Walford Anglican School for Girls is an independent, Anglican, co-educational day and boarding school for girls, located at 316 Unley Road, Hyde Park, South Australia 5061 — a leafy, prestigious inner suburb of Adelaide. The school caters to approximately 550 students from ELC to Year 12, including approximately 65 boarders in Years 7 to 12, drawn from across South Australia, interstate, and internationally.

Founded in 1893 by the pioneering headmistress Lydia Adamson — who opened the school’s doors in her own home on Fisher Street, Malvern — Walford has grown across more than 130 years into one of Adelaide’s most respected independent girls’ schools. The school moved to its current Hyde Park site in December 1912.

The school is led by Principal Ms Rebecca Clarke, who was recognised as an Excellence Awardee in the Australian Education Awards for Principal of the Year (Non-Government). The school itself was an Excellence Awardee for Secondary School of the Year (Non-Government).

A Non-Selective School with a Strong Academic Record

Unlike many independent schools, Walford has a non-selective enrolment policy — all girls are welcome, regardless of academic testing or prior results. Despite this open-access approach, the school’s academic results are outstanding: 51% of Walford’s Year 12 students achieved an ATAR above 90, placing them in the top 10% of the nation.

Walford’s motto — “Virtute et Veritate” (Moral Courage and Truth) — reflects the values that underpin this academic achievement and the school’s broader commitment to character development.

International Baccalaureate

Walford is an IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the ELC and Junior School, supporting students to be internationally minded, curious, and principled learners. Students in the ELC and Junior School also study French and Chinese as Languages Other Than English under the PYP framework. Senior School students complete the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

(Note: The original post on this page incorrectly stated that Walford was “the first all-girls school in Australia to offer all three IB programs.” This is not currently accurate — Walford offers the IB PYP in the Junior School and SACE in the Senior School. Families interested in IB Diploma options should confirm current programme availability directly with the school.)

Exciting 2026 Developments: Mabel Jewell Baker House

A major milestone for Walford in 2026 is the opening of Mabel Jewell Baker House — new, purpose-built Secondary School learning facilities specifically designed for contemporary student learning. The building features bright, modern classrooms, collaborative learning zones, and creative areas for exploration, representing a significant investment in the school’s future. Secondary School students will enjoy these new facilities throughout the 2026 school year.

Boarding at Walford

The Walford Boarding House is located within the Secondary School campus, providing a comfortable home-away-from-home for girls in Years 7 to 12. With approximately 65 boarders, the house fosters strong friendships and a rich weekend programme of co-curricular, social, and recreational activities. Dedicated boarding staff maintain open communication with families to ensure boarders thrive both academically and personally.

Co-Curricular Life

Walford is a member of the Independent Girls Schools Sports Association (IGSSA) and has a distinguished sporting record, including:

• 19 IGSSA Florence Eaton Cup wins for the Girls First Eight (Head of the River), making it one of the most successful rowing programmes in South Australian girls’ schools
• A wide range of sports, including Australian Rules Football, netball, and volleyball
• Music programmes including ensembles, choirs, and solo performances
• Immersive camps, outdoor education, and international study tours

Notable Alumnae

Walford’s network of alumnae includes prominent figures such as:

• Frances Adamson — Governor of South Australia, former Secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and former Australian Ambassador to China
• Christine Adamson — Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales

Acknowledgement of Country

Walford acknowledges and pays respect to the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Plains, on whose land the school stands. The school pays tribute to Elders both past and present and recognises emerging Kaurna leaders who continue to carry forward their rich cultural heritage.

Contact Information

School Hours

Monday–Friday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm | Saturday–Sunday: Closed

Walford Term Dates 2026

As an independent school, Walford sets its own term calendar. The following dates are broadly aligned with the South Australian Department for Education calendar, though specific start and end dates may vary — confirm directly via walford.sa.edu.au.

Note: As an independent school, Walford’s exact term start and end dates may differ from South Australian government school dates — including additional pupil-free days, orientation days for new students, and boarding-specific arrival/departure dates. Always confirm Walford’s specific 2026-2027 term dates directly via walford.sa.edu.au or by contacting the school office.

Last verified: 09 July 2026. Official source: South Australia Department for Education — Term Dates (independent school dates may vary — confirm via walford.sa.edu.au)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Walford select students by academic testing?

No. Walford has a non-selective enrolment policy, welcoming all girls regardless of prior academic results.

What IB programmes does Walford offer?

Walford currently offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the ELC and Junior School. Senior School students complete the SACE.

Who is the current Principal?

Ms Rebecca Clarke, who was recognised as an Excellence Awardee for Principal of the Year (Non-Government) in the Australian Education Awards.

What are Walford’s ATAR results?

51% of Walford’s Year 12 students achieved an ATAR above 90 — placing them in the top 10% nationally.

Who do I contact for enrolment or school-specific queries?

Contact Walford at (08) 8272 6555 or visit walford.sa.edu.au.

Related South Australia School Calendars

• Athelstone School Calendar
• Aldgate Primary School Calendar