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Taught languages English, French, Indonesian, Spanish, Mandarin
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction
Mercedes College is a Catholic, co-educational day school in Adelaide rooted in the Mercy tradition. It offers a continuous IB programme from Reception to Year 12, integrated with the Australian curriculum. The Junior School runs the Primary Years Programme for Reception to Year 5; the Middle Years Programme for Years 6–10; and Years 11–12 can pursue the IB Diploma Programme or the South Australian Certificate of Education, with Vocational Education and Training options available. The College sits on a 6.5-hectare campus, bringing together Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. Facilities include Art and Design studios, Science laboratories, Technology and Innovation spaces, two industrial kitchens, a Senior Study Space, and Gleeson Theatre within the High Performance Arts and Sports Precinct. The Yitpi Centre houses indoor courts, with outdoor courts and the Main Oval supporting sport. The campus emphasizes inquiry-based learning, global-mindedness, and service through learning and offerings in sport, performing arts, clubs.
Mercedes College has 900 pupils, instruction in English.
Location
540 Fullarton Road, Springfield, South Australia 5062, Australia
Stages
Reception to Year 12; Junior School, Middle School, Senior School
Type
Catholic co-educational school in the Mercy tradition
Pupil Nationality Mix
The school has students from 13 countries; international students predominantly join Year 10–12; they live with Homestay hosts arranged through the College's International Students Programme.
Country affiliation
Australia
Religious affiliation
Catholic
Bus service
Three dedicated college charter bus services transport Mercedes College students to and from campus daily. An annual bus pass is required; registrations are handled via the College. The Charter services connect the Southern suburbs, North-eastern suburbs and the Adelaide Hills, with drop-off and pick-up at the Delamere Avenue entrance. An external provider, Road King Coachlines, operates the Northern and Eastern Areas route with multiple pick-up locations along Glynburn Road, Stanley Street, Tusmore Avenue, Greenhill Road and nearby streets. Adelaide Metro buses stop outside the gates; school bus routes drop students directly outside campus (e.g., 887 from Mount Barker; 968 from Clarence Gardens; 966 from Marion Centre Interchange; 967 from Glenelg; 673 from Darlington via Blackwood; 636 to the city). Regular Adelaide Metro routes stopping nearby include 171, 300 and 174.
Fees
Annual tuition at Mercedes College ranges from AUD 1,630 to AUD 37,230 for 2026/27.
Application & Confirmation Fees
- International student one‑off Enrolment Application Fee: AUD 600. - Confirmation Fee (applies when accepting an offer): AUD 500 per student. This confirmation fee is non‑refundable in full if the student withdraws before the completion of one school term; a portion is credited to the first family account.
Annual tuition and resource fees (per year) with per‑term equivalents - Reception: Tuition AUD 6,030 + Resource AUD 570 = Total AUD 6,600 (per term AUD 1,650). - Year 1: Tuition AUD 12,080 + Resource AUD 1,150 = Total AUD 13,230 (per term AUD 3,307.50). - Year 2: Tuition AUD 12,080 + Resource AUD 1,170 = Total AUD 13,250 (per term AUD 3,312.50). - Year 3: Tuition AUD 12,080 + Resource AUD 1,320 = Total AUD 13,400 (per term AUD 3,350). - Year 4: Tuition AUD 13,050 + Resource AUD 1,480 = Total AUD 14,530 (per term AUD 3,632.50). - Year 5: Tuition AUD 13,050 + Resource AUD 1,490 = Total AUD 14,540 (per term AUD 3,635). - Year 6: Tuition AUD 15,190 + Resource AUD 3,250 = Total AUD 18,440 (per term AUD 4,610). - Year 7: Tuition AUD 15,190 + Resource AUD 1,640 = Total AUD 16,830 (per term AUD 4,207.50). - Year 8: Tuition AUD 15,190 + Resource AUD 2,010 = Total AUD 17,200 (per term AUD 4,300). - Year 9: Tuition AUD 15,400 + Resource AUD 2,370 = Total AUD 17,770 (per term AUD 4,442.50). - Year 10: Tuition AUD 18,080 + Resource AUD 2,550 = Total AUD 20,630 (per term AUD 5,157.50). - Year 11: Tuition AUD 18,080 + Resource AUD 1,790 = Total AUD 19,870 (per term AUD 4,967.50). Note: IB Diploma students incur an additional curricular charge (see below). - Year 12: Tuition AUD 18,080 + Resource AUD 1,720 = Total AUD 19,800 (per term AUD 4,950). Note: IB Diploma students incur an additional curricular charge (see below).
