Australia - British Expat Forum

Hi,

I am planning to move to Sydney later this year. My daugher was 5 in March. I understand that if we were in Australia just now she would have started school in January. Given she would be starting school in August in the UK I would still like her to start school this year in Australia.

Would she be accepted given so late in the year. Or would they say she would need to wait until after christmas? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Jac

Hi Jac,

You should have no problems getting her into school here, whenever you arrive.

SSue 8)

Hi

New to all this but seeing as we are planning a move to the sunshine coast this sept thought I should get involved in something like this and make the most of your knowledge!!

I am concerned how to go about finding primary school for my soon to be 5 year old and a nursery placement for my 3 year old (once settled).

Where should I begin and what age do they start? Can you help?

Thanks
collette

Hi Collette,

Unless you know the exact suburb that you'll be settling into, (most people don't 'til they get here) there's not much you can do. Your five year old will go to whichever school is in the catchment area, for your address, unless you pay privately, and then you can choose which suits your pocket etc.

You may need to shop around for childcare for the baby, as in some areas it's quite hard to find. For instance in Sydney, where a huge proportion of mothers work, the baby's name is put on several waiting lists, at birth. Every state differs though, so you might not have a problem.

Best wishes,
SSue 8)