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Willunga High School

Australia, Adelaide

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The school at a glance
Fees A$403 - 620
Ages Not listed
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Strengths Sport, Languages, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Introduction

Willunga High School is a 17-hectare campus adjacent to Willunga Golf Course and Coast to Vines Rail Trail. It offers Middle School (years 7–10) with International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme aligned to Australian Curriculum SA. IBMYP covers eight subjects: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Maths, Science, Physical and Health Education, Arts, and Design. A 1:1 Laptop Program and Differentiation and Stretch with Literacy and Numeracy support operate in the middle years. Senior School (years 10–13) provides Learning Pathways including a Tertiary Pathway to ATAR and a Vocational Pathway offering certificate courses levels 1–3 and Work Placement via Regional Trade School. Languages include Japanese or Spanish, continuing into Senior School under SACE. The campus features a vineyard, olive grove and a farm, plus a Clean Manufacturing Suite with 3D printers and a laser cutter, a Function Centre and a Learning Hub. High Intellectual Potential Pathway (HIPP) is a program.

The Essentials

Location
Willunga High School is located in Willunga, South Australia. The school grounds are expansive and the classrooms are modern. A bus service operates for students living 5km or more from the school, with routes to Aldinga, McLaren Flat, Quinliven & Rowley Road, Bayswood Estate, Myponga, Seaview, Hope Forest, Oakley Road, Sellicks, Maslin Beach, Port Willunga and Silver Sands; Student ID cards serve as bus passes.

Stages
Middle School includes years 7–10; Senior School provides learning pathways for students in years 10–13.

Additional learning support
Learning Support is available for students needing extra assistance with literacy and numeracy.

Country affiliation
Australia

Bus service
Willunga High School has a bus service for students living 5km or more from the school; in partnership with Willunga Charter Pty Ltd, buses go to Aldinga, McLaren Flat, Quinliven & Rowley Road, Bayswood Estate, Myponga, Seaview, Hope Forest, Oakley Road, Sellicks, Maslin Beach, Port Willunga and Silver Sands; Student ID cards serve as bus passes.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Willunga High School requires students to wear the school uniform with pride. Uniform items include navy trousers/pants/shorts; a blue tartan dress or blue tartan skirt; navy polo shirt with or without the Willunga High School logo; navy windcheater; and a navy/white jacket with the school logo. Suitable alternatives for trousers/pants/shorts/skorts may be sourced from other suppliers if plain navy blue and of the same style and fabric; denim, leggings or track pants are not allowed. Accessories include black stockings, plain navy or white undershirts, hats for outdoor activities, and closed-toe shoes.

Food Options
Willunga High School offers a healthy food menu on a daily basis. The majority of food in the canteen is prepared onsite with the assistance of a small pool of volunteers.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a government high school governed by the Department for Education and is part of South Australian Government Schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Willunga High School ranges from AUD 403 to AUD 620 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- No application or enrolment fee is charged for families applying to attend Willunga High School; enrolment and registration are managed through the Department for Education processes and the school's enrolment office.

Tuition / Materials & Services charges (annual and per-term)

- Years 7–12 (standard campus): Materials and Services Charge (annual) — AUD 620.00. This amount covers printed and electronic materials, textbook hire / eBook access, photocopied material, access to student information technology, curriculum supplies, library resources and essential curriculum camps/excursions.

- Tailored Learning Program (Flexible Learning / FLO): Materials and Services Charge (annual) — AUD 403.00. This is a separate charge that applies to students enrolled in the Tailored Learning Program.

- Subject (elective) charges: Additional subject charges apply for particular subjects and are invoiced in addition to the Materials & Services Charge. An example listed for 2026 is Stage 2 Child Studies — AUD 30.00. Other subject-specific charges may apply for elective or vocational subjects where additional consumables or resources are required.

- Per-term amount: The school publishes the annual Materials & Services Charge amounts above. A per-term figure is not published by the school; a simple division of the annual charge by the typical four-term school year gives an indicative per-term value (Years 7–12: AUD 620 ÷ 4 = AUD 155.00 per term; Tailored Learning: AUD 403 ÷ 4 = AUD 100.75 per term). These per-term figures are arithmetic conversions and are not listed as official per-term invoice amounts by the school.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoicing and instalments: The school issues invoices for Materials & Services Charges and may invoice additional subject or program charges as required. Instalment payment plans can be arranged with the school's Finance staff; families are expected to make instalment arrangements in the first weeks of the school year.

- Liability: Parents/caregivers or independent students are liable for the Materials & Services Charge as set out under the relevant education legislation and school enrolment policies. The principal has the authority under the Education Act to waive, reduce or refund charges in appropriate circumstances.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- Willunga High School is a day school and does not operate boarding / hostel accommodation; therefore no boarding fees apply.

