Last Updated on January 22, 2026 by Andrew Mckiggan
📌 What this page covers
This guide explains school fees, uniforms, and education-related costs in Gawler, using published 2026 figures from local public and independent schools. It is designed to help families understand real-world education expenses without ranking, endorsing, or promoting individual institutions.
For families relocating to Gawler and surrounding suburbs, education is often one of the largest household expenses after housing. Understanding the total cost of schooling — including fees, uniforms, levies, technology requirements, and activities — is essential for accurate budgeting and long-term planning.
This page provides a factual cost reference for 2026, based on official, publicly available information where possible.
This guide forms part of the broader Gawler Education & Training hub, which provides an overview of local schools, training providers, and education pathways across Gawler and surrounding suburbs.
Education options and cost structures in Gawler
🔍 Why education costs vary
Education costs differ depending on school type, year level, uniform requirements, camps, technology programs, and eligibility for assistance.
Families in Gawler generally choose between:
- Public primary and secondary schools
- Independent and faith-based schools
- Vocational and post-school pathways
- Private tutoring and supplementary learning support
Education costs are often considered alongside location, facilities, learning approach, and long-term pathways.
How public school fees work in South Australia
ℹ️ Important Context
In South Australia, government schools do not charge compulsory tuition fees. However, families usually encounter other education-related costs.
Public schools operate under a consistent statewide framework administered by the Department for Education, which includes:
- No compulsory tuition fees
- A Materials and Services Charge, set annually by the school governing council
- Costs for uniforms, excursions, camps, and learning materials
- Access to the School Card Scheme, which may reduce or remove certain charges for eligible families
While contribution amounts and uniform pricing vary by school, the overall cost structure is broadly consistent across SA public schools.
Gawler East Primary School – Public School Cost Example (2026)
School fees (2026)
💰 Key takeaway
Public school costs are typically modest and predictable, particularly when rebates or assistance apply.
According to information published by the school:
- Total school fee: $300
- Rebate applied: $200
- Net fee payable: $100
Fees are set annually by the School Governing Council and may be paid by instalment.
School Card Scheme
🧾 Financial assistance available
Gawler East Primary School participates in the South Australian School Card Scheme, which provides financial assistance toward school materials and services charges for eligible families. Eligibility is assessed by the Department for Education based on household income.
Uniform costs (2026)
👕 Uniforms are a separate cost
Uniform purchases are usually a one-off or infrequent expense, depending on student growth and wear.
| Uniform item | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Short sleeve polo (Royal) | Sizes 4–16, S–L | $35.00 |
| Shorts (Black with logo) | Sizes 4–10 | $25.00 |
| Shorts (Black with logo) | Sizes 12–16 | $27.50 |
| Half-zip windcheater | Sizes 4–14, S–3XL | $60.00 |
| Jacket | Sizes 4–14, S–3XL | $65.00 |
| Bucket hat | XS, S/M, M/L | $10.00 |
| Library bag | Standard | $10.00 |
Facilities and learning environment
🏫 Facilities influence value, not just cost
Gawler East Primary School operates across multiple buildings accommodating students from Reception through upper primary years. All buildings are air-conditioned, supporting year-round learning.
Facilities include:
- Networked computer access and ICT learning areas
- Technology, art, and wet-area spaces
- Cooking and technology centres
- A dedicated drama room with lighting and sound
- A full-size indoor sporting hall used by the school and community
Outdoor areas include grassed play spaces, playgrounds, and access to a nearby reserve. Sustainability initiatives include stormwater collection and reuse systems.
Independent school fees in Gawler
⚠️ Cost structure changes significantly
Independent schools charge tuition fees in addition to uniforms and other education-related expenses.
Independent school costs vary based on:
- Year level
- Family size (sibling discounts)
- Early payment options
- Eligibility for School Card or additional financial assistance
The following information summarises the official 2026 fee structure published by Trinity College.
🔗 View the official Trinity College fees and enrolment information
https://www.trinity.sa.edu.au/contact/enrolments/fees
Fees, levies, and eligibility criteria may change. Families should always refer to Trinity College directly for the most current information.
