[Chockybits]

My children will be going to the local public school which has a great reputation, but we haven't decided on where to send them for secondary school. We'd like to send them to a private school. DH would prefer to send them there from reception, but personally I'd rather have money to take them on local and OS holidays, play sports etc.

Anyway, it seems that private schools have an intake in year 6 for middle school and after that only if they have vacancies so we're aiming for year 6.

Just a couple of questions…
1. Are students required to sit a test and if so does that mean that they only take the top scores?
2. For those that have done the same with their children, how did they go joining the school later in school life?
3. How far in advance would you need to apply?
4. Just a general question about paying school fees…how did you save? Savings account? Education plans/funds, paying extra on mortgage and then redrawing?

TIA

Edited for another question.

This post has been edited by Chockybits: 30/01/2013, 08:36 PM

[*Chyloe*]

Our older son is in Year 9, so started high school in Queensland last year. We elected to send him private for highschool. We did end up moving our younger son to the same school last year. The school is a P-12.

We applied to a couple of private schools and took the one we liked the feel of the best. No exams for DS, just the interview, then we got a place. We only organised this when he was in Year 7, and he was booked in from about July during Year 7 to start Year 8 in January last year.

We've paid ahead on our mortgage to pay the school fees. My parents have also given us money to put towards their fees also which has been a big help.

We couldn't be happier and the boys are now very settled at school.

[whale-woman]

This very much depends on which school you are looking at. There are certainly a number of Melb schools that you put your kids on the list at birth to get a spot at.
Selective schools take kids on test schores and private schools on parents putting them on the list/paying, scholarships ect excepted.

Why don't you call the school your thinking of and have a chat about it. Or bettr still talk to parents at the school uou're considering.

[Chockybits]

Thanks for your replies. Chyloe, it's great that it worked out pretty easily for you and that your son settled in well. DH is a bit concerned about not getting a place so we're taking your advice Whale-woman and he is going to call some schools next week.

[JAPN2]

OP - I applied to a private school with a good rep when DD was in prep. She in now in Yr 6. No place offered there but we have another one at a smaller school (also private).

You need to look at the popularity. Sometimes get em down on the wait list even if you're not sure.

I'm in Sth East Metro Melbourne so will depend on area.

[Chockybits]

Thanks JapN2, will definitely be doing something about it this week!

[Natttmumm]

The way it works in Sydney is that you would have their names down now (from birth really)but I doubt its too late. Maybe pick 2 schools and take a tour and put their names down. There is a cost involved so pick carefully. We have picked one school and have their names down and have paid a fee already. We put their names down at age 1 and 3.
The school we picked does a test but they do take the kids either way. The test shows strengths and weaknesses. It's not much more than that from what I know.
I can't answer number 2 as mine haven't started yet. The intake is yr3 yr 5 or yr 7. Apparently yr 7 is impossible as kids at the school already get the spots. Yr 3 might be too expensive as we will have 3 kids to consider so I'm thinking yr 5 for DD1 and yr 3 for DD2 that way they start together as they are 2 school yrs apart.
Savings - we have kind of made choices based on that in the future. I guess we have opted for a smaller mortgage so we know we will have the income to cover it. If things change and we don't then they would stay public. I figure I'd be working full time by then so we will have more income.
What worries me is they will be settled into public school and have made friends then we move them.......I'm sure they will kick up a fuss.
We will cross that bridge at the time