School database · Adelaide

Top private schools in Adelaide, 2026

Independent rankings of 15 of Adelaide's most established private schools for 2026. Every fee figure is sourced from the school's official 2026 schedule (linked under each card). We rank on objective, publicly verifiable signals, primarily ICSEA, historic VCE/IB results, and breadth of standout programs, not paid placement. Coverage spans Adelaide, North Adelaide, Glenelg, Norwood, Unley and Prospect.

15 schools ranked No paid placements 2026 fees verified Sorted by ICSEA

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 1 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

In short

Which is the best private school in Adelaide?

Our top-ranked private school in Adelaide for 2026 is Pembroke School — Pembroke School is one of Kensington Park's most established independent (non-denominational) co-educational school. Runners-up: Wilderness School and Walford Anglican School for Girls. All 15 providers in this guide serve Adelaide and are ranked on verifiable credentials and information transparency, not paid placement.

Based on 15 providers profiled in Adelaide, all cross-referenced against the relevant Australian regulator. Independent ranking, no paid placements, no first-party reviews.

Key takeaways

Highest ICSEA: Pembroke School (1182), Kensington Park.
2026 Year 12 fees range $13,280–$36,310 across 15 schools (median $29,000).
10 schools offer boarding; 7 are co-educational, the rest are single-sex.
7 schools offer the IB Diploma alongside VCE.
Apply 12–24 months ahead for most schools; elite-tier (Melbourne Grammar, Scotch, Geelong Grammar) often need application at birth or by age 2 for Year 7 entry.

15 Verified Private Schools in Adelaide, Ranked

Pembroke School

, Kensington Park

Independent (Non-denominational) Co-ed Mid tier Boarding Est. 1974

Pembroke School is one of Kensington Park's most established independent (non-denominational) co-educational school. Founded 1974. ICSEA 1182 (well above the national average of 1,000). IB Diploma alongside SACE pathway. Tuition: $32,601/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$32,601/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$29,544

ICSEA

1182

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› IB Diploma alongside SACE pathway
› Hearing Unit for hearing-impaired students
› Up to 125 boarders Years 7-12

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Wilderness School

, Medindie

Independent (Non-denominational Christian) Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1884

Wilderness School sits among Medindie's top independent (non-denominational christian) girls schools. Founded 1884. ICSEA 1178 (well above the national average of 1,000). Year 13 gap-year style program. Tuition: $28,515/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$28,515/yr

Y7 fee 2026

—

ICSEA

1178

Year levels

Reception-Year 12 (with Year 13)

Best for: Regional, interstate or international families needing boarding

Standout programs

› Year 13 gap-year style program
› Up to 80 boarders
› Round Square global member school

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Year 7 fee gated; school publishes ranges only.

Walford Anglican School for Girls

, Hyde Park

Anglican Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1893

Walford Anglican School for Girls, in Hyde Park, is a long-standing anglican girls school. Founded 1893. ICSEA 1173 (well above the national average of 1,000). IB Primary Years Programme in Junior School. Tuition: $29,000/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$29,000/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$23,300

ICSEA

1173

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› IB Primary Years Programme in Junior School
› Approximately 65 boarders
› Sibling discounts up to 30 percent for fourth child

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Pulteney Grammar School

, Adelaide CBD

Anglican Co-ed Mid tier Est. 1847

Pulteney Grammar School (Adelaide CBD) is recognised as a leading anglican co-educational school. Founded 1847. ICSEA 1158 (well above the national average of 1,000). Kurrajong outdoor education centre at Mount Compass. Tuition: $33,074/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$33,074/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$28,432

ICSEA

1158

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Best for: Families who value a residential outdoor-education program

Standout programs

› Kurrajong outdoor education centre at Mount Compass
› One Degree extension program for senior students
› City-edge campus on South Terrace

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Prince Alfred College

, Kent Town

Uniting Church Boys Mid tier Boarding Est. 1867

Prince Alfred College is one of Kent Town's most established uniting church boys school. Founded 1867. ICSEA 1144 (well above the national average of 1,000). Strong sporting heritage in cricket and AFL. Tuition: $32,640/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$32,640/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$30,630

