An independent secondary school with a strong learning culture
Founded in 2002, University Senior College (USC) is a significant feeder school to the university sector in South Australia. USC is an adult learning environment for Years 10 to 12 students that has access to Adelaide University’s facilities. Our graduates are ready to succeed at university, and become leaders in their field. If you're a USC student, you are challenged to be a creative critical thinker, building skills in resilience and innovation.
USC has established itself as a preferred choice among many senior students who want to continue their education at a highly regarded university. The idea originated with Mr Noel Guerin, who had worked in the tertiary sector and later became Principal of a senior secondary college at Eynesbury, Kingswood. Early in 2000, Guerin approached the then Vice-Chancellor of The University of Adelaide with an innovative educational concept. The idea was to establish a senior secondary school within the university campus, where students might better manage the transition from secondary to tertiary. Guerin knew that students enjoyed the informal environment of the matriculation colleges: being able to address teachers by their first names, not being forced to wear a uniform and the lack of commitments in sport and cocurricular activities. Most took the opportunity to take responsibility for themselves and many achieved results far beyond what they had previously managed.
Ms Jane Danvers was appointed as the foundation USC Principal and she, Guerin and members of the University worked tirelessly to achieve the dream. Wednesday 30 January 2002 was an historic day for the inaugural cohort of USC students and staff.
In only four years, University Senior College was established and was setting educational trends. Danvers left at the end of 2005 and Mr Bob Holloway was appointed Principal from 2006-2017. Ms Anita Zocchi was appointed Principal in 2017 and is currently in the role.
Today University Senior College continues to provide a flexible and exciting opportunity for students who require challenge and acceleration in a rigorous learning environment. Most importantly, we foster an environment in which everyone wants to learn.