Trinity College – Fees, Uniforms and Facilities (2026)
Tuition fees – full fee (annual)
| Year level | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Reception – Year 4 | $4,880 |
| Years 5 – 7 | $5,220 |
| Year 8 | $6,070 |
| Years 9 – 10 | $7,060 |
| Years 11 – 12 | $7,690 |
💡 Early payment option
An early payment discount applies when fees are paid in full by 6 February 2026.
Tuition fees – School Card eligible families
| Year level | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Reception – Year 4 | $1,952 |
| Years 5 – 7 | $2,088 |
| Year 8 | $2,428 |
| Years 9 – 10 | $2,824 |
| Years 11 – 12 | $3,076 |
Sibling discounts
👨👩👧 Cost relief for multi-child families
- Second child: 15%
- Third child: 30%
- Fourth and subsequent children: 100%
Sibling discounts apply to tuition fees only.
Capital Development Levy (compulsory)
| Child position | Full fee | School Card |
|---|---|---|
| 1st child | $300 | $150 |
| 2nd child | $255 | $128 |
| 3rd child | $210 | $105 |
| 4th+ child | Nil | Nil |
Uniform costs (typical price ranges)
👕 Uniform budgeting is important at larger schools
Based on published price lists, typical items include:
- Shirts and blouses: $45 – $47
- Trousers, skirts and culottes: $60 – $99
- Jumpers, vests and jackets: $95 – $98
- Blazers: $210
- PE uniforms and sports items: $50 – $95
- Bags, hats and accessories: $15 – $70
Uniform requirements vary by year level, subject selection, and co-curricular participation.
Campus scale and facilities overview
🏫 One of the largest school networks in the region
Trinity College operates as a multi-campus co-educational school, with campuses at North, South, Senior, Blakeview, Gawler River and Roseworthy. Major sites span over 100 acres, with additional campuses exceeding 20 acres each.
Facilities across the College include:
- Modern classrooms with interactive technology
- Libraries, technology centres and computer hubs
- Indoor sports halls and cricket facilities
- Tennis courts, soccer pitches, ovals and a synthetic hockey pitch
- Drama centres, art galleries and music facilities
- Purpose-built performing arts theatre
- Trade Training Centre and vocational learning spaces
- Agricultural and environmental learning areas
- STARplex sports, aquatic and theatre facilities
⚖️ Cost and scale move together
Larger campuses typically offer broader subject choice and facilities, but also involve higher overall education costs and transport considerations.
Hidden and variable education costs families should plan for
🔍 Often overlooked expenses
Beyond published fees and uniforms, families should budget for:
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs (standard from Year 7–12)
- Subject-specific levies for electives such as Outdoor Education or VET
- Camps and excursions, particularly in upper primary and secondary years
- Transport costs and daily travel time
These costs form part of the total education budget, regardless of school type.
Vocational, tertiary and post-school pathways
🎓 Education doesn’t stop at Year 12
Students in Gawler also access:
- TAFE campuses in nearby northern Adelaide suburbs
- Apprenticeships and trade pathways linked to local industry
- University access via metropolitan Adelaide
- Adult retraining and certificate-based education
These options are often considered alongside traditional ATAR-focused routes.
Private tutoring and learning support
✏️ Supplementary, not always permanent
Many families supplement classroom learning with:
- One-on-one tutoring
- Small group tuition
- Subject-specific support in maths, English and senior secondary subjects
Tutoring is commonly used during transition years or exam preparation periods.
How education costs influence housing decisions in Gawler
🏡 Education and housing decisions are linked
Families often factor education costs into:
- Proximity to preferred schools
- Transport time and daily logistics
- Long-term enrolment planning
- Decisions to renovate, relocate, or change suburbs
Education is one of several factors shaping local housing demand across Gawler and surrounding suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions: School Fees and Education Costs in Gawler
How much does it typically cost to send a child to a public school in Gawler?
Public schools in Gawler do not charge compulsory tuition fees, as they operate under the South Australian Department for Education framework. However, families are usually asked to pay an annual Materials and Services Charge, which contributes to learning resources, classroom materials, and school services. This charge is set each year by the school’s governing council and varies slightly between schools.
