School types explained

Australian families can choose from a wide range of schools, and the labels can be confusing. Is a grammar school selective? Is a Christian school the same as a Catholic school? What's a systemic school? How is a Steiner school different from a Montessori school? This guide explains the main types of schools, how they're governed and funded, and how they're regulated. It doesn't rank or recommend any type; the right school depends on your child.

The three sectors

ACARA's My School groups schools into three sectors: government, Catholic and independent. Catholic and independent schools together are called non-government schools, and are often described as private schools.

Government schools

Run by state and territory education departments. Government schools don't charge tuition fees for local students, though they may ask for voluntary contributions and charge for some activities and materials. Most government schools enrol students from a local area, and some states have selective, specialist or academically focused government schools with entry tests or applications.

Catholic schools

Most Catholic schools are part of a system run by a diocesan or state Catholic education authority. These are called systemic schools. They typically have lower fees than many independent schools, partly because the system can pool and redistribute funding. Some Catholic schools, often those run by religious orders, are independent of the system and governed by their own boards.

Independent schools

Independent schools are usually governed by their own board or council. They are diverse. Some are large, long-established schools; others are small community schools. Many have a religious affiliation, such as Anglican, Uniting, Christian, Lutheran, Islamic, Jewish or another faith; others are non-denominational. Fees vary enormously.

Common labels

Grammar school. In Australia, "grammar" is usually part of a school's name and history rather than a separate type. Grammar schools are typically independent, and the term doesn't mean the school is academically selective.

Christian schools. Usually independent schools with a Christian ethos, often lower-fee and community-based, sometimes part of a network.

Faith-based schools. Schools of other religious traditions, usually independent.

Philosophy-based schools. Schools following a particular educational approach, such as Montessori or Steiner (Waldorf). They're usually independent, and their approach to curriculum, assessment and timetables can differ significantly from mainstream schools.

Special schools and special assistance schools. Schools for students with disability, or for students with social, emotional or behavioural needs who are disengaged from mainstream schooling. They may be government or non-government.

Boarding schools. Schools with boarding houses. Most are non-government, though some government schools and agricultural high schools offer boarding. Our guide to boarding schools covers this.

Single-sex and co-educational. Schools may be boys only, girls only, co-educational, or co-educational in some years and single-sex in others.

K–12 and separate primary and secondary. Some schools cover all years; others are primary-only or secondary-only.

How non-government schools are regulated

Non-government schools must be registered by their state or territory authority. Registration requirements typically cover curriculum, teaching staff, facilities, student welfare, governance and financial viability.

In New South Wales, NESA explains that registration is the licence for a non-government school to operate, and accreditation authorises it to present students for the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and/or the Higher School Certificate (HSC). NESA publishes a searchable list of registered non-government schools. Other states and territories have their own regulators and registers. Before enrolling, check that the school is registered for the years your child will attend.

Non-government schools receiving Australian Government funding must also meet Commonwealth requirements, including reporting information that appears on My School.

How they're funded

All schools have a Schooling Resource Standard calculated under the same framework, based on a base amount per student plus loadings for disadvantage. For most non-government schools, the base amount is reduced according to the community's capacity to contribute, and fees fill the gap. Our guide to how school funding works explains this.

Curriculum and qualifications

Schools generally teach the Australian Curriculum as implemented by their state or territory, or an approved alternative framework. In the senior years, most students complete their state or territory certificate, such as the HSC, VCE, QCE, WACE or SACE. Some schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, alongside or instead of the state certificate. Ask schools which pathways they offer and how they support vocational and university pathways.

Choosing between types

Rather than starting with a type, start with your child:

• What does your child need to learn well and be happy?
• What values and community matter to your family?
• What can you afford for every year, including extras?
• How far can your child travel each day?

Then compare schools of any type on how well they meet those needs. Our guide to comparing schools explains how to use My School to shortlist.

Selective and specialist government schools

Some families compare non-government schools with selective or specialist government schools. These are government schools with entry by test, audition or application, offering academic, performing arts, sport, technology or other specialist programs. Entry processes and timelines are set by each state or territory education department and can be competitive. If you're considering them, check the application dates early, because they may fall well before non-government school offers.

Religious and values education

Many non-government schools have a religious affiliation, and that usually shapes school life: religious education classes, chapel or assemblies, celebrations and the school's values. Some schools welcome students of all faiths and none; others give priority to families of their faith. Ask each school how faith is part of daily life, whether participation is expected and how students of other backgrounds are included.

Size and structure

Schools range from small community schools with one class per year level to very large schools with multiple campuses. Size affects the range of subjects and activities, the feel of the school and how well staff know students. Neither is automatically better. Think about what suits your child: some thrive in a small, close community; others enjoy the choice and anonymity of a large school.

Multi-campus schools

Some schools operate across several campuses, such as a junior campus and a senior campus, or campuses in different suburbs. Ask which campus your child would attend at each stage, how transitions between campuses work and whether facilities and programs differ between them.

Fees across sectors

Fees vary widely within and across sectors, and the labels don't tell you what you'll pay. Systemic Catholic schools often have lower fees than many independent schools, but there are low-fee independent schools and higher-fee Catholic schools too. Always check each school's current fee schedule, and use our cost planner to compare the full cost.

Checking a school's status

Whatever the type, check that the school is registered with its state or territory authority for the year levels your child will attend, and look at its My School profile for its sector, size and results compared with similar students.

Key points

• My School groups schools into government, Catholic and independent sectors.
• Most Catholic schools are systemic; independent schools are usually governed individually.
• Labels like "grammar" describe history and name, not academic selection.
• Non-government schools must be registered by their state or territory authority.
• All schools are funded under the Schooling Resource Standard framework, adjusted for capacity to contribute.