Listed: SA’s most expensive private schools

Year 12 school fees at Adelaide’s private schools are going through the roof, with one putting them up by 6 per cent. See how your school compares.

Adelaide’s most expensive private schools have ramped up their charges for 2023, as a survey shows fee hikes for year 12 of as much as 6 per cent – far in excess of last year’s rises.

The 10 most expensive schools – all independent schools – are jacking up year 12 fees by an average of 3.7 per cent, compared to just 2.25 per cent last year.

And even some schools that remain more affordable options have significantly raised their charges.

All boys St Peter’s College has overtaken Walford as the priciest school, lifting its year 12 charge 4.7 per cent to $29,450 – just $30 more than the Hyde Park girls school which opted for a 2.9 per cent rise.

The Advertiser scoured dozens of school websites for fee schedules and compiled compulsory charges for the final year of schooling, most commonly combining tuition fees, IT levies and compulsory building fund contributions.

Others within the top 10 with big hikes include Pulteney Grammar and Westminster School, both with 4.8 per cent rises to $28,000 and $25,564 respectively.

University Senior College, though still far cheaper, had the highest increase of 6 per cent to $13,100.

Association of Independent Schools of South Australia chief executive Anne Dunstan said schools “carefully consider their fee structures consistent with the needs, expectations and financial circumstances of their families”.

“Schools face the same rising cost of living as the rest of society,” she said.

“Independent schools strive to maintain affordable fees that deliver the quality of education that students and parents expect along with employment conditions and benefits that satisfy and attract the best teachers and support staff.”

The Advertiser previously revealed that independent schools are under pressure to significantly increase teacher wages for teachers by up to 8 per cent, which would result in further fee rises.

The Independent Education Union has said it is trying to break up the “two per cent wage cartel” of schools insisting on modest pay bumps during the economic crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Catholic Education SA confirmed that the fee-freeze it announced mid last year for 2023 for 86 diocesan schools was still in place.

Its director Neil McGoran said the decision was to ensure schools remained “accessible and affordable”.

Susan Chau with children Benjamin, 13, who goes to Marryatville High School, and Madison, 15, who attends Wilderness School. Picture: Russell Millard

“We know that families are under all sorts of financial pressure with rising interest rates, inflation and household bills,” he said.

But the freeze does not cover all Catholic schools, with parents at the likes of Rostrevor, Loreto and Christian Brothers colleges all facing fee rises in the 2-3 per cent range.

St Columba College, a joint Anglican and Catholic institution, has opted to keep year 12 fees at last year’s price of $4950.

Principal Leanne Carr said that was enabled by “growing enrolment combined with excellent financial management”.

Principal of independent Westminster School Simon Shepherd said families were at “the forefront of (the school’s) thinking”.

“Our 2023 fee schedule reflects the complex task of finding a considered and respectful balance between the national CPI forecast and our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience,” he said.

St Peter’s College and Pulteney Grammar were among other schools contacted for comment.

St Mary’s College and Tatachilla Luthean College have both listed small decreases in year 12 fees.

Susan Chau’s daughter, Madison, is entering year 10 at private Wilderness School, while her son, Benjamin, will this year complete year 9 at public Marryatville High School. Her youngest child, Annelise, is in year 6 at Burnside Primary School

Ms Chau said she selected each school based on her children’s different personalities and strengths — and having only one child at a private school has meant the family has not been as affected by rising school fees.

“Wages are going up, services are going up, inevitably everything will go up … I don’t think it’s out of line,” she said.