Pupils and teacher in the classroom at Prince Alfred College

Prince Alfred College was opened in 1869 by the Wesleyan Methodist Church. The land on which the college still stands was purchased in 1865. Funds then had to be raised to build the school, which was initially to be called the Wesleyan College of South Australia. However, it was discovered that Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, would be visiting South Australia and he was invited to lay the foundation stone for what would be named Prince Alfred College.

In the 1890s enrolments at the school dropped as the effects of the economic recession were felt. From an enrolment of 336 students in 1887, by 1893 it had dropped to 329 students, and 283 in 1900. Despite tighter economic times, however, the school was able in 1891 to open its Chemistry Laboratory and lecture room which meant the pressure on classroom space was lessened.

In South Australia, despite early pre-colonisation plans to establish schools, the various churches became the main agency for educating children. The 1851 Education Act removed aid to church schools, but they continued to provide schooling for both the wealthier classes and, in the case of the Catholic parish schools, for the poorest of children.

Gibbs, R. M. A history of Prince Alfred College, Kent Town, S. Aust.: Peacock Publications, 1984

Jordan, Deborah. The history of independent schools in South Australia, produced by the Steering Committee of the Independent Schools Board Jubilee 150 Project [Adelaide? : s.n., 1986]

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing exhibitions. To be a child August 2004-