Education Overview
Australian education has a strong international reputation for excellence. Whether you study at a university, school, vocational or English language institute, you will receive a quality education that will form a strong foundation for your child’s future success.
Schooling in Australia starts with a kindergarten or preparatory year followed by 12 years of primary and secondary school. Children between the age of six and fifteen must attend school. In the final year of secondary school, Year 12, you can study for a government-endorsed certificate (in Western Australia, the WACE) that is recognised by all Australian universities and vocational education and training institutions. This Senior Secondary Certificate of Education is also recognised by many international universities.
Information and ratings on all schools in Australia (public & prvate) is available at www.myschool.edu.au - it is highly recommended that you view this site
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What Types of Schools are Available in Western Australia?
Western Australian is well served by good schools throughout all communities. Schools belong in one of three main sectors:
- Government (Public) Schools
- Catholic Schools
- Independent Schools
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Government Schools
Government schools are also commonly referred to as public schools.
Government Schools make up the largest sector. The great achievement of government schools throughout Australia is to provide high quality, democratic education for everyone in the local region, irrespective of their means or background. There are public schools available to all residents. In public schools, education is free, however, parents must supply the children with books, uniforms and study material. The majority of public schools are co-educational (both boys and girls).
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Catholic Schools
Catholic Schools form the next largest sector and provide Catholic education across the state to all Catholic students, regardless of their means. Most Catholic schools belong to a system like government schools, and attempt to provide Catholic education evenly across the states through mainly coeducation (both boys and girls) schools. These schools are also known as systemic. Systemic Catholic schools are funded mainly by government and have low fees. There are also a large number of independent Catholic schools, often single-sex, usually run by established religious orders. Catholic Schools are bound by the same regulatory and curriculum requirements as all other schools. Schools may be co-educational (both boys and girls) or girls-only, boys-only. Some of the single sex schools may have a ‘brother’ or ‘sister’ school to share in after hours activities.
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Independent Schools
Independent schools are also often referred to as ‘private schools’.
Independent Schools are non-government schools, i.e. fee paying or ‘private’ schools. Most have their own boards responsible for the operation of the school including fundraising, spending, staff employment and disciplinary code. Many are under the auspices of religious foundations such as Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Church of England. However, many of these schools do not expect families to subscribe to any particular faith or religious allegiance. All independent schools receive some government funding; however, there are a broad range of fees which can be quite high.
Schools may be co-educational (both boys and girls) or girls-only, boys-only. Some of the single sex schools may have a ‘brother’ or ‘sister’ school to share in after hours activities.
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What Alternative Schooling System/Options are Available?
For parents seeking alternatives to traditional schools, the following options are available:
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What are the Different Levels/Grades?
In order to commence ‘formal’ schooling, children must have turned five years of age by 30 June of the year they start school. Children between the age of six and fifteen must attend school. School age calculator is available at: http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/ece/calculator.html
The school system is broken down into 3 levels:
Pre-school |
For children from the ages of 4 to 5 |
Kindergarten & Prep |
Primary School |
For children from the ages of 5/6 to 11/12 |
Grade 1 to Grade 6 |
High School
(Secondary School) |
For children from the ages of 12/13 to 17/18 |
Grade 7 to Grade 12 |
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For the most part primary and secondary government schools are separate; however, some government schools offer classes from kindergarten through to year 12.
Many Catholic and Independent schools offer classes from preparatory through to year 12. Some have separate campuses for primary and secondary schools. Those independent or catholic schools that have an independent primary school usually have a ‘feeder’ school for High School.
All young people, in Western Australia, in their 16th and now 17th year must be in education, training or employment. Although people are calling it "the new school leaving age" it doesn't mean you have to actually stay in school. In fact there are lots of options available – but you need to remember that whatever option or combination of options you choose they must add up to full-time.
For further details about the school leaving age and available options see: http://detcms.det.wa.edu.au/schoolleavingage/ccm/navigation/faq.jsp
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What are the School Fees?
Government Schools - In public schools, although education is considered free, parents must supply the children with books, uniforms and study material, and pay basic levy’s. Parents typically have to pay approx $1,200 per year for uniforms, extracurricular activities, textbooks and stationery.
