Canberra primary schools - what are they like?

Big places, small buildings, lots of kids 9am to 3pm.

Seriously, I have found Miles Franklin Primary (Gov school) in Evatt to be very good. Most schools seem to be good in Canberra because Canberra is a NICE place.

Aurelius said :

Schools sink or swim depending on participation of their parental community.
So a relevant question is: what type of parent are you?

Talk to anyone in education and they’ll tell you that schools will sink or swim depending on the principal (particularly primary schools).

If you’re looking to move to a new school, or start students at a new school, I’d suggest making an appointment for a brief chat with the principal, as well as talking to parents of students already at the school. It’s really handy to know a few local teachers as well – that’s without doubt the best way to find out what’s going on in the education sector in Canberra.

Thanks everyone for your help – this is a great site!
And Aurelius in answer to your question – I’m an awesome parent and I can’t wait to get involved at whatever school we’re at.

Narrabundah was great, unfortunately most of the parents were crap.

Case in point, the school provided all students breakfast so they could learn as it was apparent the parents couldn’t be fcked.

CraigT said :

I think the general rule is that public schools in the inner North, inner South and Woden Valley are excellent (now that Narrabundah Primary has closed).
In other areas the public schools are often a disaster and you will have to go with the Catholic system, despite the large class sizes.

yeah, just remember that those ‘bundah kids are now at those inner south schools.

I take offence to that comment. ‘bundah kids are awesome. so were their teachers!!!!

Schools sink or swim depending on participation of their parental community.
So a relevant question is: what type of parent are you?

Catchments for schools usually include multiple suburbs and suburbs often have 2 schools to choose from. You can get a map of the catchment areas from the education website at http://www.det.act.gov.au . Be aware that catchments can change (as a friend in a weston creek suburb found last year) so double check before the move. Getting into out of area schools depends on a number of factors including capacity – priority goes to in catchment children, then only if there is room. Chapman is a popular and full school so don’t count on out of area for that one.

I think the general rule is that public schools in the inner North, inner South and Woden Valley are excellent (now that Narrabundah Primary has closed).
In other areas the public schools are often a disaster and you will have to go with the Catholic system, despite the large class sizes.

Yes, you need to buy a house in a nice suburb, majority only take from feeder suburbs.

The majority of public primary schools in Canberra are great. The schools that appear to struggle are normally those whose students come from a of lower socioeconomic background, and are generally found at the extremities of the city (i.e. far north or far south).

School shopping does happen here, but the students who live in the same or surrounding suburbs are automatic entries, but if the school has room they will normally allow enrolment.

Canberra has about 60/40 public/private students, mostly influenced by high school enrolments and that people here generally earn more than the average and can afford the fees.