Understanding Australia’s School System
Australia has one of the most globally recognized and respected education systems in the world. The school curriculum is designed to challenge students and encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Schools are equipped with modern facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and experienced teachers who are passionate about providing quality education to their students. The system promotes inclusivity, diversity, and respect, creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. Australian schools offer a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and art, allowing students to explore their interests and develop their talents. With a strong emphasis on building a strong foundation of academic excellence and personal development for students, Australia is an excellent choice for families looking to provide their children with a high-quality education.
In Australia, school is compulsory for all children aged between 6 and 15 years old. Children under the age of 6 years are able to attend pre-school, which is not obligatory but helps prepare the child for entering school. The academic year is divided into two semesters, with Semester One commencing in February, and Semester Two ending in November or December. From Kindergarten to Year 6, students attend primary school, and move into high school at the beginning of Year 7. At the end of Year 10, students complete the School Certificate. They can then either attend Tafe or continue with schooling to complete their Higher School Certificate (HSC), which is necessary to qualify for university.
Watch this video from the NSW Government to understand what school is like in Australia:
Preschool
Although preschool is not compulsory in Australia, it is beneficial for young children as it helps prepare them for primary school.
Preschool is available for children aged 3-5 years of age and includes play-based activities which help children learn how to positively interact with other children.
Preschool delivers early childhood education with a focus on developing social and emotional skills, language and literacy skills, and physical development.
Primary school
Primary schools cater for children aged 5-12 years old, and provides a comprehensive education in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Physical Education.
Primary schools also offer extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and drama to promote student's all-round development.
To register a child in primary school, you must provide documents including a birth certificate of the child, passport, school certificates and a letter from the head of the previous teaching establishment. Vaccination certificates will also be required which may need to be verified by a qualified GP.
Which school your child is able to attend depends on which area you live in, so it’s important to take this into consideration if you would like your child to attend a specific school. If attending a public school, you will need a signed lease for a home first as the school needs to fall within the catchment area of the home. Some states require you to apply for a spot with the Department of Education prior to applying for the school itself. If you use a relocation consultant when moving, they will be able to advise you on each school entry requirements and where you will need to live in order to send your child to a certain school of your choice.
Public schooling in some states is free, whereas other states have a government fee for non-permanent residents. Schooling for permanent residents is free apart from books, uniforms and excursions. In some states it is cheaper to send your children to a Christian school rather than a public school. A relocation specialist will be able to advise you on the different options available to you.
High school
High school is available for students aged 12-18 years old, and provides further education in English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography. Students can also select from a variety of elective subjects such as foreign languages, music, design and technology, visual arts and food technology.
There are different types of schools available, including:
Public schools
Public schools are free in most states for those with permanent residency, although you will still be required to pay for uniforms, books, extracurricular activities, school camps and excursions. There is also an optional annual school fee.
Selective schools
Sydney and other cities have a number of selective high schools that offer admission based on academic performance.
Selective schools are only open to permanent residents or citizens of Australia.
These schools provide high-quality education and often have a higher student-teacher ratio than other public schools. Admission to selective high schools is highly competitive and requires students to pass an entrance exam.
Private (Catholic) schools, Christian and independent schools
Private and independent schools offer premium education with smaller class sizes and a more personalised education and support, however this comes at a higher cost, with school fees ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per year.
Private and independent schools often have a great emphasis on extracurricular activities such as sports, music and drama to develop a well-rounded child.
Placements in private schools is limited, and most Australians secure their children’s spot by enrolling their child at an early age. It can be difficult for expats to secure a place for their child, so it is beneficial to work with a relocation consultant to navigate this process and give yourself the best chance of admission.
International schools
Each state has a number of international schools. Some schools are language specific, and some offer a number of languages. A relocation consultant can offer you expert advise about what’s important to you and your children’s education.
Intensive English Centres (IECs) and the Intensive English High School (IEHS)
These provide intensive English as an additional language or dialect tuition for recently arrived high school students whose first language is not English
Newly arrived students from language backgrounds other than English should be referred to an IEC or the IEHS for assessment and possible enrolment when enrolling into high school
Students must be 11 years of age by the 31st of July in the year of enrolment
Figuring out where to send your child to school and organising the paperwork for applications can be confusing as entry requirements differ in each state, so it can be difficult to go it alone. This is especially true if you are wanting your child to attend private schools or schools with limited availability. A relocation consultant has extensive knowledge and experience in the education system and can provide valuable insights on the best schools in the area. Their expertise can assist you in finding the right school that aligns with the child's academic needs, interests, and extracurricular activities. A consultant can work with you through the application process, providing guidance on admission requirements and deadlines, and ensuring that all necessary documents are submitted correctly. With one of the most respected and revered education systems in the world at your fingertips, it's crucial to ensure that you're making an informed decision and that all necessary steps are taken for a seamless transition.