Other costs and likely additional fees

- Uniforms: Approved Willunga High School uniform items are available for purchase directly through the school using the Qkr! app. Specific item prices are not published on the uniform information page; costs vary by item. Families may be offered financial assistance or exemptions in cases of hardship.

- Camps, excursions and extracurricular activities: Essential curriculum camps and excursions are supported by the Materials & Services Charge where listed as essential; however, some camps, excursions, elective activities, specialist programs or off‑site tours may attract separate charges and will be invoiced when applicable. Program-specific activities (for example some VET or external provider courses) may have their own fees (an example VET course fee shown for a regional program is approximately AUD 250 — course fees vary by program).

- Program levies / specialist program fees: Certain specialist or extension programs (for example the High Intellectual Potential Pathway) note that additional fees may apply for particular excursions or program activities; these are charged in addition to the Materials & Services Charge where applicable.

Refunds and fee waivers

- Refunds and waivers: The principal has discretion to wholly or partly waive, reduce or refund a Materials & Services Charge and to allow instalments, consistent with the Education Act and Department procedures. Refunds or waivers are dealt with on an individual basis and families experiencing financial hardship should contact the school's Finance Office to discuss options. Approved School Card recipients are not required to pay the Materials & Services Charge; for 2026 the Government allowance paid to the school on behalf of approved School Card students is AUD 403.00.

Payment methods and how to pay

- Accepted payment methods include: Mastercard and Visa (credit/debit), EFTPOS at the Finance Office, direct debit arrangements, instalment plans arranged with Finance staff, and payment via the Qkr! app. Families should include the family/invoice reference when making electronic payments so the payment is applied correctly.

Brief summary of findings and where details were not published

- The school publishes the annual Materials & Services Charges and a line-item breakdown for the standard campus (Years 7–12: AUD 620.00) and the Tailored Learning Program (AUD 403.00), and it lists at least one subject charge (Stage 2 Child Studies: AUD 30.00). The school's payments and policies pages list accepted payment methods and note that instalments and fee arrangements can be made with the Finance Office. The school is a day school (no boarding). The school does not publish an official per-term invoice schedule or a detailed, itemised public refund schedule; per-term figures above are simple arithmetic conversions of the published annual amounts and are not issued as official per-term charges by the school.
Academics

Curriculum
The school has Middle School for years 7-10. The school teaches the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) aligned with the Australian Curriculum SA Implementation Schedule. The school has eight IBMYP subjects: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Maths, Science, Physical and Health Education, the Arts, and Design. The school has a 1:1 Laptop Program and a Differentiation and Stretch program with Literacy and Numeracy support. The school has Senior School for years 10-13 with Learning Pathways including a Tertiary Pathway to ATAR and a Vocational Pathway with full certificate courses (levels 1-3) and Work Placement via the Regional Trade School. The school has language offerings including Japanese or Spanish taught under the Australian Curriculum and IBMYP in Middle School and continued into Senior School under SACE.

Higher Education Progression
The school has the Tertiary Pathway to ATAR beginning in year 10 with the Personal Learning Plan and culminating in four subjects at year 12 to receive ATAR. The school has the SACE completion requirements and pathways into university and TAFE options. The school has the Vocational Pathway with national Curriculum Frameworks and Work placements via the Regional Trade School.

Gifted and Talented
The school has the High Intellectual Potential Pathway (HIPP) program for students with high intellectual potential. Applications are accepted for the 2027 HIPP Program; testing will be held at Willunga High School. Entry is based on prior academic results, standardised testing (AGAT) and the Gifted Rating Scale, plus primary school evidence; a maximum of 15 students are selected. Arts and Sports gifted students have alternate extension opportunities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Willunga High School prioritises social and emotional development through a comprehensive wellbeing framework. Student Services provide the first point of contact for welfare concerns, and staff are trained to respond to wellbeing needs. The Wellbeing section covers Bullying & Harassment, Digital Citizenship, and accessible wellbeing resources. The school assigns a dedicated wellbeing leadership role in its staff structure, with Pat Harman as Senior Leader - Learner Culture Wellbeing. The Inclusion Policy describes a holistic pastoral care program and uses One Plans to tailor supports, supported by a Team Around the Child approach, restorative conversations, and strategies such as Zones of Regulation and group programs for social skills and self-regulation.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Willunga High School has a designated Learning Support Centre to support students with learning disabilities or difficulties. A team of SSOs delivers in-class and withdrawal interventions, including QuickSmart and MultiLit, to develop literacy and numeracy, as well as communication and life skills. The school runs a Special Options Class for students with disabilities, offering a broad range of modified ACARA and SACE subjects and the option to work toward a Modified SACE Certificate aligned with One Plan SMARTER Goals. Enrolment decisions for the Special Options Class are made by a regional panel outside the school. The Learning Support Centre provides targeted literacy and numeracy intervention for identified students in years 7 and 8.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
International students are supported to improve their English, make friends, experience Australian culture and pursue their goals. The learning environment offers specialist facilities and supportive staff. The program includes a broad curriculum with Performing Arts, Humanities, Outdoor Education, Agriculture & Horticulture, and hospitality facilities. The school emphasises language development and intercultural experiences for international learners.

