Department for Education, South Australia

📢 Have YourSAy on our draft Disability Access and Inclusion plan! The plan aims to strengthen inclusion and accessibility for people with disability across South Australia’s public education system including children, young people, families, and our workforce. Whether you are a person with disability, a family member, carer, educator, advocate, community member or service provider - your insights matter. Consultation is open until Friday 20 February👉 https://brnw.ch/21wZHrr

It’s the start of a new school year! Chief Executive Martin Westwell joins the Teach podcast to share his optimism and vision for 2026. Hear his thoughts on supporting new educators, implementing the updated curriculum, introducing three-year-old preschool, and celebrating the first graduates from South Australia’s technical colleges. Discover how we’re expanding the definition of success for every learner and get energised for the year ahead!  🔗 Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ggvMbHsi

We are proud to share that our School Mental Health Service (SMHS) has received a nation first accreditation! 🏆 🧠 The SMHS places qualified mental health practitioners directly in secondary schools to support young people with emerging and mild to moderate mental health needs. Now rolling out at up to 65 schools statewide, the service is making a real difference for students and families. This achievement makes SMHS the first education-based service in Australia accredited under the National Safety and Quality Mental Health Standards. 🔗 Learn more : https://brnw.ch/21wZDmW

Five new technical colleges are now open to students across South Australia! 🎉 Hundreds of senior public school students are gaining career-focused training in some of the state’s fastest growing industries - manufacturing, construction, health, education, aeroskills, multi-trades, agri-tech and more. 🏭🛠️🚁🌱 Tonsley, The Heights, and Limestone Coast Technical Colleges welcomed students from term 1, 2026. Port Augusta Technical College opened in 2025, following Findon in 2024, which celebrated its first graduating class last year. Each college offers hands-on industry training programs developed in partnership with leading employers, enabling students to complete their SACE alongside vocational education and training (VET) and graduate into a career, guaranteed. 🔗 Learn more about SA’s new Technical Colleges: https://brnw.ch/21wZBtK

A big congratulations to Westport Primary School's Principal Rebecca Huddy who received a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to education! Ms Huddy was recognised for her leadership and dedication to the Westport Primary School community over the past 15 years.

“I’m proud of the multi-culturalism we have here, over half of our students here come from a different background and they have their own story to share.” Parafield Gardens High School celebrates diversity, respect and belonging. The school listens to students and staff, takes action against racism and ensures every voice is heard. It’s a community where wellbeing and inclusion come first. 🏆 Winner of the Excellence in Collective Wellbeing Award, 2025 Public Education Awards.

The Heights Technical College is excited to welcome their first cohort of students in term 1, 2026. One of 5 new technical colleges in SA, The Heights Technical College will support year 10 to 12 students to complete their SACE while kickstarting careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering, aeroskills, building and construction, and early childhood and education. These opportunities have been developed in conjunction with key employee partners ASC Pty Ltd, BAE Systems Australia, Jaymel Airconditioning Pty Ltd, Samaras Structural Engineers, Boeing, Tisdall Aviation Group, Master Builders SA, BlueScope, Guardian Childcare & Education and Goodstart Early Learning. In a nation-leading initiative, The Heights Technical College students can also complete the first year of a degree with Flinders University while in year 12 in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, and Early Childhood and Education industry training programs. The Heights Technical College is one of 3 new tech colleges set to welcome their first cohort of students this year. Learn more about The Heights Technical College here: https://brnw.ch/21wZdKY

The Trauma Informed Practice in Education program is helping schools create safe and welcoming learning environments. 🧑🤝🧑 By using proven approaches, schools support student wellbeing, engagement and learning. With over 170 schools involved, TIPiE is making a real difference across SA. 🏆 Winner of the Outstanding Safety Initiatives Award, 2025 Public Education Awards.

Warriappendi Secondary School’s move to Thebarton is an exciting step for learning and culture. The new campus was designed with input from Aboriginal voices and the community. It’s a safe welcoming place where students feel proud and connected. The relocation project, which hours the school’s founders, is a great example of inclusive education. 🏆 Winner of the Outstanding Reconciliation Initiatives Award, 2025 Public Education Awards.

At Penola High School, students lead their own learning through hands-on agriculture projects with teacher Cory O’Connor 🐔🚜 From building chicken coops to preparing livestock for the Royal Adelaide Show, students develop real-world skills and confidence. 🏆 Winner of the Excellence in Learner Agency Award, 2025 Public Education Awards.