1905 BPS Students visit the Botanic Gardens with Mr Turner the headmaster(backrow)

Acknowledgement of Country

Burnside Primary School acknowledges that we are meeting on the traditional Country of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and pays respect to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land. We acknowledge that they are of continuing importance to the Kaurna people living today. And we also extend that respect to other Aboriginal Language Groups and other First Nations.”

Translated into Kaurna:

Burnside Primary School tampendi, ngadlu Kaurna yertangga banbabanbalyarnendi (inbarendi). Kaurna meyunna yaitya mattanya Womma Tarndanyako.
Parnako yailtya, parnuko tappa purruna, parnuko yerta ngadlu tampendi. Yellaka Kaurna meyunna itto yailtya, tappa purruna, yerta kuma burro martendi, burro warriappendi, burro tangka martulyaiendi. Kumarta yaitya miyurna iyangka yalaka ngadlu tampinthi.

Our History

Our school began as a rural school community with 42 children and one teacher in 1869 with the title of ‘Demonstration School’. These humble beginnings started in a building named ‘The Cottage’ which is still utilised to this day as a science room. Due to growth in the area Burnside Primary School was built in 1872 and continued to expand and extend into surrounding farmlands.

In subsequent years, enrolments varied before steadying at 500 by 1999. Rapid growth occurred again in 2004 with over 700 children enrolled and 50 staff members. Continued growth saw the introduction of a Capacity Management Plan in 2016 to better manage our student numbers. In 2019 Burnside Primary School has 820 children and 70 staff members. From the commencement of 2022 Burnside Primary School had approximately 720 students commence the school year. This met the national guidelines of becoming a school with students from Reception to Year 6 (Year 7 students registered with their local high school).

Despite the size and rapid periods of growth, Burnside retains the intimate atmosphere of a school that values its connection to community. Many families appreciate their long association with the school, often returning to live within the school zone to enable their own children to attend.

A few of our famous ex-scholars are Andy Thomas; Astronaut, Tim May; Australian Cricketer, Fiona Pike; Golfer and winner of the Scottish Open.
In 2019 Burnside Primary School celebrated 150 years of public education for children in the local area.
Historical photos can be found via our anniversary facebook page: BurnsidePrimarySchool150thBirthdayCelebrations@BPSAdelaide

Burnside Primary School remains a cornerstone within our community. We take pride in creating an environment for all students to flourish. The school continues to provide a quality teaching and learning environment where the vision of creating intellectually stretched, self-directed, powerful learners is everyone’s goal.