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Adelaide Schools Face Major Policy Shifts Affecting Families Next Year
Recent openings and policy shifts in South Australian education point to implementation choices for universities, schools and early learning providers over the next year.
How we reported this
Adelaide University opened its doors in January 2026 under the Kaurna name Tirkangkaku after the merger of the University of Adelaide and UniSA. The new for-purpose institution now faces decisions on aligning courses, campuses and student services across the combined entity.
University Transition Choices
Staff and students at Adelaide University must decide how to adopt the single Kaurna identity while maintaining existing programs from the two former universities. Families considering higher education options in Adelaide will weigh these structural changes when selecting courses for 2027 entry.
School Mobile Phone Rules Continue
South Australian public high schools have operated under a mobile phone ban introduced in 2023. Reports show ongoing gains in student behaviour and wellbeing, prompting school leaders to decide whether to adjust enforcement practices or expand related wellbeing programs in the year ahead.
NAPLAN Timing Adjustments
Over 85,900 South Australian students started online NAPLAN tests two months earlier than in previous years. Education authorities will evaluate whether to retain the earlier schedule and how to support nervous students when testing resumes.
New Early Learning Centre Opening
Catholic Education South Australia will open the first Eden Grove Early Learning Centre in Term 3 2026 at Xavier College Two Wells. The centre will cater for 141 children, requiring local families to decide on enrolment applications and transport arrangements before the term begins.
Scholarship Funding Allocation
The State Government is investing $2 million in teaching scholarships aimed at increasing female STEM teachers and male primary school teachers. Program administrators must now determine application criteria and distribution timelines so schools can plan staffing for coming years.
These developments leave Adelaide education providers and families with concrete choices on integration, policy refinement and enrolment timing in the months ahead.