Scotch College Adelaide is situated on two neighbouring properties totalling over 20 hectares in the Torrens Park area of Mitcham, about 8 kilometres south of Adelaide, in the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia.

The College was founded as a memorial to the sons of Scotland who served in the Great War of 1914-1918. It was incorporated under an Act of Parliament in 1922. Gratton House, now the Middle School, was built as a memorial to 57 Old Collegians who gave their lives in World War II.

The College's Outdoor Education and Nature Conservation programs were strengthened by the acquisition of the lease to GooseIsland in 1966. The first hut was built on the Island in January 1967 and since then has been regularly visited by staff, students and parents.

In 1972 the College became co-educational and the Middle School began in 1973.

In 1994 Apple Macintosh laptop computers were introduced for every student in Year 7. This introduction continued until 1999 when every student in the Middle School and Senior College had a laptop.

The College is administered by a Council of Governors in connection with the Uniting Church in Australia, and its purpose is to provide a broad, liberal education based on Christian principles.

Scotch College is a co-educational college from Preschool to Year 12, and offers boarding from from Years 7 to 12.