Annesley Junior School now growing in numbers after facing closure

A PRESTIGIOUS school in Adelaide’s inner-south that nearly closed after student numbers plunged has made a dramatic comeback.

Annesley Junior principal Cherylyn Skewes with students Hudson, 7, and Scarlett, 4. Picture: Campbell Brodie

ANNESLEY Junior School will add five classes over the next five years — and might expand to include Year 7 — as it continues to fight back from near closure.

The school will introduce a new Reception class in July, boosting student numbers to 72, up from 52 last year.

Principal Cherylyn Skewes said the school had created a new strategic plan which set a target of having at least one class at each year level by 2020.

That would represent a marked turnaround for the school which, in 2011, was on the verge of closure.

Declining enrolments and a failed merger with Pulteney Grammar School forced the then-Annesley College to transform into a coeducational junior primary school with just 23 students on its books.

The school was also forced to sell part of its Rose Tce grounds to Resthaven to help clear a debt with the Uniting Church.

But five years on, Ms Skewes — who has led Annesley Junior School since its inception — said the school had a “strong and sustainable foundation”.

She said the school was “exploring” options to add a Year 7 class to meet increasing demand, but ruled out any long-term plans to return to a Reception to Year 12 college.

“We had a number of families that have asked us to go to Year 7 because they want to have that option for their children,” Ms Skewes said.

“When we started our vision was a six-year old to Year 6 school — and that is still our focus.

“But we are certainly exploring it (Year 7).”

Ms Skewes said strong academic results — particularly in the International Baccalaureate — was helping to grow the school.

She also credited the school’s small, tight-knit community with creating a “positive and happy” environment.

“We have parents that work in, or close to the city, and they will come to the school on their lunch breaks and be a part of their child’s education.”

The school’s uncosted strategic plan, released this year, includes provision for new classrooms and playgrounds.

Under the plan, the middle school buildings — which have been vacant since 2011 — would be refitted for upper primary students.

Nicole Lamarca, whose son Hudson is a Year 2 student at Annesley, loved the school’s “family friendly atmosphere”.

“I choose Annesley because it is a small community and the teachers are loving,” Ms Lamarca said.