(Per‑term figures above are the annual Total divided by four; per‑term values are presented as calculated amounts.)
Additional curricular and program charges - International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme: additional AUD 900 per year for students in the IB Diploma stream (applies in addition to Year 11/12 fees where noted). - Year 12 examination/assessment charges and some SACE/IB related costs are charged to cover registration, examinations and moderation and vary by program and subject—these may appear as separate exam or subject fees. - Vocational Education and Training (VET) and external courses: families are responsible for the payment of any external VET course fees; a credit may be applied on completion in some cases. - Optional Outdoor Education: additional charge where applicable (example: Outdoor Education for international students cited as AUD 900 per semester). - Discretionary or nominated activities (select music tuition, optional trips, overseas tours, remote‑area camps and certain co‑curricular charges) are invoiced separately and in many cases must be paid via the Qkr app.
International student specific charges - International student full‑year Tuition Fee (all streams): AUD 29,380 (Years R–11 and Year 12 streams listed). - International student Resource Fee (annual): varies by stream, example AUD 7,850 (Years R–11) or AUD 7,810 (Year 12 streams). - International student one‑off charges include: Enrolment Application Fee AUD 600; Guardianship Fee AUD 350; Airport pick‑up / orientation AUD 300; Homestay placement AUD 380. Homestay weekly cost range: AUD 390–420 per week.
Family discounts and settlement / early payment discounts - Sibling (concurrent enrolment) discounts on Tuition Fees: second child 20%, third child 40%, fourth child 65%, fifth child 100% (applies to tuition only). - Full annual payment discount: a settlement/early payment discount of 3% is applied when annual fees are paid in full by close of business 15 March (or within 30 days of invoice for families commencing during the year).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual payment: full payment of fees is due by close of business 15 March. - Instalments: weekly, fortnightly or monthly direct debit, credit card, BPay or other agreed instalments are available by arrangement with the Finance Department; agreed payment plans must be paid in full by 30 November of the same year. - Where fees remain outstanding beyond the due date without an agreed arrangement, accounts may be placed into credit management and ultimately referred to a commercial debt collection agency; ongoing non‑payment may lead to legal action or suspension of enrolment privileges.
Refunds and student withdrawal terms - Domestic student withdrawal: written notice of withdrawal is required no later than one term's notice; failure to provide one term's notice will result in payment or forfeiture of one term of the annual fee in lieu of notice. - International student refunds: refunds follow the ISP refund rules. If withdrawal is more than 28 days before course commencement (for reasons other than visa refusal), prepaid fees less 20% and any unused homestay fees will be refunded. If a visa application is rejected and certified evidence is provided within 14 days, a full refund less the Enrolment Application Fee will be made. If a student withdraws after commencement, ten academic weeks' written notice is required or ten academic weeks' Tuition Fees will be charged (excluding Resource and Examination Fees). Refunds are paid in AUD to a nominated bank account and are processed within the specified timeframes in ISP policy.
Boarding / Homestay arrangements - The College does not operate an on‑site boarding house; international students are accommodated through a homestay program. Homestay placement and weekly homestay fees (example range AUD 390–420 per week) apply as noted above.
