Not all school leavers go on to university-level courses. Entry to apprenticeships, or certificate-level courses in a multitude of fields, from apparel manufacture to secretarial studies, does not require an ATAR.

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.

One of the best ways of evaluating a school is to look at the ways in which it reports to parents.

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.

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