Step 1: Consider your child and your family

• What do you want a school to do for your child?
• Does your child have special language, education or other needs? What’s your child’s preferred or best learning style?
• Is location a factor in your school choice? Does the school need to be within walking distance? Or does your child have special transportation needs?
• What are your child’s views and feelings about the school?

Step 2: Gather information about schools

• You can check out school options in much the same way as you would if you were buying a car or house. For example, you can make phone calls, talk to family and friends, look on the internet, collect written materials from schools, check public records, go to parent fairs, information sessions or open days, and look in the local paper.
• You can also search our website www.1Guider.com to get a list of schools in your area.

Step 3: Visit and observe schools

• Contact the schools you’re interested in and make an appointment to visit. If possible, tour the school during regular school hours and visit a few classes.
• Schedule an appointment with the school principal.
• Attend open days and any other school functions to gather information about the attitudes of staff, students and parents. Listen closely to what they say about the school. This is important in helping you to develop a relationship with your child’s school.

Step 4: Apply to or enrol in the school(s) you choose. Independent schools often have long waiting lists and require much earlier application and enrolment. You can contact schools directly to find out about their requirements.

Consider applying to more than one school, in case your child doesn’t get into your first choice.

You’ll need to fill out an application/enrolment form with: 
your child’s name, age and birth date (you’ll also need to supply a copy of your child’s birth certificate)

• your child’s address and phone number
• your contact details

Some schools will ask you to pay some or all of a levy or contribution fee when you enrol your child.