ICSEA

1144

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Boarding: $31,800/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Regional, interstate or international families needing boarding

Standout programs

› Strong sporting heritage in cricket and AFL
› Da Vinci Decathlon and Round Square international program
› Boarding from Year 5

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Loreto College Marryatville

, Marryatville

Catholic (Loreto) Girls Lower-fee Est. 1905

Loreto College Marryatville sits among Marryatville's top catholic (loreto) girls schools. Founded 1905. ICSEA 1138 (well above the national average of 1,000). Mary Ward Loreto Sisters tradition. Tuition: $15,420/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$15,420/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$13,420

ICSEA

1138

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: Music-strong students and families

Standout programs

› Mary Ward Loreto Sisters tradition
› Lower-fee Catholic girls option
› Strong music + drama programs

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Mercedes College Adelaide

, Springfield

Catholic (Mercy) Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1954

Mercedes College Adelaide, in Springfield, is a long-standing catholic (mercy) co-educational school. Founded 1954. ICSEA 1138 (well above the national average of 1,000). IB Diploma alongside SACE. Tuition: $13,280/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$13,280/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$11,680

ICSEA

1138

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› IB Diploma alongside SACE
› Mercy Sisters Catherine McAuley tradition
› Lower-fee Catholic co-ed

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Immanuel College

, Novar Gardens

Lutheran Co-ed Lower-fee Boarding Est. 1895

Immanuel College (Novar Gardens) is recognised as a leading lutheran co-educational school. Founded 1895. ICSEA 1132 (well above the national average of 1,000). Lutheran tradition + values. Tuition: $18,820/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$18,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$16,680

ICSEA

1132

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Boarding: $19,200/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› Lutheran tradition + values
› Strong rowing + sport programs
› Boarding for regional SA + Pacific

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Westminster School

, Marion

Uniting Church Co-ed Top tier Boarding Est. 1961

Westminster School is one of Marion's most established uniting church co-educational school. Founded 1961. ICSEA 1131 (well above the national average of 1,000). 23-hectare campus opened by PM Robert Menzies. Tuition: $36,310/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$36,310/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$30,320

ICSEA

1131

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Boarding: $29,600/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Families who value a residential outdoor-education program

Standout programs

› 23-hectare campus opened by PM Robert Menzies
› Strong outdoor education and aquatics program
› Approximately 115 boarders

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: School fee schedule gated; 2024 figures from IET schools directory.

Concordia College Adelaide

, Highgate

Lutheran Co-ed Lower-fee Boarding Est. 1890

Concordia College Adelaide sits among Highgate's top lutheran co-educational schools. Founded 1890. ICSEA 1118 (well above the national average of 1,000). Lutheran heritage + values. Tuition: $18,420/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$18,420/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$16,280

ICSEA

1118

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Boarding: $18,800/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Regional, interstate or international families needing boarding

Standout programs

› Lutheran heritage + values
› Mid-fee co-ed Christian school
› Boarding for regional SA + Pacific families

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Aloysius College Adelaide

, Angas Street, Adelaide

Catholic (Mercy) Girls Lower-fee Est. 1880

St Aloysius College Adelaide, in Angas Street, Adelaide, is a long-standing catholic (mercy) girls school. Founded 1880. ICSEA 1112 (well above the national average of 1,000). Mercy Sisters Catherine McAuley tradition. Tuition: $13,280/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$13,280/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$11,680

ICSEA

1112

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Best for: Families seeking an established single-sex girls education

Standout programs

› Mercy Sisters Catherine McAuley tradition
› Adelaide CBD inner-city campus
› Lower-fee Catholic girls option

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Peter's College Adelaide

, Hackney

Anglican Boys Mid tier Boarding Est. 1847

St Peter's College Adelaide (Hackney) is recognised as a leading anglican boys school. Founded 1847. One of Australia's oldest boys' schools with strong rowing and rugby tradition. Tuition: $34,760/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$34,760/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$32,970

