First look at Adelaide foothills private school’s new education centre in $15m upgrade

An Adelaide private school has officially opened its new education centre. See inside.

Exterior of the new building at St John’s Grammar. Picture: Supplied.

An Adelaide foothills private school has unveiled its brand new education centre as part of a $15m upgrade.

St John’s Grammar School in Belair officially opened its new facility on its secondary campus, including library space, service area and a senior study centre on Wednesday after four years of planning and construction.

Premier Peter Malinauskas cut the ribbon on the new building, which allows for student growth at the school.

Premier Peter Malinauskas with St John's Grammar principal Richard Anderson in the new building. Picture: Supplied.

Premier Peter Malinauskas addressed the crowd of students at the St John's Grammar new build opening. Picture: Supplied.

St John’s Grammar, which has programs from early learning centre to Year 12, has seen its enrolment numbers increase by about a third over seven years to approximately 1100 students in 2024.

St John’s Grammar principal Richard Anderson said he expects that in 2025 the school will “hit our target number” of about 1150 students including children at the early learning centre.

Mr Anderson said the new education centre was the “major piece” of a three-stage construction project at the school.

The library in the new building at St John’s Grammar. Picture: Supplied.

Student Services Foyer of the new building at St John’s Grammar. Picture: Supplied.

“We took the plunge and thought we’d do this well,” Mr Anderson said of the development.

The $15m project also included a rebuild of their art centre and an extension of their technology facility, both completed in 2023.

“It replaced a whole lot of temporary buildings that didn’t serve what we wanted,” Mr Anderson said.

“It’s something that our families deserve — a top class learning facility.

“It embodies our belief in the power of community and collaboration in fostering a place of learning that prepares our students not just academically, but as empowered citizens.”

The education centre also includes a dedicated classroom for students with complex learning needs.

Study spaces in the new building at St John’s Grammar. Picture: Supplied.

“The centre’s inclusive environment is a reflection of St John’s Grammar School’s ethos, demonstrating our commitment to walking the talk when it comes to inclusivity in education,” Mr Anderson said.

The education centre was designed to “pick up the natural beauty” of the nearby Belair National Park.

About 50 per cent of the cost of the build was funded by the school with the rest covered with a government loan.