How early should I enrol my child in primary school, prep? Where do I look for help(Australian answers please)

Question

I have a 16 month old son and I've been told by many people that I should put him on 'the list' asap to make sure we get the school we want. I want him to go to a good school but don't know any schools in Brisbane (Qld) area and was wondering were to start. Can anyone help me as I'd like to research as much as possible before making a decision.

Thank you all in advance

Answer 1

Im a nanny on the Gold Coast and the kids I look after go to a good private school and its only usually the year before that people start to enrol their children in prep. Unless the school you like fills up quickly or is very exclusive I wouldnt worry about it just yet.

Answer 2

Some schools don't have a list - you just have to be there at the right time.  Other schools favour people whose children already go to that school, or who are in the catchment area.  

My daughter has been to prep in two different schools in Brisbane (we don't live there anymore) - Richlands East and Jindalee.  She loved both of them - and she wasn't booked in at either of them until the last minute - when we moved there.  It's really no big deal and not to worry about, especially this early.  I doubt most public schools would keep a waiting list for kids as young as your son - imagine how long the list would have to be!

Answer 3

Well it really depends on what sort of school you want your child to go to. Most public schools these days have better education then those that go to a private school. Try looking up on the internet or your local directory for schools that you might want to send your son to. I really didnt know you needed to put your child on the list for primary school. In Vic, they usually have enrolements beginning in July, depending on what sort of school you want them to go to. Both my children are in a public school and I never had to put them on a list. I also know that my neice went to two different private primary schools and she wasnt needed to be put on a list. But then we live in th country and not the city or suburbian area so in your case it may be different. Also try looking it up on google or your preferred search engine.

Answer 4

You don't say whether you intend to go private or public? If it's public there is no need to go on a list, but if you are leaning towards a private school (especially the more exclusive ones) then it may vary. A friend of mine has just put her daughter on 'the list' and she won't actually start school/prep until 2009. It also required a fairly hefty holding fee, to secure her spot.

If it is a private school you are after then I would contact the relevant board (ie the Catholic Education Board, or Independant Schools Board) and they may be able to guide you a little more. If it is public school, contact the Education Department and they can provide you with information on how it all works... usually with public schools your child will be allocated a school in the zone that you live.... if you want your child to attend a public school outside this zone, then you have to apply and it usually depends on availability as they fill up with children from that zone first.

Good luck...