Welcome to Prince Alfred College
Welcome to Prince Alfred College, one of Australia’s leading day and boarding schools for boys.
Since its inception in 1869, Prince Alfred College (PAC) has provided opportunities and experiences that have laid the foundations for thousands of boys to lead diverse, meaningful and interesting lives.
We are a forward-looking school with a rich history and traditions. We continually look to the future, to improve and enhance the programs we offer, and the diverse range of exceptional opportunities available to our boys. Our thriving community of staff, students, parents, grandparents and old collegians all play an important part in the school’s success and ensure that our boys are challenged and supported to achieve their best.
Our programs deliberately stretch and challenge our boys. They are designed to lift this generation of students and lead them in directions they might not usually choose to go. With the support of our exceptional teaching and operational staff, our boys have the opportunity to demonstrate grit and resilience and experience the character development that is born out of the many wonderful experiences they are exposed to during their time at PAC. One of my heroes, the father of experiential education Kurt Hahn, said there is more in us than we know. It’s the responsibility of educators, in partnership with parents, to bring that to life in our boys.
Our boys’ academic success in the International Baccalaureate and South Australian Certificate of Education is something we are immensely proud of. We have high expectations for our students and set high standards that we expect them to strive for. We also know that a student’s wellbeing and his academic potential are inextricably linked. Our bespoke wellbeing programs focus on the character development of our boys from inception through to Year 12.
I am fortunate to be the 12th Headmaster of Prince Alfred College. I moved to PAC from Newington College in Sydney and before that was a boarding housemaster at Geelong Grammar School in Victoria. When people ask me “What do you do?”, my simple response is “I teach”. Yet beneath those two words is a veritable maze of uplifting, enlightening and often surprising experiences. I have loved my job as a teacher from the first day I started in a classroom, through to subsequent leadership roles that have enabled me to shape the education of young people. I hope you will see my passion for education when we meet, and that you see the same excitement to share and build knowledge in my colleagues when you visit the College. The most important thing I do is employ talented and dedicated people who will stand alongside your sons as they grow, not just teach them in the classroom.
Great schools are vibrant environments that constantly challenge thinking. At PAC our educational programs extend from the classroom to the outdoors, into the laboratories and onto the stage. Our boys are asked to challenge stereotypes and to think critically and ethically, as they are prepared to take their place and to make a meaningful contribution in society.
While we are a school that is affiliated with the Uniting Church in Australia, we warmly welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds to join our school community.
If you would like to know more about Prince Alfred College, I invite you to join a tour of our school to experience the learning environment firsthand. You can also contact our admissions team on (08) 8334 1200 or via email to find out more.
David Roberts
Headmaster