Catholic Schools - Fees vary from low to quite high, but fee concessions are available to Catholic families who find themselves in a difficult financial situation. Fees vary from $1,000 per child per year up to $10,000 per child per year. Parents typically pay an additional $1,600 per year for uniforms, extracurricular activities, textbooks and stationery. You will need to enquire directly with each school for confirmation on their fee schedule.
Independent Schools – Private school fees can tend to be quite high. The average cost of sending a child to an independent school is approx $14,200 a year, more than double that of Catholic schools. At some private schools you can expect to pay more than $25,000 per child per annum in school fees. On average, independent school parents spend an extra $2,300 a year on uniforms, extracurricular activities, textbooks and stationery.
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Are Schools ‘Zoned' in Perth? What does Zoning mean?
All state schools in Perth are designated as "local-intake" or "non local-intake". A local-intake school generally only enrols children who live within their designated boundary.
For list of ‘local-intake’ and ‘non local-intake’ schools see: policies.det.wa.edu.au/Members/.../Orig_2009-01-29.2911916780.pdf
Schools with the best reputation (and therefore in highest demand) have to stick firmly to their intake policy. Applicants must live in a street within the school's boundary and if renting, applicants may have to prove they have signed a lease.
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What is Kindergarten & Pre-primary?
Although attendance at kindergarten and pre-primary is not compulsory (in accordance with the School Education Act 1999) more that 90% of children in Western Australia attend kindergarten and 95% of children attend a pre-primary program. The Department of Education and Training is committed to providing a place for all eligible children.
There is a place for your child:
- in kindergarten if he or she turns four years old by 30 June in the year they start
- in pre-primary if he or she turns five years old by 30 June in the year they start
To apply for a place for your child in a kindergarten or pre-primary program in a public school you need to complete an ‘Application for Enrolment’ form. These forms are available at your local public school or community kindergarten or can be printed from the Department of Educations website.
When you make an application for your child you need to make sure that:
- your child’s age entitles them to a place
- your child is a permanent residence of Australia or holds a visa with an approved sub-class
For further information on Kindergarten & pre-primary school, see: www.det.wa.edu.au/education/ece/enrolments.html
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What is Required for School Enrolment?
Evidence of your child’s age and residential status is needed when making an application to enrol your child in a kindergarten or pre-primary program in a public school. The documentation/information typically required when making an application is
- a birth certificate or extract of birth
- passport & visa (if relocating from overseas)
- proof of residential address (e.g. rates bill, telephone bill and copy of lease)
- immunisation records
- any Family Court orders
- names and addresses of the child and parents, guardians and carers
- parents’ phone numbers (home, work, mobile) and email addresses
- names and contact details of emergency contacts
- doctor’s and dentist’s names and phone numbers
- health and welfare information (for example, does your child have asthma, diabetes, allergies, poor eyesight or hearing, specific custody arrangements)
- information about the language/s your child speaks and hears (to help the school build on your child's knowledge)
- previous Report Cards
- examples of School work completed
- some independent schools will require your child to attend an interview
School staff will provide you with the appropriate enrolment forms and will organise an interpreter if required.
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What are the Term Dates for the School Year?
The school year is divided into four terms and runs from late January/early February until December. There is a short holiday between terms and a long summer holiday in December and January.
Please refer to www.det.wa.edu.au/education/termdates for current term dates.
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What Hours do Children Attend School?
Students attend school from Monday to Friday each week. School hours vary slightly across Australia but are generally from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm each school day.
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Are School Uniforms Required?
Each school council decides whether its school will have a uniform, what the uniform will be and whether wearing it will be compulsory. Students are generally required to wear their school uniform during school hours, while travelling to and from school and when they are engaged in school activities out of school hours. Some schools have arrangements with uniform suppliers, or a school shop, where you can buy uniforms. Schools may also sell second-hand uniforms.
Public school regulations regarding uniforms can vary between schools, with the majority having a specific school uniform in both primary and secondary schools. There is typically a ‘summer’ uniform and a ‘winter’ uniform for boys and girls and the school will advise where they can be purchased.
The wearing of school uniforms in Primary and High schools is normally compulsory in Private institutions. The uniform requirements can be very extensive including summer and winter uniforms, sports uniforms, hats, blazers, school bags, ties etc. Each individual school will advise you of their uniform requirements and policy.
