Education minister John Gardner has announced a $5 million upgrade for the Victor Harbor R-7 school.

The upgrade will include construction of a new flexible learning space offering indoor/outdoor connectivity and modern learning areas.

Some verandahs, shade structures and walkway covers will be replaced or remediated.

The Indonesian Hut will be relocated and an old building in poor condition will be demolished.

Landscaping will connect the new construction to the existing surrounds.

Year 7 will move to high school in all South Australian schools in 2022, making Victor Harbor primary an R-6 school.

Mr Gardner says many of the state’s primary schools are well and truly at capacity.

“We need to substantially increase capacity across the SA public school system. 

“If we didn’t move year 7 we’d need to spend a massive amount more increasing capacity in primary schools, and a little less in high schools. 

“Either way, an investment had to be made in increasing capacity so therefore the decision had to be driven by what is in the best educational interests of our children. 

“Unequivocally that drives us to make this long overdue move.”

Local residents have expressed concern that the upgrade does not address significant issues with parking around the school, located on The Parkway in Victor Harbor.