Mental Wellbeing
Willunga High School treats wellbeing as a core part of learning through a dedicated Wellbeing area and Student Services. The Wellbeing section includes links to Student Services, Bullying & Harassment resources, Digital Citizenship, and wellbeing resources. Senior Leader for Wellbeing is Pat Harman, who leads wellbeing work across the school. The Inclusion Policy outlines a holistic pastoral care program, including One Plans, Team Around the Child, and restorative conversations. Group interventions for self-regulation and social skills (What's the Buzz, Talkabout) and Zones of Regulation support students' mental health and everyday behaviour.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is embedded in Willunga High School's Inclusion Policy, ensuring a safe and supportive environment and compliance with legal obligations. The policy highlights Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum (KS CPC) and guest speakers as part of an effective pastoral care program. It details the roles of the Principal, Learning Support staff, parents, and students in safeguarding and the One Plan process. It describes referral processes for additional support, including referrals to Student Support Services and external agencies, and a Team Around the Child approach. Staff may refer students using a referral form, and families can contact the Learner Culture Leader or Wellbeing Senior Leader with concerns.
Parent Experience

History
Willunga High School opened in 1960 on Kaurna land, part of the Waverly Park Station. The campus covers 17 hectares and sits beside the Willunga Golf Course, the Coast to Vines Rail Trail and the McLaren Vale wine region. It features an Agriculture & Horticulture program with a 5-hectare vineyard (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese), an olive grove and a farm that supports wool, dairy, eggs and meat production. Modern facilities include a Clean Manufacturing Suite with 3D printers and a laser cutter, a Function Centre and a Learning Hub.

Community
The Willunga High School community is driven by core values of respect, responsibility, resilience and success, creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that supports wellbeing for learning. The school emphasises strong community engagement and developing learners with agency, leadership and voice in learning both at school and beyond. Years 7–10 study under the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, aligning with the SA Curriculum and preparing students for SACE, with opportunities to travel interstate and overseas and participate in enriching cultural and co-curricular programs. Each year the school hosts International Study Tours and welcomes international students into classes for culturally rich learning experiences.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Governing Council is the partnership between families and the school, providing support and direction for policy initiatives including strategic direction, finance, uniform and the canteen. Meetings are held twice a term on Monday evenings at 6.00pm. To register interest, complete the Join our community – Expression of Interest form. Willunga High School welcomes parent involvement and volunteers, including hosting an international student or joining the governing council, or volunteering in the canteen, library, or grounds. To start, complete an application, Working With Children Check, RRHAN-EC training, provide a COVID vaccination certificate, and complete induction. To register interest, complete an attached form.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Willunga High School sits on 17 hectares of grounds with two ovals, tennis courts and an agricultural allotment containing vineyards, olive groves and a small farm. The facilities include a Function Centre and a standalone music room for instrument learning and practice. The site is adjacent to the Willunga Golf Course and the Coast to Vines Rail Trail. The school has a dedicated Senior Suite with study spaces and kitchenette facilities. The campus provides varied outdoor spaces and indoor facilities to support learning and student life.

Sports Facilities
The Gym is a large, fully heated gym suitable for volleyball, basketball, indoor football and indoor cricket, and it is also used for whole-school assemblies. There are six netball courts, eight tennis courts, two basketball courts and four-square courts. Extensive oval spaces cater for sports day, football, Australian rules football, cricket, athletics and more.

Academic Facilities
Design and Technology facilities feature four workshops, including a dedicated woodwork and metalwork workshop and two multipurpose workshops. Each workshop is equipped with a variety of tools and machinery to support practical learning and safe practice. Visual Arts facilities provide opportunities to work in textiles, ceramics, drawing and painting. The Senior Suite provides a dedicated senior study space with breakout areas and kitchenette facilities to support independent learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Agriculture & Horticulture facilities include a working vineyard (5 hectares) with three grape varieties (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese) and an olive grove for learning about wine and olive production industries. A standalone music room supports music learning and ensembles. The Function Centre on site hosts events and performances, while the sports and outdoor spaces support a range of co-curricular activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school runs the High Intellectual Potential Pathway (HIPP). Students identified for HIPP participate in enrichment activities inside and outside the classroom, with an Individualised Learning Plan to support engagement. They have opportunities for extension in their studies, including selected subjects in an advanced year level, and participate in STEM programs and activities.

