Prince Alfred College

1. Overview Prince Alfred College is an independent Anglican boys’ school in Kent Town, Adelaide, offering a comprehensive K–12 education with a strong emphasis on academics, leadership and character. The college combines a tradition of excellence with modern learning environments and a wide range of extracurricular options. - School type: Independent private Anglican school for boys - School size: Medium-sized - Class size: Small to mid-sized classes, typically around 18–24 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, academically focused, inclusive and sport-friendly 2. Academics & Learning Prince Alfred College focuses on strong core academics alongside leadership and global-minded learning. - Academic strengths: STEM, English and literacy, leadership development, and languages (LOTE) - Special programs: Leadership programs, accelerated/advanced learning options, and gifted/talented pathways - NAPLAN trends: Consistent high performance with positive year-on-year progress in multiple cohorts - Student-teacher ratios: Small to mid-sized classes with supportive teacher ratios (roughly 1:12–1:18 in many year levels) - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for EAL and SEN, with learning support services and targeted interventions 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A key area for many families, with breadth across sports and clubs. - Sports offered: Rugby, cricket, football (soccer), athletics, swimming, and other inter-school fixtures - Strong teams or achievements: Regular competitive participation in regional/interschool competitions; emphasis on teamwork and development - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music program including ensembles and choir; drama productions and performance opportunities - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other academic/clubs activities - Partnerships: Connections with local arts and science groups, competitions and external coaching pathways to extend opportunities 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing supports are central to the student experience at PAC. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and programs promoting respectful, inclusive behavior - House system: House-based pastoral system to foster belonging and healthy competition - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: On-site counsellors and wellbeing staff to support students' emotional and social needs - Transition support for new students: Induction programs, buddy systems and targeted transition activities for newcomers 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to support academics, arts and sport in a visually engaging way. - Sports grounds: Extensive sports facilities and fields - Libraries: Well-equipped library spaces for study and research - Science labs: Modern science laboratories for practical learning - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama and performance - Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated spaces for STEM, coding and digital learning - Cafeteria: On-site canteen services for students - Updated playgrounds: Modern play/assembly spaces and outdoor areas 6. School Values & Community Culture The school highlights values-driven education and a community-focused culture. - School values / mission: Emphasis on excellence, integrity, respect, teamwork and service - Leadership style: Student leadership opportunities and collaborative decision-making - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct aligned with school values - Community reputation: Respected within the SA education landscape and active alumni networks - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to diversity and inclusive practices across the school community 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical day-to-day details help families plan. - School hours: Typical school day starts in the morning and finishes mid-afternoon, with some after-school activities - Before/after school care: Availability of care and supervision outside normal hours - Uniform requirements: Standard school uniform plus sports uniform; details provided by the school - Transport (train/bus routes): Bus routes and access via public transport are commonly available - Canteen availability: Canteen services during break periods - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the mid-to-high range for Australian independent schools 8. Enrolment & Admissions Enrolment information helps families understand how to begin the process. 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit the online or paper application with required documentation (birth certificate, academic records, and any requested references) - Complete any required assessments or interviews; standard information sessions may be offered - Attend an admissions interview or meeting with the principal or admissions team - Receive an offer for a place if there is space and the candidate meets entry requirements; review and acceptance timeline follows 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, there is often a waiting list for popular year levels - Interest is usually ranked by availability, priority needs (e.g., siblings), and space in the cohort - Families may be invited to secure a position when a vacancy becomes available 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry typically involves an admissions interview and an age-appropriate assessment or test - Schools may request academic records, teacher references and confirmation of readiness for the chosen year level - Some years may have additional requirements or criteria linked to readiness and fit with the program 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered where space is available - Transfers generally require an assessment, documentation, and a meeting with the admissions team 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A balance of strong academics, broad extracurriculars, supportive pastoral care, and a values-based culture - What type of student thrives at this school? - Motivated, team-oriented, curious learners who value leadership, service and sport - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extension in STEM and languages, leadership roles, high-level sports programs, music and drama opportunities, and competitive clubs (robotics, debating, coding) - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, online portals, progress reports, parent-teacher interviews and phone communications - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Balanced approach combining core academics with inquiry, collaboration and technology-enhanced learning - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Access to learning support, targeted interventions, tutoring and mentoring - What support is available for academic challenges? - Dedicated staff, small group sessions, and individualized plans - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above (multiple channels, including digital portals and direct updates) - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are small to mid-sized, enabling regular teacher feedback and individualized attention - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A wide range of sports, clubs and arts programs, including robotics, chess, coding and debating - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Comprehensive facilities across sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces and tech labs - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated digital learning with access to devices, coding and digital literacy through dedicated programs - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Bus routes and proximity to public transport; accessible drop-off/pick-up arrangements - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees fall in the mid-to-high range for independent schools, with standard uniform, excursions and activity costs 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Strong academic program with robust STEM and English offerings - Broad extracurriculars including sports, arts, robotics and debating - Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care with a clear house system - Positive emphasis on leadership, integrity and community values - Good facilities across science, arts, tech and sport Cons - Fees are in the mid-to-high range for private schools - Limited to boys (not a co-educational option) - Competitive admissions and space constraints can mean waiting lists for popular year levels If you’d like, I can tailor this content further with more current details or adjust the tone to match a specific area of focus for Aroundschools.