The announcement of the 2012-13 federal budget has seen a number of funding initiatives for Australian education, many of which will directly benefit families with children in school.

Choosing a primary school can be difficult, especially if it is the first time you are making a decision about your child's education.

Read on to find out the potential pros and cons of choosing a selective entry government school.

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.

Parents of high school children in non-government schools are always asked to pay fees and often to contribute to building or development funds.

Most often, schools award scholarships to students who demonstrate outstanding abilities in a number of nominated areas, ranging from the creative and performing arts through to peer leadership.

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

Information about scholarships.

Schools throughout Australia belong in one of three main sectors: government, Catholic or independent. For many people, choosing a sector is the first and most fundamental step towards choosing a school.

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