PoppetUK

Hi I just wanted to put something out there because it is something that I was thinking about the last few days.

Had I have stayed in Australia I would have wanted to move my kids to a different school (private primary around $2500 per year if we could've afforded it). Now by the time I realised this I couldn't get a place for my kids. Had I have just put the kids applications in when I moved out to WA I would have had the option. It often doesn't cost anything or sometimes just $50. Some schools will even allow you to put in applications from overseas.

I hope this helps someone out there.

Kind Regards. All the best for your future.

Poppet

renth

Too true. It took about 7 years on the waiting list for my girls to get into the school of our choice.

apobateman

I have registered my two girls in a private school in Sydney which is stretching my budget to the limit although I was having second thoughts given that there were places offered in the local primary. However, I wasn't expecting all the additional fees that I have been subsequently hit with, with costly extras for extra-curricular activities ($400 per term per activity), book and stationery lists ($650) and the extortionate uniform costs. There has also been a significant rise in the fees which unfortunately occurred after we enrolled and paid the non-refundable tranfer fee..... Clearly this is something I should have looked into closer but with 101 things to be arranged before moving, it was overlooked and has been a costly lesson. If you are looking at a private school, ensure you get advised on all the additional costs as they can be significant.

neil248

I will probably be shot down in flames and this does not apply it appears to state schools in Varsity Lakes and no doubt others if you are lucky.

I had not factored this in when coming here but now pay around $6000.00
in private school fees. Our daughter is special needs at what might be called the good end of the spectrum.

State school could not cope (one of the most modern on the coast), she is now in a class of pleasant literate children who want to learn.

Yet again another great thing about Australia is choice over how you live your life.

Weebie

depends on the private school. You can spend 30k a year on private school fees in Sydney.

ABCDiamond

Some people do, but only those who can afford them.

Others make do with something more average, or even less..

How about $3,000pa on private schools in some areas...

A 2009 newspaper report had these figures

Vash the Stampede

Our kids are both under 2 years old, but we've already got a private school lined up for them.

I'd be interested to see the Tassie figures. Can you find prices for Scotch Oakburn and St Patrick's?

ABCDiamond

Neither of those two seem to have fees on their website, but in 2007 the fees quoted were:

Scotch Oakburn College
Prep-Grade 6 $6,100-$8,950
Year 7-10 $9,500-$10,700
Year 11-12 $10,850

St Patrick’s College at that time was:
Year 7-12 $2,565

Vash the Stampede

Thanks. Don't know why, but I always suspected Scotch was much more expensive. Might have something to do with the fact that I used to catch a bus with a lot of St Pats kids when I was in college, and a lot of them were little more than cashed up bogans. The Scotch kids were a cut above.

neil248

One of the key features of private schools is that they have some control over behaviour and who they have in the school.

Naughty boys who don't mend their ways find they don't have a place next term leaving a happy school for every one left.

Poor old State School has to take said naughty boy and does not stand a chance as due to the PC brigade he is untouchable.

We experienced this first hand, caught us out somewhat as we had no way of seeing it coming.

northernbird

Pick your area right and don't compare to England and I think there is no need for private primary school. However, private high school in certain areas of Perth is absolutely necessary IMO.

neil248

There is a need for private primary school, continuity of education in a decent school is one reason for a start and the others stated above

northernbird

Will have to agree to disagree as I don't know your area and you don't know mine. In my area of Perth there is no need for private primary but there is a massive need for private high school IMO.

neil248

This does not make sense, what happens to these kids when they change from primary to secondary.

northernbird

the same as everywhere else in the world when they move from one to another.