Navigator College, in Port Lincoln, announce plans for massive upgrade including ELC

One of regional SA’s largest private schools wants to build a new ‘reception village’ as it aims to educate toddlers right through to year 12. See the plans.

Navigator College in Port Lincoln. Picture: Supplied

A new ELC and multi-learning centre would be built at a top Port Lincoln private school under a proposal to boost student numbers by 77 per cent as part of a broader master plan.

Navigator College, one of the state’s most affordable private schools, would undergo a huge redevelopment for construction of two new classrooms, multi-learning activity spaces and an upgraded ELC with a room specifically for toddlers.

Principal Stephen Jude said the new learning centre would be operational by 2026, while a “purpose-built” reception village would be up and running in 2027.

Artist impressions of Navigator College’s new ELC campus. Picture: Supplied

The proposed reception village. Picture: Supplied

“The ELC expansion includes a dedicated room for two-year-olds – a first for ELCs on the Eyre Peninsula,” Mr Jude said. “This addition will provide Navigator College families with a contemporary education experience from age two through to Year 12.

“Both projects are aimed at strengthening our focus on early years education and supporting the growing demand for childcare in our community.”

The college is one of SA’s most affordable private schools. Picture: Supplied

Fees to attend the college have increased from $5770 in 2024 to $5830 in 2025.

Plans show the school’s current music centre would be redeveloped into a ‘reception village’ to provide a “flexible learning centre” for reception students.

Documents, submitted to Plan SA, reveal the proposal would “greatly improve” the school’s facilities, while aiming to directly connect its ELC and junior school campuses.

ELC students at Navigator College. Picture: Supplied

ELC students at Navigator College. Picture: Supplied

“Navigator College continues to grow and is excited to embark on the next stage of their master plan,” the report said.

“(This will) connect the early learning children directly with the junior school to ensure students have a smooth transition into their primary education.”

Architect Tim Geue, of Built Design Architects, said the expansion would “support seamless transitional learning” between the two facilities.

Submissions are open until February 17.

Originally published as Navigator College, in Port Lincoln, announce plans for massive upgrade including ELC