Start Here
You can get an overall picture of any school by reading its profile. Each school's profile includes details of its main characteristics, including whether it is a government or non-government school, its academic performance as indicated by selected Year 12 results, the fees charged and its curriculum. You can find schools by using the Quick Search function that appears at the top of each page or by using the advanced search under Find a school.
We do not recommend choosing a school solely on the basis of what you find on this website, or any other single source of information. The Good Schools Guide is intended as a starting place for your search.
How to start your search
To start your search, we suggest using the three steps below:
- Step 1: Select a school region. First, select a region where you would like your child to attend school. You can use the Quick Search tool at the top of this page to input your chosen suburb or postcode, and this will produce a list of schools in your area of interest. If you have a particular school type in mind (an independent school with boarding facilities, for example) you can use the Find a school advanced search to select this criteria from the first step of your search.
- Step 2: Create a short-list of schools in the region. Once you have a list of schools in your preferred area, it's time to begin making a short-list. If you have not already done so, start thinking about the requirements your selected school needs to meet. You can refine your search on the left-hand side of the page by selecting criteria such as the school sector, the gender and the level of schooling. You can also select other requirements such as the availability of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Vocational Eduation and Training (VET) studies, scholarships and boarding opportunities.
- Step 3: Browse the profiles of schools on your short-list. Now that you have narrowed down your options, it's time to browse through the profiles on your short-list. You can do this by clicking on 'Read profile' under the school name. If you are interested in more than one school, you can use the 'Compare' tool to view your options side by side. This provides you with a summary of each school and how they stack up against each other. To create a personal profile with a short-list of schools that you can revisit throughout your search, you can join the Good Schools Guide community by becoming a member. Join now to get the most out of your search!
Choosing a high school
Read moreOther important information on this topic:
- Remote situation for rural schools
- The school environment
- What do parents want?
- Higher education - Postgraduate
- Primary schools
- Boarding schools
- School open days
- School sectors
- Study abroad and student exchange
- MBA and management education
- Learning opportunities and curriculum
- Special needs
- Online/Distance education
- International school students
- The Good Schools Guide e-book
- Best way to choose a school
Financing your child's education
Financing your child's education
Read moreOther important information on this topic:
At school and beyond
Enrolling in school
Read moreOther important information on this topic:
- 2023 and 2024 School Term Dates
- Understanding the school curriculum in Tasmania, ACT and the NT
- Understanding the school curriculum in Western Australia
- Understanding the school curriculum in South Australia
- School policies
- Understanding the school curriculum in New South Wales
- NAPLAN
- Your child's progress
- Understanding the school curriculum in Queensland
- International Baccalaureate
- Beyond school
- Understanding the school curriculum in Victoria
