If you have an idea about how to improve things, a desire to take an active role in the school generally, or just want to stay informed, here are some questions and ideas to get you started.

Independent schools are non-government institutions that generally do not belong to a system.

You can get an overall picture of any school by reading its profile. Each school's profile includes details of its main characteristics.

Catholic schools form the next largest sector, with just over a fifth of Victorian secondary enrolments.

While most scholarships are open to all students, the most likely recipients are generally students who demonstrate outstanding academic merit or financial need.

Government schools make up the largest sector, with around 65 per cent of enrolments nationally.

As this year's NAPLAN tests took place in Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 classrooms around Australia, the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) confirmed that is investigating the possibility of offering the tests online in the future.

There are a number of schools that focus on special areas of the curriculum, or on developing children?s unique talents.

Information on the International Baccalaureate (IB)

Information on the VCE