No bells, no uniforms, no limits: USC puts students in the driver’s seat
University Senior College challenges students to take responsibility for their learning while giving them real choice and flexibility. On Adelaide University’s campus, teens explore a unique mix of senior secondary subjects school and first-year university life.
University Secondary College (USC) doesn’t look, sound or feel like a traditional high school – and that’s entirely the point. Located in the heart of Adelaide University’s campus, USC is one of the more distinctive independent schools in South Australia, offering students a genuine taste of university life well before they graduate.
Established in 2002, the school was created to give students a genuine pathway into university, designed to offer a broad curriculum and challenge students in their learning. Something all students state as one of the reasons they come to USC.
“It was established to provide students with a pathway into university and provide an adult learning environment which would segue nicely into university,” principal Anita Zocchi says. “We’ve maintained that ethos and vision ever since.”
Originally catering only to Years 11 and 12, USC introduced Year 10 in 2020 as senior secondary schooling shifted earlier. The demand was immediate. “We planned to start with 20 students,” Zocchi says. “But demand is great and now capacity is at 150 students. Year 10 has the largest enrolment enquiries.”
Learning that mirrors university life
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From Year 10 onwards, USC is designed to feel more like university than school. Students are treated as adults. There are no bells, no uniforms and everyone is on a first-name basis. The day may be made up of lectures, workshops and tutorials, all designed to assist students to gain more independence and responsibility.
Attendance still matters though; how students use their time out of dedicated learning is largely up to them. “They might start at 8am and finish at 5pm, but no student has a full day of classes,” Zocchi explains.
“If they don’t have a class or an appointment with one of their teachers or mentors, they can choose to study on campus. We give them that responsibility because we know they’ll use it productively.”
A challenging curriculum – by design
USC has a reputation for academic challenge, something many students actively seek out. “The majority of students who come to us tell us they want to be challenged – and they thrive on it.”
Students can accelerate early, with Year 10s studying Stage 1 subjects like Philosophy or integrated STEM programs. By Year 12, many are tackling first-year university courses alongside their SACE. “Last year, 61 students studied a first-year university subject while completing Stage 2,” Zocchi says.
The results speak for themselves. “From last year’s graduates, students have been accepted into many diverse pathways including medicine, engineering, law, biomedical health sciences, physiotherapy, pharmacy, paramedicine, media and teaching.” Zocchi says. “We’re very strong in STEM but we’re equally as strong in the humanities and the arts.”
Built for independence – and safety
USC isn’t for everyone, and the school is honest about that. Enrolment involves many aspects including tours, testing, interviews and careful consideration. “It’s a different way of schooling,” Zocchi says. “We want to be sure students are ready to take responsibility for their learning and want them to be successful.”
Students often lead the decision themselves – sometimes convincingly so. “I’ve had students tell me they made a formal presentation for their parents to explain why they wanted to come to USC,” Zocchi says.
The school is also widely recognised as a safe and inclusive environment. “We do not tolerate bullying, and the adult learning environment supports students to keep our school safe one that models mutual respect.”
A smoother leap into what’s next
For many students, USC removes the shock of the university transition. “When our students go to university, they come back and say it feels like they’ve just walked across campus,” Zocchi says.
She knows the feeling herself. “I wish a school like USC existed when I was young,” she says. “The first months of university were daunting. Seeing our students leave confident, capable and ready – that’s what makes this place special.”
Enrolments are now open for 2027. Find out more here.
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