Choosing a suburb in Melbourne based on school zones?

Hi Kirsty, It really depends on if you are sending your child to private school or gov't? All the "public" schools are pretty much the same, they all have the same curriculum. The difference is really between public vs. private. Private schools run around $20,000 a year, so we send ours to public, and I find it is great. My kids are 5 & 7, and I have no complaints. I hope to have been of some help, good luck! Danielle

Dear Kirsty,
 
A great place to start would be in the South East in the Bayside area.  Brighton is the most expensive suburb and if your budget doesn't run to renting or buying a house there, look at the immediate surrounding neighbourhoods.  Brighton East, Sandringham and then further out to Beaumaris.  Beaumaris doesn't have a train service but it's a quick run to Brighton station.  
 
The eastern suburbs of Melbourne have highly regarded schools too.  Again if you can't afford Toorak or South Yarra, then look at the outer eastern suburbs such as Balwyn.
 
Out in the west a number of new primary schools have been built as this area of Melbourne has been most recently developed with new housing developments.  You get much more for your money out here than you do in the established areas and house prices to rent or buy are the cheapest in Melbourne.   
 
Ultimately though your choice of suburb has to take into account the distance to and from work.  Melbourne's vast sprawl means that you would, ideally, want to live and work on the same side of the city.  Getting across from one side to the other at rush hour is a time-consuming business.  Good luck with your search.

Alison Ripley Cubitt
Melbourne Expat Expert 
 

I've got a similar problem in that I'm about to start working in Abbotsford and I'm wondering where best to focus my house search for the kid's primary schools. Ideally I don't want more than a 30-40min commute and access to public transport. Any ideas welcome.

My wife and kids have recently moved to Melbourne and are looking for schools for our kids. We are living in Northcote and have been looking at our different options. I'm not sure about school uniforms either. Can you purchase them through the school itself or do you purchase them online? I found an Australian site called http://www.stubbiesschoolwear.com.au Any advice or help?

You can use this site to examine schools at a high level within a geographic area. http://www.myschool.edu.au/ When selecting schools, look at balance of genders, test results, whether religion is taught, what other languages are taught, homework policy, after school care, etc. Look for evidence of a strong parents association as this usually leads to more funds available and better quality education. The State Govt allows each public school to choose whether uniforms are required, and generally uniforms are used. Always contact the school first before buying anything as there is a blend of school-run shops, supplier-run shops and general uniform retailers in Melb schools. Choose a suburb close to work, and send the kids to the local school. You'll make more friends and meet more neighbours if they attend the local school. Visit at least two schools when the students and parents are there (drop off or pick up time) and observe. Do the teachers talk to the kids nicely? Do the kids seem happy? Does the Principal know student's names? You'll soon know which school is best for your child.

Iam planning to move in melbourne by mid of July, can anyone tell me if my 5yrs old will get the admission in middle of the terms.

Children can join school anytime during the year, subject to the school having space for them.

HI Merlzstar, The enrolment age for kindergarten is 4 years old so you should be able to enrol your child in Victoria (Melbourne). Your child can start schooling any time during the school year as long as there is a spot available. If you are to enrol your child in Victoria, make sure you have your child's vaccination history paperwork with you. The Victorian Education website can answer most of your questions. Google the following search terms: "Education Vic Gov" and look for "Kindergarten" and "Parents" Cheers, Winneth - Finders Keepers Melbourne Rental Property Locators

I am planning to move in Melbourne by mid of March 2017, my child will be 4 years 10 months. Will the schools in Melbourne provide him admissionif he is 1 month less than 5 year old. Also what if I move by September 2017, do I have to wait for his admision from Jan 2018 since the schools in Melbourne have academic year from Jan to Dec? When do I need to apply for admission in locals schools if I need my child to start school by Jan 2018 (but he will be then 5 years 7 months for KG)?

Hi merlzstar,

You can take a look at the Expat Arrivals Education and Schools in Melbourne page for some basic info, but I think you would need answers directly from locals or expats because you're looking for quite specific information. People browsing the forum are unlikely to see your question here so far back in the history of the forum (I only saw it myself because I'm a forum admin), so I would suggest posting your question again as a new topic.

Best of luck,
Meagan

Hi .my wife is moving to Melbourne in rhe next 10 days .she has a job in the city . We are looking for a high school for our 2 boys will be years 9 and 12 next year. I'll follow with them the end of this school year . The elder is a very keen cricket payer and we are willing to move where we can so that we can find a good school with a good team for him . Both of them play softball and baseball for their province in SA aswell so if they play those sports even better . Thanks

Hi there,

Melbourne High School has a good reputation and has a very extensive sports programme which includes both cricket and baseball. You can have a look at their sports page here.

It might also be worth considering Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria (AGSV) member schools - according to its website, AGSV is one of the leading school sporting associations in Victoria. Here is a list of their member schools.

The Hallam Senior College has what it calls a "sports academy", though cricket is not one of the four sports they focus on. Nonetheless, the relevant page (which can be found here) may be worth checking out.

The Expat Arrivals page on Education and Schools in Melbourne provides a good overview of the school system in general.

Hope this helps you find what you're looking for!

All the best with your search.

Meagan