South Australia – Transferring Schools

Types of secondary schools in South Australia

There are secondary schools in three sectors in South Australia:

Secondary school structure in South Australia

In South Australia, students between the ages of 11 to 14 years are usually in the middle years stage of learning. This covers:

  • Years 6 and 7 of primary school
  • Years 8 and 9 of high school.

Students between the ages of 15 and 17 years are usually in the secondary years stage of learning.

This covers Year 10 to Year 12 of high school. Students may choose to:

  • complete Year 12 and obtain their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
  • complete other education and training options or work.

Young people aged 17 and older may choose to return to school to complete their SACE, continue with formal study, participate in a community education program or start work. 

For more information, visit the education system in South Australia. 

Transfer to a school in South Australia 

The transfer process involves relevant information about the student being exchanged between schools. Generally, students remain enrolled at the original school until a transfer is received from their new school.

Students transferring during Years 8–10 are encouraged to obtain copies of their reports, other evidence of their attainments, and details of courses studied at their school. This information may then be presented to the principal of the receiving school.

In most cases, students transferring during Year 10 will have their attainments in all similar courses (based on the assessment details provided by the previous school) recognised by the receiving school.