The generous scholarships allow students to attend Catholic schools fee-free.

The annual package of support includes uniforms, textbooks, excursions and extra-curricular activities, each year until the student completes their schooling.

Catholic Education SA Executive Director Dr Neil McGoran said the scholarship program was overwhelmingly positive.

“Providing support for vulnerable people in our community is at the heart of the mission of Catholic Education,” he said.

“We know that a quality education can set a young person up for life.

“Our aim is to remove any financial barrier so that young people in care have the opportunity to be welcomed into Catholic schools and become the best version of themselves in a positive learning environment.”

The scholarship program has grown steadily over the past three years - initially 100 scholarships were offered, increasing to 200 and then 400.

Scholarship applications will now be accepted from all children and young people in care who apply.

Foster carer Michaeyla May has four children in her care.

The eldest, a seven-year-old girl, is at St Augustine’s Parish school at Salisbury under the scholarship program.

Another girl, 5, is enrolled next year.

“I was on Facebook and saw DCP advertising the scholarships for 100 kids, so I applied to St Augustine’s and she got in,” she said.

“It’s an opportunity you can’t normally get and it’s gone really well.

“Everything is covered and she’s getting a really good education.

“Her teachers are trauma informed and they care about her education and her wellbeing.

“She loves school, she loves her teachers and she loves her friends.

“She suffers from childhood trauma and certain things can trigger her, so if change is going to happen they prepare her for that.”

St Augustine’s Principal Dan Cowan said the school was proud to welcome children, families and care providers.

“We work in partnership with families and carers to ensure they feel respected, informed and engaged in the education of their children from the very beginning,” he said.

“The financial support goes beyond school fees to include uniforms, textbooks and the cost of some extracurricular activities to ensure children are included in activities.

“Support also extends to student wellbeing which is an important part of the holistic development of young people at St Augustine’s.”

There are currently 436 students under the care of DCP enrolled in CESA scholarships, which are offered all year round.

The scholarships are available at the State’s 101 Catholic schools from reception through to year 12.