New high school, primary school and preschool to be built in key growth areas across Adelaide’s north and Mount Barker

Two new schools will be built to cope with booming populations in two key areas of SA.

A new high school, primary school and preschool will be built to keep pace with population booms in Adelaide’s northern suburbs and at Mount Barker.

The 2024-25 state budget, to be unveiled this week, will include more than $250m to build and expand public schools in key growth areas.

The figure includes a $155.3m commitment for a new high school in the northern suburbs that will accommodate 1300 students.

The exact location is yet to be determined, but suburbs under consideration include Smithfield Plains, Andrews Farm, Munno Para and Davoren Park.

Another $62.7m has been allocated to construct a new primary school and preschool at Mount Barker, which will offer an additional 300 and 100 enrolment spots respectively.

Operations at both new schools and the preschool are expected to begin in 2028.

In addition to the $218m for new schools, the budget will include $38.1m to upgrade and expand a number of schools.

Surrey Downs Primary School will receive $16.5m, while there will be $7.6m for Bellevue Heights Primary School, $6m for Mount Gambier High School, $4m for Le Fevre High School and $4m for Mount Barker High School.

The Linton family, of Mount Barker, have welcomed the announcement of a new school in their area. Emily Linton (second from left) with James (10), James, Esther (7), Benjamin (3), William (9). Picture: Keryn Stevens

Premier Peter Malinauskas said South Australia has “enormous opportunity ahead” – but needs to invest in young people.

“High quality facilities help provide the best possible environment for them to learn,” he said.

“This budget continues our strong record of prioritising education – from the early years, all the way through school, training and university.”

Education Minister Blair Boyer said: “Our government has a strong commitment to public education and ensuring our children and young people have access to a high-quality education in their local area”.

Treasurer Stephen Mullighan said the funding was targeted to expand capacity based on current and future needs.

“We know we are set to see further population growth, particularly in the northern suburbs, so we need to be ready to provide the infrastructure needed for families,” he said.

Kavel MP Dan Cregan, who represents Mount Barker, said there was a clear need for more capacity in the area.

He welcomed the new preschool and primary school, and said upgrades to Mount Barker High School will also be crucial.

“We are experiencing rapid population growth in the Hills and these investments are important for our community,” he said.

Mount Barker mum Emily Linton, who has four children aged younger than 11, said the community was in desperate need of a new school.

“I’m really thrilled (at the announcement),” she said.

“The schools here are at capacity ... it will bring a lot of peace of mind for families in Mount Barker.

“I think everybody that’s involved in the schooling sector is going to benefit.”

Between 2021 and 2036, the population for Mount Barker District Council was forecast to increase by 15,990 people, with the number expected to exceed 47,000 by 2036.