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Taught languages Spanish, Mandarin, French, German, Indonesian, Hindi, Italian, Polish, Latin
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction
Pembroke School is a co-educational, non-denominational day and boarding school located in Kensington Park, Adelaide, South Australia. It offers the IB Primary Years Programme in the Junior School alongside the Australian Curriculum, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the Senior School together with the South Australian Certificate of Education. Pembroke was South Australia's first IB World School, establishing the IB Diploma Programme in 1989, and has a long history of boarding with students from across Australia and the world. The school operates on two connected campuses, King's Campus (Middle School) and Girton Campus (Junior and Senior School), linked by Kensington Oval, with the Haslam Oval Precinct planned for future sports development. The Shipsters Road Building (opened 2019) houses Middle School Art, Science, Design and Digital Technology, and features learning hubs and Balnaves Place for lectures and collaborations. A broad co-curricular program includes The Arts, Sport, Technology, Clubs and Exchanges, plus pathways such as the Athlete Development Program and Resident Creatives.
Pembroke School has 1,700 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English, French.
Location
Pembroke is located in leafy Kensington Park, an eastern suburb of Adelaide, about 3.5 kilometres east of the CBD. It serves day students from the northern, western, southern and eastern suburbs and the Adelaide Hills, with many accessing a network of bus routes. Pembroke has two main campuses: the King's Campus (Middle School) and Girton Campus (Junior School and Senior School), located within five minutes' walk of each other and connected by Kensington Oval. The main reception is at 342 The Parade, Kensington Park, SA 5068.
Stages
Junior School (ELC to Year 6); Middle School (Year 7-10); Senior School (Year 11-12).
Type
The school is a co-educational, non-denominational, day and boarding, SACE and IB school.
Additional learning support
Intensive English (PCP); Hearing Unit; Inclusive Education.
Country affiliation
Australia.
Religious affiliation
non-denominational.
School day structure
Junior School times: Early Learning Centre 8:25am-2:50pm; Reception-Year 2 8:25am-3:00pm; Years 3-6 8:25am-3:10pm. Middle School times: Years 7-10 8:30am-3:10pm (Mon); 8:30am-3:30pm (Tue-Fri). Senior School times: Years 11-12 8:30am-3:10pm (Mon); 8:30am-3:30pm (Tue-Fri).
Bus service
Bus services operated with four routes: Route 1 North-East from Holden Hill; Route 2 Hills from Stirling; Route 3 Southern from Torrens Park; Route 4 Western from Findon. Public buses stop directly outside King's Campus on The Parade.
Fees
Annual tuition at Pembroke School ranges from AUD 19,530 to AUD 63,930 for 2026/27.
Application and enrolment fees - Application Fee: AUD 110 (including GST), payable with the application. - Admission Fee (payable on acceptance): AUD 750, payable prior to the first year of enrolment. - Tuition Bond (payable on acceptance): AUD 1,000; the Tuition Bond is credited against the first fee instalment.
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term) - Early Learning Centre – Reception - Annual total (Tuition + Fixed Charge): AUD 19,530 per year. Per term (divided by 4 terms): AUD 4,882.50 per term. - Years 1 – 2 - Annual total (Tuition + Fixed Charge): AUD 20,280 per year. Per term: AUD 5,070.00 per term. - Years 3 – 4 - Annual total (Tuition + Fixed Charge): AUD 22,980 per year. Per term: AUD 5,745.00 per term. - Years 5 – 6 - Annual total (Tuition + Fixed Charge): AUD 25,920 per year. Per term: AUD 6,480.00 per term. - Year 7 - Day student annual total (Tuition + Fixed Charge): AUD 28,980 per year. Per term: AUD 7,245.00 per term. - Boarding student annual total: AUD 59,790 per year (this includes the Day student total plus the boarding component of AUD 30,810). Boarding per term: AUD 14,947.50 per term. - Years 8 – 9 - Day student annual total (Tuition + Fixed Charge): AUD 31,170 per year. Per term: AUD 7,792.50 per term. - Boarding student annual total: AUD 61,980 per year (includes boarding component AUD 30,810). Boarding per term: AUD 15,495.00 per term. - Years 10 – 12 - Day student annual total (Tuition + Fixed Charge): AUD 33,120 per year. Per term: AUD 8,280.00 per term. - Boarding student annual total: AUD 63,930 per year (includes boarding component AUD 30,810). Boarding per term: AUD 15,982.50 per term.