In practice, the base Materials and Services Charge at many Gawler public primary schools is around a few hundred dollars per year. Government cost-of-living rebates are often applied, which can significantly reduce the net amount payable. In addition to this charge, families should budget separately for uniforms, excursions, camps, and optional activities. While these additional costs vary, public schooling in Gawler is generally considered a lower-cost and predictable education option compared to independent schooling.
What is the School Card Scheme and how does it affect school costs in Gawler?
The School Card Scheme is a South Australian Government program administered by the Department for Education that provides financial assistance to eligible families to help cover school-related expenses. Eligibility is based on household income thresholds from a previous financial year and applies to both government and non-government schools.
For families who qualify, the School Card Scheme can reduce or remove Materials and Services Charges at public schools and significantly lower tuition fees at independent schools that participate in the scheme. The level of assistance depends on school type and year level, but for many families it substantially lowers the overall cost of education. Because eligibility criteria and income thresholds can change from year to year, families should check current details directly through official SA Government channels or their chosen school.
Why are independent school fees in Gawler significantly higher than public school costs?
Independent schools in Gawler fund their operations primarily through tuition fees, levies, and private income, rather than government funding alone. These fees support a broader range of facilities, specialist subjects, co-curricular programs, and campus infrastructure than is typically available in the public system.
Independent school fees vary by year level and are influenced by factors such as campus size, subject offerings, sports and arts facilities, and long-term infrastructure investment. In addition to tuition, families may encounter compulsory levies, higher uniform costs, technology requirements, and fees for camps or specialist programs. While independent schooling represents a higher financial commitment, many families weigh these costs against access to facilities, continuity across year levels, and broader educational pathways.
What additional education costs should families budget for beyond school fees?
Beyond published school fees or contributions, families in Gawler should plan for variable and often overlooked education expenses. These commonly include uniforms, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs from Year 7 onward, subject-specific levies, excursions, and camps. Costs tend to increase as students move into upper primary and secondary years.
Transport is another consideration, particularly for families travelling between campuses or across suburbs. For some households, proximity to a preferred school can reduce daily travel time and associated costs, while for others it may require additional vehicle use. Taking a whole-of-education view — rather than focusing solely on headline fees — provides a more accurate picture of total schooling costs over time.
How do school fees and education costs influence housing decisions in Gawler?
Education costs often intersect with housing decisions, particularly for families planning a long-term move to Gawler. Proximity to preferred schools can influence suburb choice, daily transport logistics, and whether families need to budget for additional vehicles or longer commutes. In some cases, families prioritise being within walking or short-drive distance of schools to simplify routines and reduce ongoing expenses.
When assessing affordability, many families consider education costs alongside mortgage repayments, childcare, and other household commitments. Understanding the full cost of schooling helps families make more informed decisions about where to live, what to spend on housing, and how to plan for future year levels, especially as education expenses tend to increase over time.
Are school fees and education costs the same across all Gawler schools?
No, education costs vary between schools in Gawler due to differences in school type, year levels offered, facilities, and governance structures. Public schools operate within a consistent statewide framework, but individual schools set their own Materials and Services Charges and uniform pricing. Independent schools set their own tuition fees, levies, and discount structures.
Even within the same sector, costs can differ based on factors such as campus scale, subject offerings, and co-curricular programs. Because fees and charges can change annually, families should always confirm current costs directly with schools when making enrolment or relocation decisions.
How often do school fees and education costs change?
School fees, contributions, and associated education costs are typically reviewed annually. Public school Materials and Services Charges are set each year by governing councils, while independent school tuition fees and levies are reviewed as part of their annual budgeting process. Uniform pricing and program-specific costs may also change over time due to supplier pricing and curriculum updates.
For this reason, education cost guides should be treated as point-in-time references, and families should verify current figures directly with schools before making financial or enrolment commitments.
Final note
⚠️ Always confirm directly
Education costs, facilities and programs can change. Families should always confirm current details directly with schools and education providers before making enrolment decisions.
