School System Overview
Australian schooling is compulsory from age 5-6 to 16-17 (varies by state). The system includes primary school (Kindergarten/Prep to Year 6) and high school (Year 7 to Year 12). The school year runs from late January to mid-December, divided into four terms of approximately 10 weeks each with 2-week breaks between terms and a longer summer break over December-January.
Public vs Private Schools
Public (government) schools are free for Australian citizens and permanent residents, though you will pay for uniforms, excursions, and voluntary contributions ($200-500/year). Public schools are generally high quality in Australia. Catholic schools cost approximately $2,000-5,000/year and are the most affordable private option. Independent private schools range from $10,000-40,000/year depending on the school.
Many Chinese families prioritize education and may consider selective schools, which are free public schools that admit students based on academic testing. In NSW, selective school entry is highly competitive with entrance exams in Year 6 for Year 7 entry. Coaching colleges are popular in the Chinese community for selective school preparation.
Enrolling Your Child
For public schools, you are assigned to your local school based on your residential address. Contact the school directly to enrol, bringing your childs birth certificate, immunisation records, visa/citizenship documents, and proof of address. For children who speak limited English, most schools offer ESL (English as a Second Language) support at no extra cost.
Childcare Types
- Long Day Care: For children 0-5 years, operating 7am-6pm on weekdays. Costs $100-180 per day before subsidy.
- Family Day Care: Smaller groups in an educators home. Often more flexible hours and slightly cheaper.
- Preschool/Kindergarten: For children 3-5 years, usually 6 hours/day, 2-3 days per week. Focuses on school readiness.
- Outside School Hours Care (OSHC): Before and after school care for school-age children. Available at most primary schools.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
The Australian Government provides the Child Care Subsidy to help families with childcare costs. The subsidy covers 50-90% of fees depending on your family income. A family earning under $80,000 receives the maximum 90% subsidy. For a family earning $150,000, the subsidy is approximately 60%. You apply through your myGov account linked to Centrelink.
To receive CCS, both parents must meet an activity test (working, studying, or volunteering a minimum number of hours). The subsidy is paid directly to the childcare provider, reducing your out-of-pocket costs. For a childcare centre charging $150/day, a family receiving 80% subsidy would pay only $30/day.
Tips for Migrant Families
- Join the school P and C (Parents and Citizens) committee to connect with other families
- Many schools have multicultural liaison officers who can help with translation
- Saturday Chinese language schools are available in most major cities to maintain Mandarin skills
- Start childcare waitlists early as popular centres have 6-12 month waiting lists
- School zones significantly affect property prices — research before choosing where to live