Seymour College
Christian
Updated July 2026
Seymour College is a leading independent girls' school in South Australia, providing education from the Early Years to Year 12. It is dedicated to delivering high-quality education that fosters self-assurance, confidence, and determination in its students.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The College’s guiding philosophy and motto is 'Crescam Ministrando'—I grow by serving. This ethos informs a commitment to excellence, respect, and innovation, encouraging students to develop a critical consciousness of the world and to use their knowledge for purposeful action. The school focuses on empowering girls to command a changing world with strength, optimism, and justice.
Programmes
The academic offering is structured across Early Years (6 weeks to 4 years), Junior Years (Prep to Year 6), Middle Years (Year 7 to Year 9), and Senior Years (Year 10 to Year 12). The curriculum is supported by the Seymour INFIN8™ Teaching Model and a Learning Framework based on five domains: critical thinker, innovative thinker, active learner, connected learner, and reflective learner. The programme includes a strong emphasis on service learning, which is embedded from Reception through to Year 12.
Outcomes
Graduates are prepared to be women of strength, optimism, and justice who are confident for the future. The College maintains a strong reputation for academic excellence, with students and Old Collegians achieving success in diverse fields such as business, entrepreneurship, and elite sports, including selection for national rowing teams. The curriculum aims to equip students with the critical consciousness and emotional intelligence to make a positive difference in the world.
Student support
Learning support
The College advocates for all types of learners, including those who are gifted and talented as well as neurodivergent students. A dedicated Head of Exceptional Learners oversees the provision of a safe and supportive environment that aims for excellence and equity in education. The school employs a differentiated learning model at every stage to ensure individual student needs are met.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- Is Seymour College a day or boarding school?
- Seymour College is a day and boarding school.
- Is Seymour College co-educational?
- Seymour College is a girls school.
- Where is Seymour College located?
- Seymour College is an international school in Adelaide, Australia.
Tuition & fees
This school publishes fees only on request — contact admissions for a current schedule.
Admissions
Prospective families are invited to book a tour or take a virtual tour of the campus. The College offers a scholarship program and provides support for international students to assist with their transition to the Australian school and boarding system. Sibling discounts are available for tuition and boarding fees, and a family allowance arrangement exists for families with children attending both Seymour College and Prince Alfred College.
Calendar
The academic year is divided into four terms. In 2026, Term 1 runs from 28 January to 2 April, Term 2 from 21 April to 26 June, Term 3 from 21 July to 25 September, and Term 4 from 12 October to 4 December. The 2027 academic year begins on 28 January and concludes on 3 December, with similar term structures and scheduled exeat weekends throughout the year.
Facilities
About the campus
Seymour College is situated on a single 25-acre campus in the Adelaide foothills, featuring both green spaces and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Key facilities include the Centre for Performing Arts, the Yurrebilla Centre for Learning and Innovation, custom-built science laboratories, a sports centre, and an oval. The campus is divided into the McGregor Campus for Early and Junior Years, and the Barr Smith Campus for Middle and Senior Years and the Boarding House.
Co-curriculars
The College offers a diverse co-curricular program spanning sports, performance, and oratory, designed to support the varied interests of students. Activities include the Seymour Pipe Band, rowing, and various service-based initiatives such as the Ponytail Project and Relay for Life. Students also participate in Clan competitions and outdoor learning experiences.
Vanessa BrowningPrincipalVanessa is an accomplished leader passionate about the education of girls, having held various curriculum and pastoral care roles across independent schools in Australia and internationally. She holds a Bachelor of Education, a Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education, and a Masters of Leadership. Vanessa prioritizes teacher development to enhance student progress and advocates for a balanced education that equips girls to become independent and responsible women.
- Natalie PaelchenDeputy Principal - Academics and Professional Practice
Natalie is a passionate leader of teaching and learning with extensive experience in leading curriculum and innovative practice across South Australian educational settings. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Teaching, and a Master of Education from Flinders University. At Seymour, she has been instrumental in developing the Senior School Independence model.
- Kate KilpatrickDeputy Principal – Wellbeing and Operations
Kate has over 15 years of experience in student wellbeing and operations, having held executive leadership positions at several independent schools including Mary Mackillop College and St Mark’s College. She holds a Bachelor of Education, a graduate certificate in Catholic Education, and a Masters of Education (Leadership Stream). Her vision for wellbeing is student-centred, promoting agency and empowering girls to lead with courage.
Natalie GuthrieDirector of Finance and OperationsAn Old Collegian and Seymour parent, Natalie has been part of the Seymour community for almost 40 years and manages the College’s finances, buildings, facilities, risk, and governance. She is a Bachelor of Commerce graduate from the University of Adelaide and a registered Chartered Accountant with experience across agriculture, insurance, and not-for-profit sectors.
Sally PennDirector of Enrolments and Community RelationsSally is an Old Collegian and current parent who is responsible for enrolments, community relations, fundraising, the scholarship program, and international student recruitment. She works to ensure new families feel welcome and strengthens the connection between the College and its community.
Holly EyresDirector of Marketing and CommunicationsHolly has been a staff member since 2018 and has a marketing and communications career spanning over 25 years, including work for global and national brands. An Old Collegian and current Seymour parent, she holds a Bachelor of Management (Major in Marketing) from the University of South Australia and works to bring the College’s vision to life across various platforms.