Experts reveal top tips on how to choose the best school for your child

As millions of students prepare to return to the classroom, some schools are already preparing to open their gates to future families. Here’s how to find the right school for your children.

Year 7 students Holly Egan, Flynn Hyland and Daniel Hainagiu’s parents picked St John's Regional College after going on a school tour. Picture: Tony Gough

As millions of Australian students gear up to return to the classroom, some schools across the country are preparing to open their gates to give future families a glimpse of what they offer.

Whether it be four-year-olds starting their final year of kinder or grade five students planning for high school in two years’ time, experts say it’s never too early for parents to start researching schools suitable for their children.

In the coming months, most schools will start taking enrolment applications for next year, with campus tours and open days also being organised to assist parents with the process of picking a school.

Mum Crystal Wong – who founded school review site Melbourne Schools and has toured 30 campuses for her platform – has offered her advice on how parents can make the most out of a school tour.

The mother-of-one commenced her school tour journey while searching for a secondary school for her daughter.

Experts say it’s never too early for parents to start researching about schools suitable for their children. Picture: Tony Gough

“As I see it, schools are the first major institution where children spend a significant amount of time outside their family environment,” she said.

“That’s why selecting a school that is the right fit for your child is so important.”

Ms Wong said parents should visit at least three to four schools before making their decision and should focus on those that align with their values, provides a supportive environment, and helps children to thrive and reach their full potential.

“I would also look for a school with a variety of clubs, programs, and facilities that encourage curiosity, experimentation and resilience,” she said.

In addition to touring the school, Ms Wong said parents should speak to current and former parents and students and join school Facebook groups.

“While academics and ATAR scores are easily comparable, it’s only one dimension of a school,” she said.

“There are many qualitative aspects that aren’t as easily comparable or quantifiable but will make a big difference to the environment that your child will spend a significant amount of time in during their most formative years.”

Meanwhile, La Trobe University School of Education senior lecturer Dr Kate Lafferty said school tours led by current pupils can be beneficial as “schools can’t script students”.

“The students who lead the tour will give you honest appraisals and are able to provide first-hand accounts of what it’s like to be a student at the school,” she said.

“Ask questions such as what they like best about the school, what they would change if they could. You will soon get valuable insights.”

Dr Lafferty said parents should also observe what’s being celebrated in cabinets, on walls and in online newsletters to understand the school’s values and how success is framed.

She also suggested listening to how students and teachers interact and observe whether the principal knows their pupils.

For mum Christie Egan, attending a school tour at St John’s Regional College provided her with the opportunity to see what facilities and opportunities were available for her daughter Holly.

St John's Regional College students, Holly Egan, Flynn Hyland and Daniel Hainagiu are starting year 7 this year. Picture: Tony Gough

“My advice for parents would be to book a tour that is run during school hours as a means of seeing the school in operation and meeting students,” she said.

“Ensuring a tour is carried out by the principal or deputy principal also helps gain an insight into the leadership of the school.”

Another new St John’s Regional College parent Alexandrian Burileanu, whose son Daniel is attending the school this year, said going on a tour gave her the opportunity to “witness the curriculum of the school first hand”.

Ultimately, Dr Lafferty said it was important parents knew they weren’t locked into a school.

“Don’t feel that your child needs to stay at the school for six to seven years,” she said.

“If the environment is no longer working well for your child, look around and make the change.”