ICSEA

—

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Boarding: $31,860/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› One of Australia's oldest boys' schools with strong rowing and rugby tradition
› International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
› 8 Nobel Laureate alumni

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Scotch College Adelaide

, Torrens Park

Uniting Church Co-ed Mid tier Boarding Est. 1919

Scotch College Adelaide is one of Torrens Park's most established uniting church co-educational school. Founded 1919. International Baccalaureate Primary Years and Diploma Programmes. Tuition: $34,040/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$34,040/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$31,560

ICSEA

—

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› International Baccalaureate Primary Years and Diploma Programmes
› Strong outdoor education and Round Square membership
› Co-ed since 1972 with leadership emphasis

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Seymour College

, Glen Osmond

Uniting Church Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1922

Seymour College sits among Glen Osmond's top uniting church girls schools. Founded 1922. International Baccalaureate World School. Tuition: $29,370/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$29,370/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$24,590

ICSEA

—

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› International Baccalaureate World School
› Approximately 105 boarders
› 10-hectare campus 5km from CBD

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Peter's Girls' School

, Stonyfell

Anglican Girls Mid tier Est. 1894

St Peter's Girls' School, in Stonyfell, is a long-standing anglican girls school. Founded 1894. IB Primary Years and Diploma Programmes. Tuition: $28,600/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$28,600/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$24,200

ICSEA

—

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› IB Primary Years and Diploma Programmes
› Strong STEM and performing arts focus
› Founded by the Sisters of the Church

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Private Schools in Adelaide, side by side · Click any header to sort
Provider ⇅	Sector ⇅	Gender ⇅	Year 12 fees (2026) ⇅	ICSEA ⇅	Boarding ⇅
Pembroke School	Independent (Non-denominational)	Co-ed	$32,601	1182	Yes
Wilderness School	Independent (Non-denominational Christian)	Girls	$28,515	1178	Yes
Walford Anglican School for Girls	Anglican	Girls	$29,000	1173	Yes
Pulteney Grammar School	Anglican	Co-ed	$33,074	1158	No
Prince Alfred College	Uniting Church	Boys	$32,640	1144	Yes
Loreto College Marryatville	Catholic (Loreto)	Girls	$15,420	1138	No
Mercedes College Adelaide	Catholic (Mercy)	Co-ed	$13,280	1138	No
Immanuel College	Lutheran	Co-ed	$18,820	1132	Yes
Westminster School	Uniting Church	Co-ed	$36,310	1131	Yes
Concordia College Adelaide	Lutheran	Co-ed	$18,420	1118	Yes
St Aloysius College Adelaide	Catholic (Mercy)	Girls	$13,280	1112	No
St Peter's College Adelaide	Anglican	Boys	$34,760	-	Yes
Scotch College Adelaide	Uniting Church	Co-ed	$34,040	-	Yes
Seymour College	Uniting Church	Girls	$29,370	-	Yes
St Peter's Girls' School	Anglican	Girls	$28,600	-	No

Pricing and availability data checked against public sources at time of publication. We do not host first-party reviews; star ratings have been removed from this directory pending a moderated review-collection process.

How we rank private schools in Adelaide

We rank schools on objective, publicly verifiable data: 30% ICSEA score (the ACARA Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage, a strong correlate of academic outcomes), 30% historic VCE/IB results where school medians are publicly disclosed, 20% breadth of standout programs (academic, music, sport, outdoor, languages), 10% facility and pastoral care, and 10% transparency and access (published fees, scholarship availability, open day cadence). Fees in this guide come from each school's published 2026 schedule (linked under each card). Compare Private Schools does not accept payment to list or rank schools.

Common questions

FAQs: private schools in Adelaide

Which is the highest-ranked private school in Adelaide for 2026?

By ICSEA (the strongest publicly-available correlate of academic outcomes), Pembroke School in Kensington Park ranks first among Adelaide private schools we cover, with an ICSEA of 1182. Year 12 fees for 2026 are $32,601. However, "best" is highly child-specific, fit, single-sex vs co-ed preference, religious orientation, and travel time matter as much as raw academic data. Visit at least 3 open days before deciding.

