Choosing a school for your child

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On screen text: What is important for you when selecting a school for your child?

The primary thing that we were looking for when we were choosing a school was the type of culture.

When I was looking at schools for my children, I was looking at what they could offer for both my children. So I’ve got one that’s academic, one is more sporty, and I just wanted the school to have those options available for both of them.

Some of the best things that my kids come home and tell me about school is about having learning opportunities, not just in the classroom, but also outside of classroom as well.

On screen text: How do public school programs support academic excellence?

Our school provides opportunities for high achievers by offering a tutoring program from our high achieving alumni students.

We have specialist speakers and poets and writers come in to meet our students. And also, we provide training and professional development for our specialist teachers.

Within My Learning Community, young people have the opportunity to explore their passions through the vast array of enrichment programs on offer.

So whether students are interested in chess or computing or drama, absolutely they will find their niche and they’ll find their tribe here.

On screen text: How do public schools help children feel welcomed and build confidence?

At Balwyn High School a wellbeing team support students and the wellbeing team provides holistic, supportive students, to engage with school, to support their mental health.

Some wellbeing programs that we offer at the school are our lunchtime clubs, such as drawing club or art club, and we also offer our breakfast club.

We’re really lucky at Footscray High School to have a plethora of wellbeing and inclusion teams and opportunities for students. We have a mental health practitioner at every school. We’ve got a wellbeing coordinator at every campus.

There’s so many support available at Balwyn, and that I personally have been so appreciative of.

One of the main things is we have a wellbeing centre at the school called The House. Students are welcome at any time to talk to a counsellor or therapist, or even if they just want to come have a chat at recess or lunch.

The wellbeing programs have really taught me how to manage my friendships, and to make sure that I’m being kind to everybody in my school.

On screen text: What are the best things about public schools?

So public schools have so much to offer.

I would say the very best thing about public schools is that they hold a very special status in the education system, in that they promote those social values of inclusion and equity for all students.

I believe the best thing about public schools is diversity.

Public schools are great preparation for the real world.

This school helps my child prepare for the future, whatever that future might be.

Your public school. It’s all here.

Updated 31 March 2026

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Choosing a school for your child

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