The State Government will invest $218 million to build a new preschool and primary school at Mount Barker, and a new secondary school in the northern suburbs of Adelaide.

The investment in these locations, announced as part of the State Government’s 2024-25 Budget, is designed to meet forecast population growth and enrolment demand in some of the state’s fastest growing regions.

Mount Barker and the surrounding areas have recorded huge population growth, and $62.7 million in funding has been allocated to build a new preschool with 100 places and a new primary school that will cater for 300 students.

A new secondary school will be built in Adelaide’s northern suburbs to support continued high population growth. The $155.3 million project will provide 1300 additional places for students from years 7 to 12.

In addition to these sites, a further $38.1 million will be invested in schools across the state to upgrade facilities. These include:

• Surrey Downs Primary School ($16.5 million)
• Bellevue Heights Primary School ($7.6 million)
• Mount Gambier High School ($6 million)
• Le Fevre High School ($4 million)
• Mount Barker High School ($4 million).

Investing in high-quality infrastructure and planning to meet future enrolment demand will help ensure South Australia’s children and young people have access to the facilities they need to support their education.