Australia - British Expat Forum

Hi, I'm moving to Brisbane from Surrey in the UK, with husband and two girls (3 and 7) in September. My eldest daughter has finished infant school and was about to start Junior School in September, hence we decided to move before she started. I'm having a real problem trying to find information about schools which is anything more than their websites (ie advertising!).

We have been really spoilt with the quality of the state schools in Farnham, and I want to find something in Brisbane which will be equally as good, but so far the only ones which seem to match up are all private schools! Can anyone suggest some state schools which offer not only good academic teaching but also a wide variety of arts (eg music, language, drama) and sports activities (swimming, gymnastics, dance), and a 'pastoral' attitude towards the children. My daughter really enjoys school and I am worried about her going somewhere which she will not like!

All comments - positive and negative - welcomed!

Hi
We too are moving to Brisbane in Feb 07. We have made a trip to the are earlier this year. Schooling seems to be like the UK. Some good, Some not so good. I dont believe too many fall into the bad category. Spme proffessionals in the area said we would be wasting our money putting our five year old into private until she was 11 then it is a necessity as the standards drop a bit at this age.
We are closly considering a private school from the off. A top private school for a five year old will cost approx $5000.00 per full year about $1K
per term (4 terms). This does increase year on year up to about $14K at 16-18.
hope this helps
john