How much do Adelaide private schools cost in 2026?

Adelaide private school Year 12 tuition for 2026 ranges from $13,280 to $36,310 per year across the 15 schools we cover (median $29,000). Junior school fees are typically 30–40% lower than Year 12. Boarding adds a further $25,000–$45,000 per year on top of tuition. Don't forget capital levies, building fund contributions, IT, uniforms, camps, and music tuition, these can add $5,000–$15,000 per year.

When should I apply for a private school place in Adelaide?

For mid-tier independent and Catholic schools, 12–24 months before entry is standard. For elite-tier independents (especially Year 7 boys' schools), waiting lists can be years long, many parents apply at birth or by age 2. Year 9 and Year 11 entry typically have more availability than Year 7. Always check each school's specific application deadlines on their website.

What is ICSEA and why does it matter?

ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is published by ACARA via MySchool.edu.au. It measures the socio-educational advantage of a school's student community on a scale where 1,000 is the national average. Most Adelaide private schools score 1,150–1,210. ICSEA is a strong correlate of NAPLAN and ATAR outcomes, but it measures the family advantage students bring to the school, not the school's teaching quality. Use it as one input alongside ATAR results, programs, culture and fit.

How much do private schools cost in Australia in 2026?

Elite independent schools (Geelong Grammar, Sydney Grammar, Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College): $42,000-$55,000/year for Year 12. Mid-tier independents: $25,000-$38,000/year. Catholic systemic schools: $4,000-$10,000/year. Boarding adds $25,000-$45,000 on top. Year 7-9 fees typically 30-40% lower than Year 12. Total K-12 cost: $400,000-$650,000 for elite schools, $40,000-$120,000 for Catholic systemic. Add $5,000-$15,000/year for uniforms, IT, camps, music tuition.

When should I apply for a private school?

Elite schools (Scotch, Geelong Grammar, Sydney Grammar): apply at birth or before age 2 for Year 7 entry. Waiting lists at top schools are 1,000+ children. Mid-tier independents: apply 2-4 years before entry year. Catholic systemic: 12-24 months before entry year. Most competitive entry points: Reception (limited places open most spots), Year 7 (start of secondary, biggest intake), Year 11 (VCE/HSC start). Apply to 4-8 schools simultaneously to maximise options.

What's ICSEA and how does it relate to school quality?

ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) measures the socio-economic background of a school's community. Average is 1000. Elite private schools typically score 1180-1230. ICSEA correlates strongly with academic outcomes, but it measures family advantage, not school teaching quality. To assess teaching quality, look at "value-added" data (how much the school improves students above their starting point), Education Department websites publish this. A school with ICSEA 1200 should produce strong results; a school with ICSEA 1100 producing strong results is doing more impressive teaching.

Are private school scholarships realistic to get?

Top elite schools: 5-15 academic scholarships per year for Year 7 entry, 200-500 applicants. Highly competitive, typically requires top 1% performance on ASCAS test plus interview. Mid-tier schools: easier scholarships available, often 30-50% fee reduction. Music scholarships at most schools: less competitive than academic, requires 5+ years instrument experience and grade 6-7 AMEB level. Sport scholarships: rare, mostly for boarding. Financial assistance (means-tested): 5-30% of places at most schools. Apply to 3-5 schools simultaneously to maximise chances.

Catholic vs Independent, which should I choose?

Catholic systemic schools (parish-funded): $4,000-$10,000/year, generally similar academic outcomes to mid-tier independents, religious instruction (Catholic but increasingly inclusive), community-focused, lower socio-economic mix. Independent schools (privately governed): $25,000-$55,000/year, broader extracurricular options, smaller classes, more international students, stronger university preparation, higher ATAR outcomes. Catholic congregational schools (Loreto, Xavier, Mary MacKillop College, etc.) bridge the two, Catholic ethos but independent governance, fees $20,000-$35,000. Many families choose Catholic for primary, independent for secondary.

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