Council recommits support for Fernvale private school
Published on 25 September 2025
Somerset Regional Council is seeking to establish a private school in Fernvale adjacent to the Fernvale Sports Park.
IN 2026, Somerset Regional Council will tender for the sale or lease of land on Brouff Road, Fernvale to establish the region’s first private school.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said establishing a private school in Fernvale would have significant social and economic benefits to the region.
“There is significant growth occurring in the southern end of our region,” Cr Wendt said.
“In 2023, 61% of all school aged children in Somerset were estimated to reside in the Lowood SA2 (statistical area), which includes Fernvale.
“Council estimates there are 554 high school aged children currently seeking education outside the region,” Cr Wendt said.
“By 2041, there is estimated to be around 1,500 more school-aged residents than there will be enrolment positions available in Somerset.
“Many parents are seeking private school education for their children, and unless our region can meet this need students and families can only look elsewhere.
“Establishing a private school in Somerset is critical to supporting the socio-economic development of our region.”
In July 2024, Council sought tenders from education providers but was unable to attract a viable response.
“This is an important project for our region, so Council has adjusted its approach to make the tender more attractive to education providers,” Cr Wendt said.
“On feedback, we have revised the tender to allow the sale of the land, which was preferred by some providers over a long-term lease arrangement.
“Additionally, Council has recommitted to contributing $5 million or 50% of the total enabling infrastructure costs, whichever is lesser.
“This includes the construction of roads, footpaths, stormwater, traffic lights, kerb and channelling, a bus and vehicle drop-off, and upgrades to intersections including state-controlled roads.
“Additionally, Council will provide $100,000 toward the preparation of a development permit for the establishment of the school.”
Cr Wendt said Council engaged consultants to undertake a socio-economic analysis of the Fernvale private school project.
“For every $1 invested by Council to the enabling infrastructure there would be around $36 in economic benefit,” Cr Wendt said.
“The establishment of a private school adjacent to the Fernvale Sports Park would also offset the operational and development costs of the facility to Council.
“The successful tenderer would be required to become a stakeholder in the Fernvale Sports Park Advisory Committee, and to make annual contributions to the operations and maintenance of the park as a significant user.”
Cr Wendt said establishing a private school was an important development for the region.
“Whether its roads, facilities or essential services, our community’s needs are growing rapidly,” Cr Wendt said.
“Our Council is committed to delivering the services and upgrades our community expects, but to fund this important work we need a strong economy and a strong rate base.
“That means keeping more people working, studying and living within the region.”
Further information on the tender will be publicised in early 2026.