Transition to high school

Transition to high school

Our transition program ensures that students feel prepared and supported within their new environment. We invite prospective families to tour our school and meet our dedicated staff.

During term 1 each year, we hold an open night to showcase our school facilities and specialist programs. In addition, you may wish to join one of our principal’s tours, which take place throughout the year. Booking can be made online via the link on the homepage.

In 2022, we saw our first year 7 cohort become part of our school community which was an exciting new step forward for our school. As we continue to welcome new families, our transition program for 2027 builds upon our current program to ensure all enrolling students feel a strong sense of connectedness to the school community.

Enrolment Process

Year 6 students at public primary schools will receive application information from their school.
You will receive an email with a link to start your enrolment process. Details can be found here: Online Enrolment Form to Start High School

Year 6 students at non-government schools who wish to apply for Aberfoyle Park High School can receive application information by emailing: education.startingsecondaryschool@sa.gov.au

Aberfoyle Park zone

Our school zone is a defined area surrounding our school from which we accept the core intake of students. A student’s zoned school is determined according to their primary place of residence. To confirm if your permanent residential address is within the shared zone, use the Department for Education school finder tool: School zone catchment areas

Students residing within the Aberfoyle Park High School zone will be enrolled if they apply. For students residing outside of the zone, acceptance is subject to capacity.

Out of zone

Depending on capacity and the availability of places, we may accept enrolment requests from students outside our zone. You can register your interest to attend our school on the Registration of Interest form by indicating Aberfoyle Park High School as your ‘choice 1 school’.

If places are available, selection for entry will be based on:

• distance from your home to our school
• curriculum requirements that cannot be offered at your local school
• social and family links to our school
• transport and location convenience
• compelling reasons which prohibit your child from attending their local school

If you are not offered a place at any of your choice schools, you will be added to the ranked waiting list for the school and offered a place if one becomes available. If there isn’t a place available at your choice of secondary school, you will be offered a place at your local school.
Students who are allocated to Aberfoyle Park High School for commencement of year 7 in 2027 will be advised around mid-August 2026. For further advice please email us at APHS.transition182@aphs.sa.edu.au

Transition update

Aberfoyle Park High School will send an enrolment email to families that have been offered a placement for 2027 mid-August. The email will include: a link to your online enrolment form, permission forms for you to sign and return to the school.

If you choose not to accept the offer, please inform us and your current government primary school, as soon as possible.

Overview

We invite all prospective families to tour our school to see what is on offer for your child as they embark on their high school journey. Our transition program enables our students to familiarise themselves with the school, make new friends and meet current student leaders and staff.

During term 1, we hold our annual open night to showcase our school. In addition, you may wish to join one of our Principal tours, which take place throughout the year.

Commencing in term 2, our local primary schools are offered various opportunities to visit our school and interact with staff and students. This includes viewing drama productions, dance performances and experiencing Arts and STEM lessons.

We understand that the familiarity of primary school offers a sense of belonging and safety. The transition to a new environment is a big period of change and allowing prospective students the opportunity to be exposed to new subjects and experiences can reduce their worry and set the wheels in motion for a positive disposition to learning in high school.

We offer a comprehensive transition program in term 4 for primary school students joining us for high school. This includes identifying and any extra support systems the students may need.

Please find a link to the School Information Brochure 2026

Upcoming Events

 

 

 

 

Starting high school is an exciting milestone for your child. It’s normal for parents to be a little unsure about how to help your child navigate this phase of life. There are many steps you can take to ensure your child’s transition to high school is a positive experience. Focusing on wellbeing is crucial during this time. Encourage open communication with your child, establish a routine that balances schoolwork and relaxation and foster a supportive home environment.

Below are some useful tips from REACHOUT, for handling the transition, ensuring your child feels confident and prepared for this new chapter.

How long will it take my child to settle into high school?

How to talk to your child about starting high school

Your checklist to help your child transition to high school

The Department for Education also has a brochure with information about starting high school, which includes key dates:

Starting high-school a parent’s guide

We invite you to visit Aberfoyle Park High School so that you and your child can personally experience what our school has to offer. The tour begins from our front office atrium area with a welcome from the principal.

Please click here for a full list of available dates: Principal tours 2026