Types of Schools in Australia
The Australian education system promotes various types of schools that cater to different educational preferences. In general, it encompasses public, private, faith-based, and grammar schools, as well as specialised institutions designed to support students with unique needs.
If you’re wondering what are the different types of schools in Australia, you’re definitely in the right place as this articles aims to shed a light on the dynamic learning opportunities that Australia is most known for.
The School System
Formal education in Australia is normally shaped into four educational stages: early childhood education, primary education, secondary education, and tertiary education.
Prep
Prep programs are offered in both government and non-government schools, each with slightly varying curriculum and approach.
For example, in some states and territories, prep is weaved into the primary school system, while others treat it as a standalone year.
For the most part, prep focuses on play-based learning and understanding learning styles and habits, which are then used to empower children in developing essential skills in a fun and engaging way.
Primary School
Primary school in Australia typically denotes the first six to seven years of formal education (Year 1 to Year 6 or 7), depending on the state or territory.
On balance, this stage provides the broad foundation in core subjects such as English, social studies, mathematics, and science. But aside from academic pusruits, primary education aims promote social development and personal growth.
Hence, students are introduced to various extracurricual activities.
Primary and secondary schools are both crucial for developing a child’s learning habits, which is why a lot of resources are set aside for developing a positive attitude towards learning and social development.
In addition to academic subjects, primary schools often incorporate physical education, arts, and other enrichment activities into their curriculum.
High School
High school in Australia generally refers to the final years of compulsory education (Year 7 to Year 12), though this can vary by state or territory.
Notably, the curriculum is more specialised during these years, with students even having the option to choose subjects that align with their interests and career goals—often called electives.
Core subjects such as English, mathematics, and scienc remain important, but students are also given more opportunities to explore pursuits in arts, technology, and vocational education.
Types of Schools
Public Schools
Public schools are run by state or territory governments.
In turn, these government schools are able to provide affordable education to students, notwithstanding additional costs from school activities, uniforms, and materials that are shouldered by the household.
When it comes to curriculum, a government school is required to follow the guidelines set by the regional education department—likewise the Australian curriculum.
Overall, public schools are often the most accessible option for families, as they are distributed widely throughout urban and rural areas.
Private or Independent Schools
Private schools are funded through tuition fees paid by families and, in some cases, additional private sources of income.
Unlike public schools, these independent schools enjoy flexibility in terms of curriculum and educational approach, allowing them to offer specialised programs or alternative teaching methods.
Private schools typically have smaller class sizes and can provide a more individualized learning experience.
Faith-Based Schools (eg. Islamic, Catholic)
Faith-based schools are religiously affiliated institutions that may offer religious studies as part of their curriculum and integrate faith-based principles into various aspects of school life.
Examples include Catholic schools, which are run by the Catholic Church, and Islamic schools, which are operated by Islamic organizations.
Faith-based schools are known for having strong sense of community and values that reflect their religious traditions. These schools remain open for public enrollment since the rest of the curriculum follow the general regional guidelines.
Special Needs School
Special needs schools are designed to cater to students with specific educational needs, including those with disabilities or learning difficulties.
These schools have facilities and programs that provide tailored support and services to address the unique requirements of each student, ensuring that they receive adequete education that is appropriate for their individual needs.
Selective Schools
Australia is also home to more than a dozen of Selective Schools.
These types of schools accept students by a specific criteria, which is usually academic merit, but can also be aptitude for arts, music, or science.
Students with advanced skills and learning capacity may benefit from this environment by having the opportunity to study academics and develop their talents along with other students who share a similar proficiency.
Then, of course, the advantage of having focused programs that will help them hone their abilities to its full potential.
Types of School Qualifications
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE)
The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) pertains to the qualification students receive upon completing their secondary education in Australia. The curriculum, assessment, and title of the SSCE certificate differs in each state and territory. Let’s take a look at them here!
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) is the senior secondary qualification awarded to students who complete Year 12 in Western Australia.
To achieve the WACE, students are expected to meet both course and achievement standards set by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA).
The WACE includes assessments of students’ performance in a range of subjects, including compulsory units and electives.
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is earned by students who successfully complete Year 12 in Victoria.
To get their VCE, students must pass a set of core and elective subjects, including a minimum number of units in English and other key areas.
The VCE is administered by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), which uses a combination of internal assessments and final exams.
Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)
The Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) is the senior secondary qualification for students in Tasmania.
Students must achieve a certain number of credit points from a combination of core and elective subjects to receive the TCE.
The TCE is administered by the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC), and is awarded to students who reach the prescribed TCE standards and criteria.
South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) is awarded to students who complete their secondary education in South Australia.
To earn the SACE, students must achieve mastery in a range of skills and subjects that students may study at school or acquire through other education, training or experience.
The SACE is administered by the SACE Board of South Australia.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) is awarded to students who complete Year 12 in Queensland.
Managed by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), the QCE covers a wide range of subjects (core courses and electives), along with assessments such as exams, assignments, and practical work.
Students who fail to earn the QCE requirements at the end of Year 12 can continue to work towards their certificate after finishing Year 12, through the completion of additional learning and training programs.
Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET)
The Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) is overseen by the Northern Territory Board of Studies, which state students can earn at the end of Year 12.
Students are required to meet various performance standards and complete a certain number of credits to be awarded the NTCET.
The NTCET is the primary qualification for NT students to gain admission into university.
Higher School Certificate (HSC)
Students who complete Year 12 in New South Wales (NSW) can earn the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Students must achieve satisfactory prerequisites in their chosen subjects to receive the HSC.
This credential is also administered and recognised in some ACT schools as well as come internation institutions in Singapore, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
ACT Senior Secondary Certificate
The ACT Senior Secondary Certificate is awarded to all senior secondary students who have successfully met the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (ACT BSSS) requirements. An ACT SSC can be completed through either a standard package or an abridged package.
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a ranking system (from 0.00 to 99.95) used to measure and compare the academic performance of students fulfilling their senior secondary education (Year 12) across Australia.
The ATAR is not be seen as a score, but instead as a predictor of how a student may perform during their first-year at the university. Hence, the number indicates the student’s percentile position out of all students who are completing the HSC in the same period.
In turn, many universities use the ATAR as the primary basis for admission on certain courses.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an internationally recognized educational program that offers a rigorous and holistic curriculum for students aged 3 to 19.
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is specifically designed for students in the final two years of secondary education (ages 16-19) and provides an alternative to national secondary school qualifications, such as the ATAR.
Only select schools are licensed to offer an IB diploma.
What is the Difference Between Public and Private Schools in Australia?
Public schools are funded and operated by state or territory governments.
This means they receive financial support from public funds, and their operations are subject to government regulations and policies. Hence, they generally offer free education.
When it comes to quality, they are overseen by education departments, which ensure compliance with national and state educational standards.
Private schools, also known as independent schools, are funded through tuition fees paid by families, private donations, and sometimes supplementary funding from government sources.
In particular, they operate independently of the government and have greater flexibility in their governance and curriculum.
Summary
Each type of school in Australia offers its own unique advantages and may suit different educational goals and preferences. Therefore, in understanding the difference between these institutions, families can make informed choices about their children’s education and secure the best fit for their academic and personal development.
Finally, there’s no better place to start comparing and reviewing the best schools in Australia than our My Choice Schools website. Our data-driven rankings are updated each year using the most recent meritable data and academic results from each school.
We have over 15,000 schools in our database, which you can filter per location, to help you find the best fit for your child’s education and your family’s future.
