Changing schools

Families change schools for many reasons: a move for work, a child who's unhappy or not thriving, changes in family finances, a need for different support, or a program that suits a teenager's interests better. Moving from a non-government school to a government school, from government to non-government, or between non-government schools all involve some of the same steps, plus a few specific to the contract you signed. This guide helps you decide whether to move, manage the practical and contractual side, and help your child settle.

Deciding whether to move

Before changing schools, try to pin down what isn't working and whether it can be fixed where your child is.

• Talk to the school. Raise concerns with the class teacher, year coordinator or head of wellbeing. Ask what they've noticed and what they can do.
• Give changes time. If the school agrees to put supports in place, agree on a timeframe and review.
• Listen to your child. What do they find hard? What would make things better? Do they want to move?
• Consider the costs of moving. A new school means new friendships, new routines and sometimes a different curriculum.

Sometimes moving is clearly right: when bullying isn't resolved, when a child's needs can't be met, or when the family is relocating. Sometimes a fresh start is what a child needs.

Researching the new school

Use the same approach as the first time. Look at the school's My School profile, including results compared with students from a similar background and progress over time. Visit, ask questions and talk to families. Our guides to comparing schools, school tours and questions to ask can help.

If you're moving to a government school, check the local enrolment area and process with your state education department.

Leaving a non-government school: the contract

This is where families are often caught out.

Check the notice clause

Most enrolment agreements require written notice before a student leaves, often a full term. If you give less notice, the agreement may require you to pay fees for the notice period, sometimes called fees in lieu of notice.

Work out:

• exactly how much notice is required and in what form;
• the date by which notice must be received to avoid charges;
• what's payable if you give less notice;
• what happens to any deposit or bond.

Talk to the school

Explain your situation. Schools may waive or reduce fees in lieu of notice in some circumstances, such as relocation, hardship, or where a place can quickly be filled. Ask, politely, and get any agreement in writing.

Know your rights

Most school enrolment agreements are standard form consumer contracts. The ACCC explains that unfair terms in these contracts are prohibited and that, since 9 November 2023, penalties can apply. The NSW Government's guidance notes that a term found to be unfair is void.

In 2022 the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal found a Canberra school's one-term notice term void as unfair. Its reasons included that the agreement let the school vary fees unilaterally without giving parents a penalty-free way to leave. The decision depended on that contract's terms, but it shows that notice clauses can be tested. Our guide to enrolment contracts and notice explains the law in more detail.

If you're charged and believe a term is unfair, raise it in writing with the school and seek advice from your state or territory consumer protection agency or a community legal centre.

Timing the move

• Natural transitions, such as the start of a school year or a new stage like Year 7, are often easiest academically and socially.
• Term breaks give a clean start and time to prepare.
• Mid-term moves may be necessary, especially when a child is unhappy or unsafe. Don't delay a necessary move just for neat timing.

For senior students, check how a move would affect subject choices and senior certificate requirements, especially if moving interstate.

Practical steps

1. Secure a place at the new school before giving notice where possible.
2. Give written notice to the current school as required.
3. Gather records: recent reports, any learning support plans, assessments or medical information the new school needs.
4. Arrange uniforms, books and devices for the new school.
5. Settle accounts with the old school and keep records.
6. Plan transport and new routines.

Helping your child settle

• Visit together before the first day, and meet key staff if possible.
• Keep home routines steady while school routines change.
• Encourage connections: co-curricular activities, sport and clubs can help children find friends.
• Stay in touch with the new teachers in the first weeks.
• Expect a settling-in period and watch for signs your child is struggling.

Costs of changing

Changing schools can involve fees in lieu of notice, new uniforms and devices, application fees and deposits. Moving from a non-government to a government school can reduce costs significantly, though some charges and voluntary contributions remain. Update your budget using our cost planner and our guide to budgeting for school.

Moving interstate

A move interstate adds a few complications. Each state and territory has its own curriculum implementation, senior certificate and school year structure. Before moving:

• check how your child's year level and age line up with the new state's entry rules;
• for senior students, ask the new school how subjects and any completed assessment will be recognised;
• confirm the new school is registered with its state authority;
• ask both schools how records will be transferred.

If you're moving for work, ask your employer whether relocation support includes help with school fees in lieu of notice or with new uniforms and equipment.

Talking to your child about the move

Children cope better with change when they understand it and have some say. Explain the reasons for the move honestly, at a level suited to their age. Acknowledge what they'll miss. Involve them in practical decisions, such as visiting the new school or choosing a co-curricular activity. Help them stay in touch with old friends, at least for a while.

Leaving on good terms

Even if you're leaving because things went wrong, try to leave on good terms. Thank the teachers who helped, settle accounts promptly and keep communication courteous. Schools are often more flexible about fees in lieu of notice when families communicate openly, and you may need a reference or records from the school later. A respectful exit also models resilience for your child.

Changing your mind

Sometimes families give notice and then reconsider. If that happens, talk to the school quickly. Whether you can withdraw your notice depends on the school and whether your child's place has been offered to someone else. Get any agreement in writing.

Key points

• Try to resolve concerns with the current school first, but don't delay a necessary move.
• Check your enrolment agreement's notice clause before deciding on timing.
• Ask the school about waiving fees in lieu of notice in your circumstances.
• Unfair terms in standard form consumer contracts are void and, since November 2023, prohibited.
• Gather records, plan the practicalities and support your child through the transition.