Other compulsory or regular charges - Yearbook (per family): AUD 55. - Resource Fee (listed above with each year level) is compulsory and covers many curriculum‑related costs such as camps, excursions and publications; some activities remain chargeable separately. - Building Fund: voluntary, tax‑deductible contributions are accepted. - Uniforms and College Shop: uniform items are purchased from the College Shop (on campus) or via the Midford online store; uniform cost varies by item.
Payment methods accepted - Direct debit (regular instalments), credit card, BPay and other agreed instalments; selected co‑payments and voluntary donations may be accepted via the Qkr app. Specific payment authority forms and direct debit authority are used to set up instalment arrangements.
Notes on account management and financial support - The College issues one family account to the signatory on the enrolment contract; families are expected to ensure funds are available for scheduled payments. Repeated non‑payment may lead to restricted participation in major trips, withdrawal of enrolment offers, or records being withheld. The College provides a Fee Support Application process for families in genuine financial hardship.
Academics
Mercedes College teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP).
Curriculum
Mercedes College delivers a Reception to Year 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) education, integrated with the Australian curriculum. As an IB World School, the Junior School offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Reception to Year 5. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is provided for Years 6 to 10. In Years 11 and 12, students may undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), with Vocational Education and Training (VET) options available. The IB curriculum is delivered within a Mercy-tradition learning environment, with a focus on inquiry-based learning and global-mindedness.
Exam Results
Class of 2025 Laureates: 33 graduates achieved Laureate status (ATAR 90+ and/or Merit). The milestone was celebrated with recognition of high achievers in the IB Diploma and SACE pathways.
Higher Education Progression
In 2025, 96% of Year 12 students were university bound, with 66% via ATAR and 28% via university alternate entry; 4% pursued a Vocational Education and Training pathway.
Gifted and Talented
Mercedes College offers the Aspire Program for Years 7–10 to provide enriched learning opportunities for high-potential students. Enrichment opportunities and MTSS support high-potential learners across the College.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a CARE Framework underpinning wellbeing initiatives. CARE stands for Connect, Assess, Respond, Empower and guides how staff support students. A dedicated Wellbeing, Learning Enrichment team and Heads of School monitor student wellbeing to ensure timely input. Regular use of CARE Teams helps identify students who may need additional support and to provide appropriate interventions. Break Free and Being You is an optional Year 9 programme exploring gender stereotypes, while the Student Mentoring Programme pairs mentors with students to build social skills and resilience.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has a Learning Enrichment Team that provides targeted intervention programmes and learning adjustments to support students' learning and social development across the College. The team collaborates with teachers to tailor support to individual needs and monitor progress. This framework supports inclusive practices across the curriculum.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
International students receive English language support through Mercedes College's International Student Programme. The Welfare and Accommodation Coordinator offers arrival support, homestay placement and day-to-day pastoral care, while an ISP Academic Advisor helps with English proficiency and subject choices. If additional English language support is needed, students may be enrolled in intensive English courses at approved partner institutions. English proficiency evidence accepted includes AEAS, EPET, IELTS or TOEFL. Homestay and ISP services assist international students in adapting to study in Australia.
Mental Wellbeing
The school employs a psychologist and college counsellors as part of the Wellbeing Team, along with a qualified Health Administrator. The CARE Framework guides staff in monitoring and supporting students' emotional and mental health, with Year Level Leaders maintaining regular contact with families. The Wellbeing Team provides Tier 2 and Tier 3 support, case management and referral pathways to ensure timely assistance. A range of wellbeing initiatives and mentoring programs support social and emotional development.
Safeguarding
A defined safeguarding structure operates through the CARE Framework, with Heads of School and the Wellbeing and Learning Enrichment Team reviewing welfare input to ensure no student slips through the cracks. Wellbeing is a shared responsibility of all staff, who observe, document, connect and refer early to support students. The Learning Enrichment Team provides targeted interventions and learning adjustments within the CARE framework, and counsellors provide ongoing Tier 2 and Tier 3 support. The College participates in safeguarding frameworks indicated by CESA Safe Environments for All.
