CEO-in-Residence program and Careers Evening.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
St Peter's College is set on a 90-acre campus two kilometres from the Adelaide city centre. The campus caters for students from the Early Years to Year 12 and blends heritage-listed and modern buildings with extensive educational facilities and sports fields. The Early Learning Centre features bright indoor spaces and expansive outdoor areas, while the Junior School uses New Palm House with an adventure playground and oval spaces. The Senior School includes the Pentreath Building for flexible learning and a redeveloped Big Quad that houses the Year 12 College. The Boarding House accommodates around 100 boarders, and Memorial Hall and the School Chapel are central community spaces. An Outdoor Education Campus at Finniss near Lake Alexandrina hosts adventure and aquatic activities about an hour from Adelaide.

Sports Facilities
Seven ovals, a hockey pitch and 10 tennis courts are on the grounds, with a modern sports centre that includes a swimming pool and a full gymnasium. A purpose-built sports hall is located in the Junior School.

Academic Facilities
Junior Years use New Palm House for Prep to Year 2 with an adventure playground and oval spaces; Years 3 to 6 learn in Bickersteth and Shinkfield buildings with classrooms supported by modern technology. Senior Years: Years 7 and 8 are educated in the Pentreath Building, designed for flexible learning. Years 9 to 12 have access to excellent facilities, technology and specialist teachers. The Big Quad has been redeveloped to include the Year 12 College, providing quiet spaces for independent study with breakout rooms.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Memorial Hall is the space for musters, assemblies, music and drama performances and workshops. The School Chapel is the spiritual centrepiece of the college and hosts services on most days. The Outdoor Education Campus at Finniss offers adventure and aquatic activities. The grounds include seven ovals, a hockey pitch and 10 tennis courts for extracurricular sport.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
St Peter's College offers an extensive range of co-curricular clubs and societies that support academic curiosity and critical thinking. Students can engage in FPS, Mooting, Public Speaking, Maths@Saints, Mind Lab and Science@Saints, among other activities. Junior and Senior School clubs also include Chess Club, Book Club and additional debate-related activities, building skills in analysis, argument and collaboration. These opportunities extend learning beyond the classroom and promote intellectual growth through competition, research and teamwork.

Arts & Creative
Music is central to the co-curricular program, with an extensive ensemble program that includes orchestras, string orchestras, choirs, concert bands, big bands, rock bands and other ensembles. More than 20 ensembles and choirs rehearse weekly, and around 500 students take private lessons, with opportunities to perform in concerts and undertake interstate and overseas tours. Drama provides performances across classical, musical and contemporary genres, with auditions for senior plays and junior productions and a drama curriculum in Middle Years. Visual Arts features an Artist-in-Residence program, Art Club, Digital Art Society and ARC, with SALA exhibitions and school displays.

Cultural & Language
Language and culture are supported by Chinese Society, French Society and German Society. These groups promote language practice, cultural activities and cross-cultural understanding. The school also offers a broader program of clubs and a global perspective through its co-curricular offerings.

Social & Hobbies
A wide array of clubs and societies support social interests and hobbies beyond academics. Examples include Art Club, Book Club, Chess Club, DJ Society, League of Legends Society, Gardening Club, Nature Club and Pride@Saints, among others. The clubs promote creativity, collaboration and belonging across the school.

Community & Service
The Service Learning Program emphasizes relational and life-transforming activities that benefit the wider community. Service learning begins in the Early Years and continues through Senior Years, with Year levels starting in Years 8 and 9, and seniors completing a minimum of 20 hours. Opportunities include Vailima Garden Retirement Community visits, Sony Foundation Holiday Camp, Buddy Up Respite Program, and House Service with partner organisations.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development is embedded in school life through the House system and Mentor program, which foster belonging, mentorship and leadership opportunities. The wellbeing and pastoral care program supports goal setting and progress in academic and co-curricular endeavours through mentors across year levels. Student leadership is cultivated through clubs, service and peer mentoring as part of the school's pastoral framework.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing education is central to school life, with a wellbeing framework inspired by Martin Seligman and including skills for relationships, positive emotions and resilience, mindfulness and healthy lifestyles. The school prioritises physical fitness through extensive sport and athletic development programs such as strength and conditioning, rehabilitation, sport-specific testing, Speed@Saints and Running Club. Outdoor Education builds character and resilience through multi-day expeditions, and the Exploring Society offers weekend outdoor activities, with wellbeing and pastoral care embedded in school life.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches Chinese, Chinese Language and Literature (background speakers), French, and English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D). In Year 9, additional options include Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese, Chinese Continuers (Accelerated Stage 1), French, French Continuers (Accelerated Stage 1), and German Continuers (Accelerated Stage 1). In Year 12, language offerings include Chinese (background), Chinese, French, German (Continuers), and Spanish (Beginners).

Immersion Programs
The school has an English-language immersion in the Early Years. Boys learn the English language in an immersive and playful environment, with a culturally diverse community and staff who speak a number of languages.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Step 1: Application. Complete the application form for Early Years or Prep–Year 12. You will receive a letter confirming your son's application for admission. Families are encouraged to speak with the Enrolments Team to learn about any waiting lists for enrolment.

2. Step 2: Offers. Offers are made in March, two years prior to entry. Where possible, late enrolments are offered throughout the year. The main entry points are Early Years, Reception and Year 5, Years 7 and 8, and Year 10.

3. Step 3: Acceptance. At the time of offer, complete a contractually binding acceptance form and return it to the Enrolments Office by the designated date with the non-refundable enrolment fee. Once enrolment is confirmed, the School works in partnership with families to ensure a smooth and happy transition into the School.

Scholarships
St Peter's College offers four types of scholarships: Academic, Boarding, General Excellence and Specialist Instrument. Scholarships provide fee remission and are subject to financial means testing. Boarding Scholarships are for students entering in Years 7–11 and provide remission of boarding fees and, in some cases, tuition fees; applications are open and close Friday 6 March 2026. General Excellence Scholarships are for students entering Years 9–11 and provide remission of tuition and, in some cases, boarding fees; applications for 2027 entry are open and close Friday 6 March 2026. Academic Scholarships are for current and prospective students entering Years 5 and 7; applicants sit the ACER Scholarship Examination and applications for 2026 and 2027 are closed. The Specialist Instrument Program, to be introduced in 2026, funds instrument tuition as a scholarship and is open to current students in Years 5–10 who are not already learning Tuba, Oboe or Bassoon; the first round of auditions is in Term 1, 2026. Enquiries about scholarships can be made via the form on the Scholarships page, and the Enrolments Team will follow up.

Waitlist
Waiting lists exist for enrolment. The Enrolments Team can advise you of any waiting lists for enrolment.
School Events
The school has not added events
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