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Do any Schools Offer Outside School Hours Care?
Many primary schools offer programs for school children outside school hours, including before and after school, during the holidays and on student-free days. Contact your school to see what services are available.
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What Should I expect in Terms of Curriculum?
Education in Australia is primarily the responsibility of the eight states and territories. This means that they provide funds and regulation for their schools. Both public schools (government) and private schools (non-government) exist in each state. The curriculum taught in each state or school may vary but the learning areas are the same in all.
All schools provide subjects in the eight key learning areas: english, mathematics, studies of the society and the environment, science, arts, languages other than english, technology, and personal development, health and physical education. Some schools have English language programs for international students to support their studies.
At secondary school level, choice and diversity are increased as schools are able to offer a wide range of subjects, delivered by highly trained and experienced teachers, and using state-of-the-art technology including the Internet, multimedia equipment and laboratories.
Many students use senior secondary study to gain university entry qualifications. Around nine out of every 10 Australian secondary schools also offer vocational education programs in addition to the standard school curriculum.
Australia's school curriculum caters for a wide range of student skills and interests. Drama, music, art, debating and public speaking skills, along with team and individual sports activities, are all enhanced through interschool collaboration and competition. Schools also arrange for private tuition and provide elite programs designed for talented students. Purpose-built learning centres and sports facilities offer the ideal environment for the academic and personal development of students. This wide variety of artistic and sporting pursuits can help students develop organisational and leadership skills, also their independence and confidence.
For further information on curriculum see: www.det.wa.edu.au/education/curriculum
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What is the ‘WACE’?
The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) is the credential given to students who have completed Year 11 and Year 12 of their secondary schooling in the state of Western Australia. It is an outstanding qualification that is recognised around the world. The WACE provides pathways to further study at university, Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and to the world of work. It is even possible to undertake a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship within your WACE.
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What Tertiary Education Options are Available?
The State Government has overall responsibility for the quality of higher education in Western Australia within a national quality framework. Universities in Western Australia are established under State legislation. While they have a considerable degree of autonomy, they are accountable to the State government and the public for their operations. There is also a comprehensive technical education system catering for trades and sub-professional training needs.
Further information on Perth universities see:
www.australian-universities.com/directory/perth-universities/
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Do any Schools offer the International Baccalaureate?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Course is the premier course for internationally mobile students throughout the world. It is valued everywhere for its portability. Successful students are sought by every major Australian and overseas University. Based in Switzerland, the organisation has almost 1000 schools worldwide offering the two-year Diploma Course. There are a handful of schools offering the course in Western Australia.
For those International Baccalaureate students wishing to do Tertiary studies in Australia, Universities have made special provisions within their selection procedures to incorporate requirements specifically related to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Course.
There are 24 government and non-government schools in Australia offering the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). Only schools officially approved by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) are authorised to offer the two-year pre-university curriculum for students aged between 16 and 19 years of age.
Further details see: www.ibo.org
The International School of Western Australia caters for expat children, the school follows the northern hemisphere school year, offers the IBO and class sizes are small in some years. The school is located in the beachside suburb of City Beach.
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What Resources are Available to Search for a School?
The internet is a great starting place to search for potential schools. Once you have decided on the area that you will reside, you can search for schools within the same postcode/suburb or neighbouring areas. Once you have narrowed down your search, where available you can click through to see the individual schools website to obtain comprehensive information on the school.
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What Are the Childcare Options?
Finding childcare that suits the needs of your child and family is critical. Your child should feel safe and happy, and experience fulfilling learning and play while under someone else’s care. Childcare in Western Australia is delivered in a range of settings. Some children are cared for by relatives, private nannies, and home-based family day care providers. Many children, however, attend childcare centres that are managed by local councils, school councils, non-government agencies, parent committees, etc. Centre-based services, which may include long day care, kindergarten and occasional care, require a license to operate.
Cost of long day care at a Centre is approximately $60 per day and Centres generally operate from 7am - 6pm. You can search for childcare providers, either through your local council, or at www.careforkids.com.au
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Additional Information & Web Reference List:
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