Choosing a high school

When choosing a high school for your child, there are a number of things to take into consideration. A safe and happy learning environment that encourages both emotional and intellectual growth is a priority for most parents. It is also important that a school is able to meet any special needs or interests your child may have — be they academic, sporting or otherwise. The Good Schools Guide provides a good starting place when researching potential schools. You can read about schools in your area by looking at our school profiles, which contain information about a school’s characteristics, academic performance, fees and curriculum.

This section covers:

• What do parents want?
• Best way to choose a school

Government schools

For more information about government schooling, visit the education department website in your state.

·         Australian Capital Territory: Education and Training Directorate

·         New South Wales: Department of Education (NSW)

·         Northern Territory: Department of Education (NT)

·         Queensland: Department of Education and Training (QLD)

·         South Australia: Department for Education and Child Development

·         Tasmania: Department of Education (TAS)

·         Victoria: Department of Education and Training (VIC)

·         Western Australia: Department of Education (WA)

Catholic schools

For more information about Catholic schooling, visit the relevant association website in your state.  

·         Australian Capital Territory: Catholic Schools NSW/ACT

·         New South Wales: Catholic Schools NSW/ACT

·         Northern Territory: Catholic Education Office Northern Territory

·         Queensland: Queensland Catholic Education Commission

·         South Australia: Catholic Education South Australia

·         Tasmania: Tasmanian Catholic Education Office

·         Victoria: Catholic Education Melbourne

·         Western Australia: Catholic Education Western Australia

Independent schools

For more information about independent schooling, visit the relevant association website in your state.  

·         Australian Capital Territory: Association of Independent Schools of the ACT

·         New South Wales: Association of Independent Schools of NSW

·         Northern Territory: Association of Independent Schools of the Northern Territory

·         Queensland: Independent Schools Queensland

·         South Australia: Association of Independent Schools of SA

·         Tasmania: Independent Schools Tasmania

·         Victoria: Independent Schools Victoria

·         Western Australia: Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia