Education and Schools in Sydney

Sydney caters to a broad range of educational needs. Expat children can attend public, faith-based, private or international schools in Sydney. High school graduates can choose from several prestigious universities, including the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney.

Those with permanent residency status have access to free public education, but families living in Australia on a temporary resident visa will have to pay for their children's schooling.

Public schools in Sydney

The quality of public education in Sydney is generally good. Like elsewhere in the world, schools' performance is influenced by factors such as location and funding.

The language of instruction in public schools is English. English proficiency is not a requirement for students in primary school – that is, from Kindergarten up to Year 6. After this, students enter Junior High School in Year 7. From this point on, English proficiency is a requirement for entry into Sydney public schools.

DE International is the international division of the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Education. As a resource for non-Australian students, DE International provides guidance to international students attending government schools. This includes providing bridging classes for pupils aged 12 and up at their Intensive English Centres (IEC).

Children attend public schools based on zones, or catchment areas. The details of which neighbourhoods filter into which schools are usually available on school websites. Expat families often base accommodation decisions around access to preferred schooling.

Useful links

• DE International
• NSW School Finder

Faith-based schools in Sydney

Faith-based education is common in Sydney. Catholic primary and high schools, run by Sydney Catholic Schools, are particularly popular.

The Catholic education system has an excellent reputation in Sydney. Many parents consider this a comfortable middle ground between public and private education. This option is popular among expats living in Australia on a temporary residence visa, as fees for faith-based schools are typically lower than those temporary residents are required to pay for access to the public system.

Useful links

• Sydney Catholic Schools

International schools in Sydney

Although international schools tend to have the highest fees of all Sydney's education options, many expats feel that the benefits justify the cost.

These private schools allow children the opportunity to study their home curriculum or a globally recognised curriculum such as the International Baccalaureate. Studying a familiar curriculum ensures continuity and minimises the disruption in the child's learning during relocation. International schools also offer an easy way for parents and children alike to meet other expats and settle into Sydney more easily.

Sydney offers a wealth of options, with a variety of countries represented in the city's selection of international schools, including France, Germany, and Japan.

Special-needs education in Sydney

The Australian government takes an inclusive approach to special-needs education, and tries to accommodate those with special needs in mainstream schools as far as possible.

Public schools in New South Wales are required to offer free personalised learning and support for students with special educational needs. Schools are responsible for making initial assessments, implementing reasonable adjustments, and monitoring the impact of interventions on children with special needs. This process is a collaborative effort between parents, school staff and any external professionals involved in managing the child's condition.

If the child's needs are too complex to be supported in the mainstream schooling system, they may attend one of the city's special-needs schools. The need and suitability of this are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Useful links

• NSW Government – Education – Inclusive Learning Support

Tutors in Sydney

Whether a child requires a helping hand with a particular subject or needs to fine-tune more general skills such as essay writing, tutors can be a great resource for expat parents. Tutors may be able to assist with the transition into a new curriculum and or with developing English skills, helping to ease the pressure new arrivals face at school.

There are a number of highly recommended tutoring companies in Sydney. Parents can also chat with their child's school for tutor recommendations.

Useful links

• Alchemy Tuition
• C3 Education Group