International (Full Fee Paying Overseas Students) fee summary - International annual tuition and boarding rates (per annum) are higher and specified separately for international students: - Reception–Year 2: AUD 29,220 per year. - Years 3–4: AUD 33,060 per year. - Years 5–6: AUD 37,260 per year. - Year 7: AUD 71,430 per year (includes boarding component AUD 30,810). - Years 8–9: AUD 75,990 per year (includes boarding component AUD 30,810). - Years 10–12: AUD 78,990 per year (includes boarding component AUD 30,810). - International fee instalment and billing rules differ (see Billing schedule below).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing and instalment options (domestic 2025 schedule shown as model): - Annual lump-sum payment: account issued 10 January 2025; payable by 7 February 2025. A discount of 2% applies to Tuition Fees only if paid as a lump sum where applicable. - Three-instalment plan: instalments issued and payable as follows (2025 example): - First instalment: issued 10 January 2025, payable by 7 February 2025. - Second instalment: issued 4 April 2025, payable by 2 May 2025. - Third instalment: issued 18 July 2025, payable by 15 August 2025. - Monthly direct debit: ten monthly instalments (Feb–Nov); a AUD 10 fee (including GST) is charged per debit (AUD 100 per year). Credit-card instalments are available but merchant surcharge applies. - International students (Full Fee Paying Overseas Students) billing: annual tuition and boarding fees are normally payable in two equal instalments with set invoice and due dates (2025 example: first instalment issued 10 January 2025 payable 7 February 2025; second instalment issued 30 May 2025 payable 27 June 2025). Newly enrolled international students accepted after 1 October have a different first-instalment timing (first instalment due six months before commencement and payable within four weeks of invoice). - General payment terms: School accounts are to be paid within the period requested by the School; the School may take recovery action on overdue accounts and may withhold participation in non-curricular trips if accounts are not up to date. One term's written notice to the Principal is required before withdrawing a student or a full term's fee may be charged. Boarding enrolments are normally for the full school year.
Boarding fees and terms - Boarding component (Years 7–12): AUD 30,810 per annum (same boarding component used in domestic and international schedules where boarding is available); this is added to the Day student total to calculate the full Boarding student annual fee for Years 7–12. Boarding enrolments are for the full year unless otherwise negotiated. No refund is offered where accommodation ends early in normal course (for example Year 12 students leaving before end of Term 4).
Other mandatory and typical additional costs - Fixed Charge (applies to all students): AUD 2,220 per annum (covers Student Accident Insurance, some camps, Yearbook Unitas, excursions, diary etc.). This is included in the Day student totals above. - Uniform: approximately AUD 1,400 (varies by activities and choices). - Books and stationery: approximately AUD 700 per year (varies by subject choices). - Laptop requirement (Years 7–12): approximately AUD 1,500 (family to provide). - Homestay (when applicable for international students): AUD 350 matching fee; AUD 59.30 per night (approx.) or AUD 415 per week (approx.) with the School's external provider. - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students: medical insurance is required and will be charged prior to commencement; students pre-pay OSHC for the duration of their studies. - Pembroke Building Fund (recommended donation): suggested amounts are AUD 1,200 per annum (equating to AUD 600 per fee instalment under a two‑instalment plan or AUD 120 per monthly debit) or an alternate option of AUD 810 per annum. These are voluntary, tax-deductible donations.
Refunds and cancellation / withdrawal terms - Cancellation of acceptance prior to commencement: the Application Fee and Admission Fee are forfeited if an acceptance is cancelled before starting. The Tuition Bond is also payable on acceptance but is credited to the first fee instalment; cancellation rules affecting the Tuition Bond are specified in enrolment terms and may result in forfeiture. - Withdrawal after enrolment: one term's written notice to the Principal is required before withdrawal; failing that, a full term's fee may be charged. Boarding enrolments are normally for the full year and boarding fees remain payable for the agreed period; no automatic refund is provided if a student leaves early. No general remission of fees is required for absence through illness or suspension, though exceptional cases may be considered at the Principal's discretion. - International student refunds: refunds for Full Fee Paying Overseas Students are handled under the School's FFPOS Refund Policy; refunds for international students are applied in accordance with that policy (the School issues the specific FFPOS refund rules and processes).
