Some schools have seen the length of their waiting lists double as more parents opt for private education for their children. Here’s how the schools choose who gets in.
As the nights get cooler, private school open days are in full swing, and inside a Facebook group dedicated to education options in Sydney, the discussion is heating up. Some parents are smug about their decision to stick with public education. Others, who have been eyeing off high-fee private schools, are starting to panic.
“We’re finding demand is increasing,” headmaster Dr John Collier said. “What parents want is a holistic education: academics, but with clear values and extracurricular activities. Because of the perception in the community of quality, there is locked-in loyalty.” The new entry points could involve testing, Collier said, or be via interviews to determine if a student is a good “fit for the school”. He also wants to ensure there is a diverse mix of students.The King’s School in North Parramatta said it does not have a “chronological” waitlist. The school says it is looking for families who will “embrace the full offerings of the school across our three distinctive pillars of academic excellence, character development and Christian community”.
The angst of getting a spot in private school is nothing new. In 1986, principals from Cranbrook and Sydney Grammar toldthey drew the line at fetuses being put on the list. The then principal of Shore School said parents tried to bribe their way into enrolment for their son in the form of donations to school’s building fund, but those approaches were rejected.
She said spots do become available, and often at short notice. The school asks for a prospective student’s report cards so they can see where a child is academically.
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