How BestSchools Works
Families deserve to know where school information comes from, what can influence visibility and how to challenge something that does not look right.
Our Approach to Trust
BestSchools is a school discovery and decision-support platform. These principles guide how we present information to families.
Show Where Information Comes From
Separate official public data from details that schools add or update.
Explain Commercial Ordering
Be clear when an active BestSchools plan can influence visibility.
Make Corrections Straightforward
Give families and schools a clear path to flag information that needs review.
How School Information Is Sourced
A profile can contain both official public data and information supplied directly by a school. We identify those categories so you can judge each detail in context.
Official Public Data
Core facts in the School Overview, including sector, school type, enrolments and staffing figures, currently use data from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Public datasets are snapshots, so figures may not reflect a change made after the source was published.
Visit ACARASchool-Supplied Information
Schools can supply or update profile descriptions, images, contact details, events, fees and other profile content. A school representative must complete our verification process before receiving profile access. Details can change, so confirm important dates, fees and admissions requirements with the school.
Search & Discovery
Search first identifies schools that match the name, suburb or postcode entered. On search results pages, active BestSchools plan tier is the primary ordering factor; profiles with a hero image or logo are shown first within the same tier. State directory pages apply plan tier, then hero-image presence. Suburb and nearby-school listings apply plan tier before school-name ordering. These are commercial placement factors.
Featured Schools
The Featured Schools section is promotional. Active BestSchools plan tier is used to prioritise inclusion. When schools share the same tier, the selection can vary rather than following a fixed school-name order. Free listings may also appear when places remain. Commercial visibility does not rewrite the core ACARA facts displayed in a school's overview.
There Is No Universal “Best” School
BestSchools helps families research and compare options; it does not claim that one school is the right fit for every child. Use our tools as guidance, compare multiple sources, visit schools and ask questions that matter to your family.
How Visibility Is Determined
BestSchools earns revenue from school plans and advertising. We disclose the role of commercial participation so families can interpret ordering and featured placements with the right context.
Corrections & Review
If something appears incomplete or inaccurate, tell us what you found and include the school profile link. We will review it against the available source or ask the school to confirm it.
Report Incorrect InformationWho Operates BestSchools
BestSchools is operated by IGNITE®. Read our policies to understand how we handle personal information, communications and the terms that apply when using the platform.
Help Keep School Information Useful
Families can report a concern, while verified school representatives can claim a profile and keep school-supplied details current.