Re: good schools in perth area
 

We used to live in Blackfen on Blackfen Rd and my husband works for the hyundai dealer in Blackfen.My eldest goes to Chis n Sid Grammar.When we first arrive we will be staying with my parents they live in Gosnells.We were planning to settle in Leeming but due to this "schools" issue have decided on Mount lawley (there gose my 5 bed with a pool).I have three kids 14,9,6years. I have just found out that because my son was born in August he will be going into year 1 and not year 2.My sisters little girl is 6 and starting year 1 in Feb aswell,my sister said that my son will be way infront of everyone else in his class because they start school later over there and they will be dropping him back a year.As if moving isn't stressful enough.How old are your kids?How are you liking Willetton? Maybe we could meet up in Jan!

Re: good schools in perth area
 

We got our 10 year old a place in St Marks, had to compromise a few principles to do it, but his and his 2 sisters education comes first.

Anyone got any comments on St Marks?

Re: good schools in perth area
 

We live in riverton not far from your parents. We have a really big block and have a 5 bed, granny flat (which is now a beauty salon) and a swimming pool and still go to willetton schools which is out of the catchment area. which school are you going to apply for? I have a 7yr old boy a 5 r old boy and 1 yr girl. My son has flourished since being here

Re: good schools in perth area
 

My sister suggested Mount Lawley SHS and Mount Lawley Primary.It's really hard to know what to do when we're not there.I think we will just have to look around when we get there.I have heard good things about Willetton SHS,so I will look at it as an option.

Re: good schools in perth area
 

Is your hubby a technician? My husband works for renault / nissan PM me before you leave and i would give you my number incase you want to me up when you arrive

Re: good schools in perth area
 

Couple of questions, how did you manage to avoid the waiting list of 6 or more years like most people and what principles did you have to sacrifice to get your kids in?

Fortunately I got mine into St Stephens but I've heard too many stories about people going to the front of the St Mark's queue because of what dad does for a living or pretending to be regular churchgoers.

I've heard lots of stories of new arrivals getting offered places whilst people like some on this forum sweat it out for years on the waiting list hoping for a place.

What did you have to do? I hope you don't mind me asking.

Re: good schools in perth area
 

I've heard mixed reports about St Marks.

I've heard of people ringing up and being offered a place there and then (in spite of the "waiting list')

I've heard of people being impressed with it.

I also know one person who pulled the kids out of primary because they were so appalled.

The statistics for St Marks are average. I'm not sure whether this is what you want or not.

Re: good schools in perth area
 

This is a debate which always fascinates me as I was a primary school teacher in the UK. My qualifications are a Bsc hons is in Computing with post grad qualifications in Education and Mathematics. I now teach Mathematics and specialist Computing in Years 4 and 5 with the bulk of my teaching in Years 8 to 11 at the WA private school mentioned below.

Before moving here just over two years ago, my son attended a private prep school. The school had a very good reputation, excellent facilities and a lovely ethos. The downside to that school was that my son was a nervous wreck with absolutely no self esteem. Naturally, finding a good school was a major worry when we moved here, we were very fortunate to find a rental in what is considered a very good area and we got our son school into the local state primary. We are more than happy with the school, unlike many state schools the children are set regular, good quality homework and the discipline is very good. The school employs a maths specialist and a sports science specialist. Both my boys, now aged 12 and 5, have done very well at this school. They have both been on the list for an excellent WA private school since 2006 and my eldest will be starting there next year which guarantees the youngest a place in the Primary (if one becomes available) or automatic enrollment for year 8. From a logistics point of view, it would be good if my youngest got in to his brother's school for Year 1 next year but as far as his education is concerned I have no worries whatsoever if he completes all of his primary schooling at his current school.

In comparison to the schools I experienced during my prac and teaching career I would say that my boys' current state school is a little behind the best state school I encountered (which was situated in a very upmarket area and no 1 in the LA league tables), in terms of the standard/level of work but way ahead in pastoral care, enrichment and child development. As far as their future private school compares to their UK private school I would say they are very similar in standard of education, facilities (better here), grounds (larger here, but it is a bigger school), behaviour, ethos and discipline (far better here), pastoral care, enrichment and child development (better here). The main difference is that the primary classes are larger here 32 vs 20 but the fees are much lower $3500 vs $25,000 hence, the larger classes.

I have heard good reports about St Marks

Re: good schools in perth area
 

Sent you PM.

Re: good schools in perth area
 

Well done, let's keep this very informative thread on topic please.

On that note

Schools fear flood of ex-private pupils

The only two public schools servicing Perth’s western suburbs are bracing for a wave of enrolments over concerns that cash-strapped parents will pull their children out of private schools.

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.as...ntentID=110804

Re: good schools in perth area
 

Renth, I don't mind telling you, but by PM if that's OK?

Re: good schools in perth area
 

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Re: good schools in perth area
 

I would also be interested in this. I have two children in a public school that I am not at all happy with and I am told by all the private schools in the northern suburbs that their waiting lists are many years long. I can't PM you because I need to make three posts first (am working on this!).

Re: good schools in perth area
 

In my short experience of being in Perth, i would say the only way to get any school similar to a good UK state school is to go private. We came over and placed our kids in the local state school, within 2 weeks we'd enrolled them in a private school. My advise is, unless you can afford a good private school in Perth, stay in the UK until your kids have got their A levels and are due to go to uni, they can choose where they want to go themselves then................don't forget this is my opinion, others will disagree.

Re: good schools in perth area
 

I was just wondering which school you got them into?