Arts & Creative
Art students have the opportunity to enter the Junior Art, Craft & Design competition at the Royal Adelaide Show and display their artwork. The competition is funded by WHS Arts. This provides a structured outlet for student creativity within the arts program.

Cultural & Language
Japanese or Spanish are offered as languages. Two 100-minute lessons per week are provided for the chosen language, full year, totaling 126 hours per year. Language and Literature (English) is taught full year. Students continue with their chosen language from Year 7 (IBMYP Year 2).

Social & Hobbies
Orchid Club meets every Thursday at lunch in the Indigenous Garden and Orchid House to learn about orchid culture and prepare plants for competitions. Rainbow Alliance meets weekly to provide a space for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. Board Games Club meets Thursday lunch times in the Learning Hub. After School Tutorial Group runs on Thursdays after school, offering study support with multiple teachers mentoring students.

Community & Service
Canteen volunteers assist in daily operations, and volunteers are welcome to sign up. Raise Foundation runs a youth mentoring program at Willunga High School, with students selected to benefit from weekly mentoring.

Leadership & Professional
Senior School offers vocational programs, including certificate courses at levels 1–3 to broaden career options. Workplace Learning, School Based Apprenticeships and Vocational Education & Training are available to develop professional skills and career pathways. The school provides Career Tools to support planning and transitions between study and work.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Knockout sports include volleyball, football, basketball and netball with knockout competitions against regional schools, promoting physical activity and teamwork. Rainbow Alliance offers a weekly space for LGBTQIA+ students and allies to meet and support wellbeing. After School Tutorial Group provides after-school study and mentoring to support student wellbeing and academic progress.
Languages

Language Provision
Willunga High School offers Japanese and Spanish as language acquisition programs; English is the primary language and all students undertake English Language and Literature. In Years 7–9, language acquisition in Japanese or Spanish is compulsory, with lessons of 2 x 50-minute periods per week in Year 7 and 2 x 100-minute periods per week in Years 8–9. In Year 10, language study continues with 1 or 2 semesters available (optional), and in Years 11–12 Japanese or Spanish continues as part of the SACE (optional). Mother Tongue Support is available for a small number of students, and EAL/D support is provided as needed, with Aboriginal Education support for First Nations students.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Open nights and tours: The school invites new families to tour the school and to attend an Open Night; Principal's Tours are also available throughout the year. 2. Year 7 transition process: The Department for Education manages the Starting Secondary School transition from year 6 to year 7; Year 6 students receive a Starting Secondary School transition pack with a Registration of Interest form. 3. Enrolment information for other year levels: For enrolment in other year levels or for Year 6 students attending a non-government primary school, families can request an Enrolment Information Pack by contacting the school via the Enrolment Enquiry form. 4. 2027 Year 7 information: A Parent Brochure about Starting Secondary School for 2027 is available. 5. Key Year 7 dates: Invitations to Open Night are issued in Term 1; the Registration of Interest form is due by Friday 22 May 2026; after the due date families should contact their local or preferred government secondary school to register for Year 7. 6. School zone: The Willunga High School zone defines the area from which the core intake is drawn; students within the zone are enrolled if they apply. 7. Out-of-zone admissions: If places are available, enrolment requests from outside the zone may be considered; selection is based on distance from home, curriculum requirements that cannot be offered at the local school, social and family links, transport and location convenience, and compelling reasons prohibiting attendance at the local school. 8. Waiting list if no place: If a place is not offered, a ranked waiting list is used and a place may be offered if one becomes available. 9. If no place at preferred schools: If there isn't a place available at the chosen school, a place at the local school is offered. 10. Enrolment FAQs: Year 6 families do not need to register their child's name at a preferred high school but must return the Registration of Interest form by May 22, 2026. 11. Enrolment packs and notifications: Year 6 families receive an Enrolment Information Pack between 5 August and 7 August 2026. 12. Waiting list notifications: Families on the waiting list are to be contacted regarding a place by October 2026. 13. Reviews of allocations: If a family is not satisfied with the allocation, a review of the allocation process can be requested in the allocation pack.

Waitlist
The school uses a ranked waiting list when a place is not immediately available; families on the waiting list are notified about a potential place as places become available, with notification expected around October 2026.
School Events
The school has not added events
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