1. What is POSA Life Membership and why has it been reintroduced?
POSA Life Membership is a voluntary, one-off membership charge that connects you to our global community of more than 17,000 old scholars across Pembroke, Girton and King's. We've reintroduced the Life Membership fee to ensure the sustainability and growth of the Pembroke Old Scholars Association. Due to government compliance obligations, the School is unable to directly fund POSA as a separate legal entity as it has done in previous years. This membership model, which existed prior to 2011 and is consistent with many independent old scholar associations, enables us to preserve and enhance the programs and opportunities that keep our community strong, now and into the future.
2. Who needs to pay for Life Membership?
This voluntary, one-off payment is open to all current and future Pembroke students. Students who graduated prior to the reintroduction of this model are already connected to POSA through the School and POSA’s previous funding arrangements and are not affected by this change.
Payments made in 2025 will be held in trust by POSA until the student graduates, or if they leave the School after being enrolled for at least 12 months.
3. Does it apply to all students or just Year 12s?
Yes, it applies to most current students at the School. Some families (less than 50) who paid a similar fee at enrolment in or around 2014 are not included in this correspondence.
4. How much does Life Membership cost and how do I pay?
The Life Membership fee is $250 per student in 2025. It appears as an optional charge on November fee statements, allowing families to simply opt in by paying the charge or opt out by not doing so. For future students, the same voluntary charge is included as an option within enrolment fees. No separate application or registration process is required.
5. Is it a yearly fee?
No, this is a one-off, lifetime fee. Once paid, there are no ongoing membership costs – your connection to the POSA community is formalised for life.
6. Can I opt out?
Yes – Life Membership is entirely voluntary. While we encourage all families to support this important community connection, participation is entirely optional. If you wish to opt out, you do not need to take any action.
7. Can I defer payment until my child reaches Year 12?
Yes. Families may choose to defer payment until their child is in Year 12. The School will remind those who have not opted in about the Life Membership voluntary contribution in July of the graduating year.
8. What benefits and opportunities does Life Membership provide?
Life Membership opens doors to a wealth of professional, social and personal opportunities, including:
- Pembroke Career Connect – our new mentoring and networking program featuring exclusive access to workplaces and boardrooms of accomplished old scholars across diverse fields
- Annual Careers Breakfast – connecting senior students with distinguished alumni
- Professional mentoring and networking – across various sectors and career stages
- Old Scholar Affiliated Clubs – featuring Cricket, Football, Soccer, Netball, Athletics and In Unitate (In U), formerly the Pembroke Choral Society
- Pembroke Arts Network (PAN) – connecting those working in creative industries
- Old Scholars Week – events including the Generations Breakfast, Archives Tours and Creative Workshops
- Milestone reunions – celebrating 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50-year anniversaries
- Regional, interstate and international engagement events – bringing together old scholars and other community members
- Digital platforms – for professional and industry engagement
9. How will my Life Membership support the old scholar community?
Your contribution goes directly to POSA to sustain and grow programs including Pembroke Career Connect, professional networking events, affiliated sporting clubs, Arts networks and reunions. These initiatives strengthen the connections that support students as they transition from school to further study, training and meaningful careers. Your support ensures we remain Stronger Together, Stronger Forever.
10. When can my child start accessing POSA benefits and events?
Many POSA opportunities are available to senior students while they're still at school, including the annual Careers Breakfast and professional mentoring programs. After graduation, they gain full access to the complete range of old scholar offerings, from sporting clubs and creative networks to career development opportunities and social events across Australia and internationally.
11. How will we stay informed about POSA events and opportunities?
Life Members are kept connected through regular updates on upcoming events, networking opportunities, reunions and new initiatives. Communications are sent via email, digital platforms and exclusive invitations to professional and social gatherings – helping graduates stay part of the vibrant POSA community.
12. Who can I contact if I have questions or want to learn more?
We'd love to hear from you. For enquiries about POSA Life Membership, offerings or how to get involved, please visit the Old Scholars section of the Pembroke School website or contact the Old Scholar Office directly via oldscholars@pembroke.sa.edu.au or +61 8 8366 6221. Our team is here to help you make the most of your connection to this remarkable community.