Prep School Official Opening

Prince Alfred College was proud to welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, formally opening the new buildings and outdoor areas and unveil the foundation stone for the buildings.

The redevelopment delivers a purpose-built learning environment designed to support the unique ways boys learn, connect and grow from the earliest years of schooling.

Headmaster Mr David Roberts said the official opening marked an important moment in the College’s history.

“This redevelopment represents a transformative step for our College, ensuring that our youngest students are immersed in an environment that inspires a love of learning from the very beginning.

“Every aspect of the new Preparatory School has been intentionally designed - creating spaces that support movement, collaboration, creativity and small-group focus, all of which are essential to how boys learn best.”

Mr Roberts said the presence of the Governor and the wider College community made the occasion especially significant.

“Today’s official opening is much more than the unveiling of a series of buildings. It is a celebration of our vision for the future of boys’ education and the unwavering support of our community. To have Her Excellency officially open this important project, surrounded by students, families, staff and special guests, is a proud moment for Prince Alfred College and a fitting recognition of the impact this investment will have on generations of boys to come.”

The new facilities feature light-filled classrooms, adaptable learning zones, outdoor connections and age-appropriate play areas, all carefully considered to balance structure with exploration. The design draws on contemporary educational research and PAC’s deep understanding of boys’ development, reinforcing our explicit instruction model by creating purposeful spaces that enhance clarity, engagement and learning.

In her address, Her Excellency said the architectural design and interior fit outs of schools can have a positive influence on learning, the way students work together and the relationships they form.

“Yours is a building that is so much more than the materials used in its construction. It is an investment in the future of young South Australians. The primary years from Reception to Year 6 are amongst the most important years of a child’s education”, Her Excellency said.

Deputy Headmaster and Head of the Preparatory School, Mr Jon Gelsthorpe, said the response from students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive since moving into the new spaces.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to see how quickly our boys and staff have settled into the new environment. The spaces have energised both teaching and learning, with students already demonstrating exceptional levels of engagement, independence and a genuine excitement about coming to school each day,” Mr Gelsthorpe said.

The redevelopment also strengthens the sense of community within the Preparatory School, creating welcoming and connected spaces for our boys, teachers and families.

This milestone is the first major project in the school’s Master Plan and reinforces Prince Alfred College’s longstanding commitment to delivering a world-class education for boys.