bobstevens

Looking to come to NSW in 2006 We have 14 and 12 year old children, what are the schools like and the average cost ???

chris_de

Hi

Public schools are free as far as I can remember, though there are costs of books and uniforms etc. Kids can get a pretty good education if the teachers are good. Usually they are however if the kids have bad luck and have a poor teach one year (or in high school for one more more subjects) they might have a hard time and if you as parents find out, you have a hard time getting the kids transferred to a different teacher.

Smart kids get to go to the state schools where they are usually pushed intellectually a little more and which match well against the privat schools.

The private schools are a bit pricey, on top of uniform and book costs you will face semester charges from $400 to $9000. On the top end of course are boarding schools.

The privat schools mostly have teachers who not only earn more, but are often more skilled and dedicated and therefor give kids in public school an immediate advantage in the quality of their education. Just like a commercial organisation, if a teacher gets too many complaints from pupils and parents, a teacher will be let off. Privat school often have info evenings or at least welcome parents to meet the principal and to have a look at the study program. I suggest doing this. Also, many privat school have websites which should give you a glimpse into their cirriculum.