Fee payment methods and options - Accepted billing/payment arrangements include: - Annual lump-sum payment (a 2% tuition discount can apply where offered). - Multi-instalment plans: domestic three-instalment plan (dates as shown above) or international two-instalment plan for Full Fee Paying Overseas Students. - Monthly direct debit (ten monthly instalments with a per-debit fee). - Credit-card instalments (available; merchant surcharge applies). - The School issues invoices with due dates; where payment by bank transfer/EFT or other electronic bank methods is required these options are used in conjunction with invoicing and direct debit arrangements (monthly direct debit is explicitly offered).
Additional notes on surcharges, rebates and concessions - International Baccalaureate surcharge: Year 11 surcharge AUD 1,830 per year; Year 12 surcharge AUD 2,790 per year (charged in instalments as specified). - Sibling rebate (applies to local Tuition Fees only): second child 10% rebate, third child 20%, fourth and subsequent child 30% (applies to the local tuition component).
(Where instalment dates and payment rules are referenced above the 2025 example billing schedule was used; the School publishes current term dates and the School's fee schedules and terms for each year. The school operates on a four-term academic year.)
Academics
Pembroke School teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP).
Curriculum
Pembroke is South Australia's first school to offer the International Baccalaureate. The Junior School integrates the Australian Curriculum with the IB Primary Years Programme, while Senior School offers both the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP).
Exam Results
Year 12 IB Results 2025: 50 full IB students; all expected to complete the Diploma, with 88 Merits and 207 A Grades and a top score of 45/45 (Nicole Wang 45; Charlie Miller 44). Six bilingual IB Diplomas; 16 students achieved 40+ (Distinction).
Higher Education Progression
Future Pathways includes Morrisby Profile testing for Year 10, the first school in South Australia to offer this package with testing and a personal interview. It also offers on‑campus Oxford and Cambridge University testing and provides events, work experience and tailored counselling for tertiary options and scholarships.
Gifted and Talented
Academic Scholarships are offered for Year 7 for high-achieving students. The school also supports advanced learners through the Morrisby Profile as part of Future Pathways and via IB/ SACE pathways.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pembroke School is wholly committed to supporting the social, physical and emotional development of every student. In Junior School, educators lead social and emotional learning with a strong focus on skill development. In Middle School, the House system and Home Groups provide a base for social, emotional and spiritual development. In Senior School, a Social, Emotional and Personal Development (SEPD) program supports Years 10 to 12 and addresses mental health, wellbeing, respectful relationships and social responsibility. A Health program supports wellbeing across Years 7 to 9, and a broad wellbeing network includes the Dean of Student Wellbeing, Head of Student Wellbeing, Head of Inclusive Education, Psychologists, Pembroke Counselling Team and Registered Nurses, along with Wellbeing Dogs. The Respectful Relationships Student Symposium and service leadership initiatives demonstrate Pembroke's commitment to wellbeing, leadership and community service.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Pembroke's Inclusive Education Department provides learning support and enrichment programs for students who may need extra help or extension. The department identifies students with learning needs early using an evidence-led approach. In Junior School, classroom teachers work with specialist teachers and teacher assistants to address developmental needs through in-class support, small groups and individually tailored programs. In Middle and Senior Schools, students who require extra help may receive modified work in smaller class groups or integrated learning, and high-needs students may receive in-class support or undertake modified courses; some Senior School students may be eligible for special provisions in assessment tasks under SACE and IB, with flexible pathways possible. Pembroke has a Hearing Unit established to assist hearing-impaired students.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Intensive English Support is provided through the Pembroke Connect Program (PCP), designed to help recently arrived international students in Years 7 to 10 build strong foundations in English language proficiency. Our experts in English as an Additional Language (EAL) provide support across the Junior School.
Mental Wellbeing
A Health program supports wellbeing across Years 7 to 9. The Senior School SEPD program for Years 10 to 12 addresses mental health, wellbeing, respectful relationships and social responsibility. Pembroke provides universal supports designed to promote mental health and wellbeing for all students, supported by a Wellbeing Team across ELC to Year 12. The Wellbeing Team includes Psychologists, Pembroke Counselling Team and Registered Nurses who work with staff and students, and Wellbeing Dogs provide care and comfort across campuses. Pembroke also runs the Respectful Relationships Symposium as part of its wellbeing and inclusive education initiatives.
