Eight reception students started their education at Catholic campuses this week, adding to the growing number of children enrolling for free through a partnership between Catholic Education SA (CESA) and the Department for Child Protection (DCP).

There are now more than 500 active enrolments in the CESA Scholarships program, which sees children and young people in care from Reception to Year 12 offered full tuition, uniforms, textbooks, excursions, camps and many extracurricular activities at no cost.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students make up almost 30% of the current enrolments.

Since the program was established in 2020, there have been more than 700 CESA Scholarships awarded to children and young people in care at Catholic schools across the state. This includes 52 future enrolments for 2027 and beyond.

The scholarship program continues to become more popular, especially for children in the primary years, which account for more than 65% of the active enrolments for Reception to Year 6. There are currently 20 young people on a scholarship enrolled in Year 12, which is the biggest cohort to date.

DCP staff work with carers to identify children and young people who would benefit from a scholarship. Children and young people are then matched with schools that can best meet their specific needs or interests, including those who may require disability and developmental supports.

Attributable to Alice Rolls, Minister for Child Protection

Strong partnerships like this one between the State Government and Catholic Education SA play an important role in helping students feel connected, supported and empowered throughout their educational journey.

Education can be a powerful source of stability and opportunity, particularly for children and young people in care, and this program helps ensure more young people can benefit from the positive impact of a school community that meets their needs.

Providing flexible learning opportunities allows us to better meet the individual needs of students and support their long-term wellbeing, engagement and achievement.

This initiative, which will this week reach an incredible 500 active scholarships, reflects our shared commitment to ensuring children and young people in care have access to the support and opportunities they need to succeed in their education and beyond.

Attributable to Dr Neil McGoran, Executive Director, Catholic Education South Australia

I am delighted that the CESA Scholarship Program will reach the 500 active enrolments milestone as we welcome the arrival of our mid-year Reception intake this week.

The CESA Scholarship program is about expanding opportunities and helping young people in care pursue their interests, talents and ambitions.

With well over 700 enrolments now offered since the inception of the CESA Scholarship program it is evident that the ongoing partnership between the Department for Child Protection and Catholic Education South Australia is making a meaningful difference for children and young people in care.

Catholic Education South Australia is an educational sector committed to providing opportunities for students to encounter life to the full. It is significant that we are able to continue to provide this educational pathway to so many children and young people in care, ensuring they have access to learning environments that support their individual aspirations and circumstances.