A Guide to Public Schools in Australia

The public school system in Australia is an integral part of the country’s school system, providing free or low-cost education. Public schools in Australia are run by the government and are free to attend for Australian citizens and permanent residents. Roughly two-thirds of the local population and a large number of foreigners on work permits send their children to public schools in Australia.

Public Schools are largely state-and territory-based, meaning that each state and territory has its own public education system with slight variations in school structures, and regulations. However, the core educational principles and objectives are broadly similar across the country.

The system offers support programs for students with disabilities, language barriers, and special talents, while also providing extracurricular activities and career counseling to enhance student development.

Public schools in Australia are primarily funded and governed by the state or territory governments. The federal government also contributes funding, primarily for national programs such as Indigenous education and special needs education.

Public Schooling Costs

Though public schools in Australia offer free education to citizens and permanent residents, some schools ask parents to pay a voluntary contribution fee and/or a materials & services charge. Other costs like enrollment fees, stationery, textbooks, uniforms, school camps and other schooling costs are not covered under government funding.

International students (on student visas or children of certain work permit holders) must pay tuition fees, which vary depending on the state and school.

Types of Public Schools

General Primary and Secondary Schools

Most public schools offer a general education with a focus on core subjects like English, Math, and Science. These are comprehensive schools that cater to the broader population. These may also be referred to as open schools.

Open schools accept all students from their government-defined catchment areas or school zone. Some open public schools have selective classes in which better-performing students are offered extended and accelerated educational opportunities. Each open public school has an obligation to accept all of the children within its catchment area. If they don’t have enough room, they must find some. If they don’t have enough teachers, they must hire some more.

Selective Public schools

Admission to selective public schools is usually based on academic performance or entrance exams. They offer advanced programs in academic subjects and may have a particular focus on fields like science, technology, or the arts.

Example: Sydney Boys High School and Melbourne High School.

Selective public schools have wider accepted catchment area and are more sought after than open public schools. They have high entrance requirements and cater to a much larger area. Entrance to selective schools is often highly competitive.

Specialist Schools

Some public schools specialize in specific areas such as the arts, sports, or languages. These schools offer tailored programs for students who have particular interests or talents. Public schools provide specialist education for students with disabilities, including those with physical, intellectual, or emotional needs. These schools offer specialized teaching and support services.

Some mainstream schools also provide inclusive education for students with disabilities, integrating them into regular classrooms with additional support.

Curriculum and Standards

The curriculum for public schools in Australia is governed by the Australian Curriculum, developed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). The curriculum sets national standards for student learning in key subject areas.

The curriculum generally includes English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Technology, Arts, Physical Education, Languages (foreign and Indigenous).

Students, particularly in secondary school, can choose from a wide range of subjects. This flexibility allows them to tailor their education to their interests and career aspirations.

However, education is primarily a state responsibility, so each state or territory may adapt the curriculum to meet local needs. For example:

• New South Wales (NSW) uses the NSW Curriculum for Years 11 and 12 (HSC).
• Victoria has the Victorian Curriculum and offers the VCE in senior years.
• Queensland offers the Queensland Curriculum with QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) for senior students.

Extracurricular Activities

Australian public schools provide a variety of extracurricular activities to enhance student engagement and development:

• Sporting programs (e.g., swimming, football, athletics)
• Music and arts (e.g., school bands, drama clubs)
• Clubs and societies (e.g., debating, chess, environmental clubs)
• Community service programs to encourage social responsibility and volunteering.