Question 1

How do I start finding the right school for my child?

Accepted Answer

Begin with our School Readiness Assessment if your child is 4-5 years old, or our School Choice Assessment to determine whether public or private education suits your family. These tools provide personalised insights that guide your search. Then, use our School Finder Map to explore schools in your area and compare your top choices side-by-side.

Question 2

Is BestSchools really free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, BestSchools is 100% free for parents. All our tools, assessments, school information, and comparison features are available at no cost. We believe every parent should have access to quality education information regardless of their financial situation. There are no hidden fees or premium subscriptions.

Question 3

When should I start looking for schools?

Accepted Answer

For primary school entry, we recommend starting your search 12-18 months before your child turns 5. This gives you time to attend open days (usually held in Terms 1 and 2), complete assessments, and submit applications. Private schools often have earlier deadlines and may require applications 2-3 years in advance for popular schools.

Question 4

What documents do I need to prepare?

Accepted Answer

Essential documents include your child's birth certificate, immunisation history statement, proof of address (utility bills or rental agreement), and passport/visa if applicable. Private schools may also request recent school reports, NAPLAN results for older children, medical reports if relevant, and references. We recommend creating digital copies of all documents early in your search.

Question 5

How do I know if my child is ready for school?

Accepted Answer

School readiness involves social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Key indicators include ability to separate from parents, follow simple instructions, communicate needs, manage basic self-care (toileting, eating), and show interest in learning. Our School Readiness Assessment evaluates these areas and provides personalised recommendations to support your child's preparation.

Question 6

How many schools can I compare at once?

Accepted Answer

You can compare up to 3 schools side-by-side using our comparison tool. This allows you to evaluate key factors like academic performance, facilities, extracurricular programs, and fees (for private schools) in an easy-to-read format. You can save unlimited schools to your shortlist and compare different combinations.

Question 7

Can I search for schools with specific programs or facilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our School Finder allows you to filter schools by various criteria including school type (primary, secondary, combined), sector (public, private, Catholic), gender (co-ed, single-sex), special programs (IB, Montessori, Steiner), facilities (pools, performing arts centres), and support services (special needs, gifted programs).

Question 8

What's the difference between public and private schools?

Accepted Answer

Public schools are government-funded and free to attend (though voluntary contributions are requested), follow the state curriculum, and have catchment zones for enrolment. Private schools charge fees, may follow alternative curricula or educational philosophies, often have religious affiliations, and typically offer smaller class sizes and more extensive facilities. Our School Choice Assessment helps determine which option suits your family's values, budget, and educational priorities.

Find and Compare the Best Schools in Australia.

Find the Best School for Your Child

Start with our flagship assessments

School Choice Assessment

School Readiness Assessment

Scholarship Eligibility Assessment

Your School Search Journey

Step 1: Understand Your Needs

Step 2: Explore Your Options

Step 3: Prepare & Apply

Featured Schools

Alfred Deakin High School

Blairmount Public School

Buninyong Primary School

Buxton Public School

Goombungee State School

Heathcote Public School

Featured Schools

Everything You Need to Know About Finding Schools

Create Your Free Parent Account

Featured Schools

Alfred Deakin High School

Blairmount Public School

Buninyong Primary School

Buxton Public School

Goombungee State School

Heathcote Public School

Find and Compare the Best Schools in Australia.

Find the Best School for Your Child

Start with our flagship assessments

School Choice Assessment

School Readiness Assessment

Scholarship Eligibility Assessment

Your School Search Journey

Step 1: Understand Your Needs

Step 2: Explore Your Options

Step 3: Prepare & Apply

Featured Schools

Alfred Deakin High School

Blairmount Public School

Buninyong Primary School

Buxton Public School

Goombungee State School

Heathcote Public School

Featured Schools

Everything You Need to Know About Finding Schools

How do I start finding the right school for my child?

Is BestSchools really free to use?

When should I start looking for schools?

What documents do I need to prepare?

How do I know if my child is ready for school?

How many schools can I compare at once?

Can I search for schools with specific programs or facilities?

How accurate is your school information?

What's the difference between school types?

How do I find schools with specific needs support?

Who created your assessment tools?

How do I know if a school is in my catchment zone?

Can I retake assessments if my situation changes?

What should I look for during school tours?

How important are NAPLAN scores?

What's the difference between EOI and formal applications?

Can BestSchools help with school applications?

How long do the assessments take?

What happens after I submit an application?

Can I apply to multiple schools?

Create Your Free Parent Account

Featured Schools

Alfred Deakin High School

Blairmount Public School

Buninyong Primary School

Buxton Public School

Goombungee State School

Heathcote Public School