Safeguarding
Pembroke provides safe learning environments with universal supports designed to promote mental health and wellbeing; a Wellbeing Team operates across ELC to Year 12 to support safety and welfare. The school's safeguarding is supported by a broad network of professionals including the Dean of Student Wellbeing, Head of Student Wellbeing, Head of Inclusive Education, Psychologists, Pembroke Counselling Team and Registered Nurses, and SEPD and Respectful Relationships programs address safety and welfare across year levels.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Application: Complete an online application form. A $110 application fee applies. On receipt of the completed application and fee, your child's name is placed on the waitlist for the year level and year of entry. Completion of an application does not guarantee enrolment. 2. Offers: Offers for places are made on or after 1 March two years preceding entry. They cover intake levels of ELC, Reception, Year 5, Year 7, Year 8 and Year 10, plus all Boarding applicants in Years 7–12. For other year levels, offers are made as places become available. Families who do not receive an offer are retained on the waitlist, and additional offers may be made outside the main round as places become available in line with the Admissions Policy. The waitlist changes constantly, and families are encouraged to apply as early as possible. 3. Acceptance: Acceptance of an offer is required to secure a place. A contractual agreement is entered into, and there is a requirement to pay an Admissions Fee and Tuition Bond. The fee details are provided at the time of offer. Acceptance confirms your child's place. 4. Commencement: New students are welcomed into Pembroke with a tailored transition and orientation program to support the best start possible. Ongoing support is provided by the school's Wellbeing and Pastoral Care framework during the initial period. Families receive information and guidance throughout the transition process.
Scholarships
Pembroke School offers a range of Scholarships and Bursaries across academics, music and boarding. Current opportunities include Academic Scholarships – Year 7 (for 2027 entry), Music Scholarships, Boarding Scholarships, Pembroke Community Scholarship Program, Isolated Students' Scholarships and Bursaries, Indigenous Youth Leadership Program, Indulkaninna Foundation Scholarships (Boarding), Margaret Sellars' Scholarship, and Scholarship for the Love of Learning in the IB. Applications for the 2026 Scholarships were closed for several programs; applications for the 2027 Indigenous Youth Leadership Program will open in Term 2 2026, and other programs follow varying cycles. For inquiries, contact the Director of Admissions at scholarships@pembroke.sa.edu.au or +61 8 8366 6217.
Waitlist
Each year level has its own waitlist, and the waitlist length varies by intake year. The school does not publish a waitlist position and the list changes as families update their preferences. Offers may be made outside the main rounds when places become available in line with the Admissions Policy. To reduce the chance of missing out, families are encouraged to apply early.
FAQs
What curricula does Pembroke School offer?
Pembroke offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, Diploma) alongside SACE at senior level, providing dual pathway flexibility for students.
Is Pembroke a boarding school?
Yes, Pembroke offers both day and boarding options. The boarding programme welcomes students from across Australia and internationally.
What languages can students learn?
Over 1,096 students learn a language at Pembroke, with options including French (semi-immersion available), Mandarin, Arabic, Bengali, Vietnamese, Hindi, Tamil, Italian, and Dutch.
What are the school's academic results?
100% of 2023 tertiary applicants received placement offers, and 98 students achieved ATAR scores of 90+ in 2024 across both IB and SACE pathways.
Does the school have a religious affiliation?
No, Pembroke is a non-denominational school welcoming students and families from all faiths and backgrounds.
What scholarships are available?
Scholarships are offered across academics, music, boarding, isolated students, Indigenous youth, and love of learning in IB categories.
What age groups does the school serve?
Pembroke serves students from the Early Learning Centre (approximately age 3) through to Year 12 (age 18) across four divisions.
Does the school offer bus services?
Yes, bus services are available to support families with transport. Route and timetable details are available through the school's transport services.
What learning support is available?
Inclusive education services include a hearing unit, the Pembroke Connect Programme for international students, and additional learning support across all year levels.
How old is the school?
Pembroke has over 110 years of history, formed through the merger of Girton Girls' School and King's College, and is South Australia's first IB World School.
What co-curricular activities are offered?
Extensive co-curricular programmes include sports, arts, technology, clubs, societies, international trips/exchanges, and an Athlete Development Programme.
Where is the school located?
The main campus is at 342 The Parade, Kensington Park, SA 5068, with additional campuses at Girton (Junior/Senior) and King's Campus (Middle School).