Admissions
Admissions
Step 1. Submit an enrolment application using electronic enrolment forms. The enrolment forms are electronic and College Registrars, the Director of Wellbeing, and Heads of School work with families to support and encourage student enrolments. Information about College entry requirements, courses, and programs is accessible to prospective families to help them make informed choices. The process is designed to be inclusive and free from discrimination.
Step 2. Enrolment Priority Criteria are used when demand exceeds available enrolment positions. Offers of admission are presented in the priority order: siblings of students already enrolled; scholarship recipients; children of Mercedes College old scholars; children of Mercedes College staff; Catholic families (including those who have attended regional parish schools); children of denominations other than Catholic; and others, in order of enrolment application. The Principal uses discretion in applying the criteria to make the final decision. On acceptance of enrolment, families agree to comply with the college's Enrolment Terms and Conditions.
Step 3. Language and admissions. A language profile is created during the application process based on home language and prior language experience. Students for whom English is an additional language may require English support or bridging English; language placement will be determined and may involve additional language study. Undertaking an additional language is a requirement of the IB program, and language proficiency is assessed during admissions to determine appropriate placement. This ensures students access the curriculum.
Step 4. Senior years admissions. Enrolment in senior years (Year 10 to Year 12) is subject to the approval of the IB Diploma and SACE Coordinators to ensure program pattern requirements are met. Transferring from other IB Diploma schools requires providing contact details for the previous Diploma Coordinator. In addition to Religious Education, students are expected to participate in all compulsory aspects of the college's learning programs.
Step 5. Inclusion and access. Mercedes College is committed to inclusive practices and provides access to learning for all enrolled students. Where a student has a disability or learning or well-being needs, adjustments may be made to the usual admissions process, including transition visits, development of a Personalised Plan, and collaboration with external professionals or health providers. The college will provide support and structures to foster access to learning programs and will monitor and evaluate its efforts to provide equal opportunities.
Step 6. Acceptance and partnership. On acceptance of enrolment, families are expected to partner with the college and uphold the college's policies, rules and procedures as outlined in the Enrolment Terms and Conditions.
Step 7. Scholarships. A scholarship is a fee remission for a predetermined length of time. A limited number of scholarships are available in Year 10 for qualified applicants. Applicants wishing to apply for a scholarship complete the relevant Scholarship Application Form.
Scholarships
A scholarship is a fee remission for a predetermined length of time. A limited number of scholarships are available in Year 10 for qualified applicants. Applicants wishing to apply for a scholarship complete the relevant Scholarship Application Form.
FAQs
What IB programmes does Mercedes offer?
Mercedes offers the full IB continuum across Junior, Middle, and Senior Schools, developing critical thinking and inquiry skills.
Is the school co-educational?
Yes, Mercedes College is a Catholic co-educational school welcoming both boys and girls from Reception to Year 12.
What is the Mercy tradition?
The school operates in the Mercy tradition with six Mercy Keys values guiding education and pastoral care within the Catholic faith.
Is bus transport available?
Yes, bus services are available for families with route and timetable information on the school's website.
What is the STEP Programme?
The STEP Programme is an enrichment initiative providing additional academic and personal development opportunities for students.
Where is the school located?
Mercedes College is at 540 Fullarton Road, Springfield, in Adelaide's eastern suburbs, South Australia.
What co-curricular activities are available?
Activities include the STEP Programme, immersive tours, camps, student leadership, music, and sports programmes.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, scholarships are offered for eligible students. Contact the admissions office for details.
Is the school a Catholic school?
Yes, Mercedes is a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition within Catholic Education South Australia (CESA).
How do I arrange a visit?
College tours can be booked through the school's website. Information sessions and Open Days are held for prospective families.
