Private School vs Public School in Australia - Which is better for your kids?

Hi all,
So I finally get to address another frequently asked question about school enrolment in private versus public school in Australia.
I hope it gives you better insight. I'd like to read your comments too.
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[@mandy.austin]

Hi Chioma, I can hear that you're well versed in the reasons for public vs private that have presented themselves to you. I would say though, that the choice becomes more complex when you have a child with special or additional needs , when you need to look at schools policies around behaviour management, and also see it in practice. With children who have the more invisible disabilities like high-functioning autism, they can be disproportionately punished and excluded for saying the wrong thing. Although, of course, there is no physical violence, they might stop just short of it , with passive aggression thrown in. Personally, I went to very famous and prestigious private school. They had a Royal Commission into SA , then neglected to ever address the multigenerational physical, verbal and psychological abuse, and after a couple of my classmates testified at the Commission, my mother's best friend told me that my father, his father AND his grandfather were all SA at that school - yet they sent me as one of the first five girls. According to her, it was no big deal, she said they joked about it all the time. A couple of my ex-teachers were sent to jail for years for the extent of their behaviour. The worst of them visited my grandparents frequently with his victims. Eventually the school hired a female Principal and glossed it over. Now they are transitioning children in the boarding houses. Their most recent foray into the news was when a father removed his daughter from the school after finding out they had moved one of the boys into her dormitory to transition, without anyone's consent. I would not willingly place a child into that kind of multi-dimensional and very long-term historical danger. I say this because I HOPE any right-minded parent would do some very thorough investigation before sending their children to a school for prestige or social acceptability.

[@selgeaus]

A few things I have to disagree with: I have worked in Public, catholic, and independent schools in 2 different states (Qld and Vic) as a teacher and public schools generally have smaller class size (25 max) compared to private (28-30). The biggest differences are student behaviours and strict policies such as uniform. Private schools generally have better facilities and co-curricular activity opportunities. Students are generally better behaved on private schools hence teachers can focus on teaching the curriculum instead of dealing with misbehaviour.

[@user-gu6zo6ob7n]

Really enjoy your channel. Agree there are issues at all schools. Both my children attended very well know single sex private schools. They are 26 and 27 today it has been terribly sad to see a number of their classmates develop drug problems. Drugs alcohol were very prevalent in high school and unfortunately som e very poor behaviour was covered up by both the school and parents. My children are both successful and have made lifelong friendships and most of their school mates are great kids but there is definitely an entitled cohort that sadly are living very difficult lives now. I agree the home environment is more important than the school environment.

[@thomasrodwell563]

It's more dependent on the area which you go to school rather than the school itself. Socio-economic circumstances are a much more significant determinant of a child's academic success.

[@kon123ification]

Thank you very much Chi....you have helped shade light on something thats been bothering us for a while now. Look forward to more videos in this series.

[@mpumelelolinda3537]

I love you Chioma,you're my reliable force to answer all the questions I imagine ❤

[@aio4128]

Lovely comment. It came from the heart. ❤

[@tyolunloyo]

Thank you for this Chioma. I alwas enjoy your videos. Funnily, i had this discussion with someone today about public schools being free for people on temporary work visas. I will enjoy this series

[@lifewithchioma]

Thank you!

[@kon123ification]

Are you sure about this? I thought we have to get onto PR first be4 we can qualify.

[@okeawolamprisca3851]

Its absolutely free for temporary residence(491/489)..you only buy school uniform

[@ChimuanyaNnanna]

Interesting

[@mpumelelolinda3537]

A well-balanced analysis, thank you Chioma.

[@lifewithchioma]

You're welcome

[@PortiaZinyemba-c9n]

very insightful. thanx for this video.

[@Ceezaee00]

Premium information right here. Keep it going 👍

[@soullessnight6539]

Hi:), I would like to try and help by answering some comments I have seen here. Private Schools are not at all the same as Catholic Schools. The only thing they have in common is, you have to pay for your children to attend both. I have heard PS are way more expensive than CS. I pay approximately $10;000 Au for my daughter to attend CS, per year. She is in High School, Primary School is a lot less expensive. 1) As for standard of facilities, classes offered etc, Private Schools would win hands down, next would be Public Schools and Catholic Schools are in last place. I know this personally bc I have been involved in both PS and CS. You maybe asking how is it possible for Catholic Schools to be ranked lower? The answer is, the individual Catholic Schools do not keep the money they earn from enrolment of children. All money is sent to the Archdiocese of that State to do with as they feel fit. The money usually goes into funding the Catholic schools in Rural areas. Catholic Schools are poor in comparison on what they offer than PS for this very reason. 2) I am fifty years old, when I attending Catholic School, the different in discipline from CS and PS was not comparable. The PS Children seemed to do as they please, while we would get the cane for not standing straight😂. If you are thinking that CS are the same as in the past, you couldn’t be more wrong. If you were to swear at school when I was a child it was… one time warning, if it happens again, expelled. This does not happen these days. Children get caught smoking at school, nothing happens. So on summary, I don’t think there is a very big difference when it comes to discipline anymore…. Sadly I was shocked at the lack of discipline at the CS’s my child as attended. 4) If you are worried about class sizes then you are better to send your child to a Public School. The Government forces class sizes to not exceed a certain number of children. For example kindergarten at a PS will have a maximum of 20 children which includes one teacher and a teachers aid. My child in kindergarten at a Catholic School had 32 children in her class, one teacher, no teachers aid. Yes, that should be not allowed but it is… Catholic Schools govern themselves. Overall in my experience, the only reason and benefit to sending your child to a Catholic School is if you are religious and wish your child to grow up with those religious values. I’m sorry to say but in every other aspect, Public Schools are better and have more money poured into them. It is well known, if you come from a history of generations who attended Catholic School, that CS are poor, The Catholic Church is rich😂. I hope this information helps someone.

[@lisajason111]

It is with whom your kid befriends that matters most. I studied at Dandenong high and i was lucky to be around a couple of friends who really were serious about studying. I got over 97 in ENTER score. Dandenong ranks at 400 in Victoria later on i learned 😂

[@julietchampionmumprenuersd9246]

❤For you, amazing eye opening information

[@syedimranali244]

Really appreciate your efforts in making video on such content also share your views about eating your kids for NAPLAN and other competitive exams

[@esearigbe9189]

Thank you very much for explaining and giving me more ideas about parenting ❤

[@AzeezatShowtv12]

Sis some public school also have special program for their students, like IT, cooking and All 😊 nice share.

[@jocelynhunter2359]

Right. I have been only considering public high schools that have a music department and an active big band.

[@lifewithchioma]

That's true. I just find that private schools try to entice parents with 'more options and shiny new technology'😁

[@user-oo8ei4lj6s]

I worked at a private Christian private early childhood and primary school. I will always say if a parent is financially it struggling it is not worth it. At these schools many parents place their children because they encountered behaviour and learning issues at public schools. There areno gaurantees at all.

[@aalma85]

Thanks for your excelent videos.

[@coursecorrection4105]

Such great advice.

[@irenemugure1155]

Lovely content as always Chioma. Can't wait for the next videos in the series. Funny enough, I hadn't considered public school but I will nowlook into it. Thanks! ❤

[@lifewithchioma]

Thanks for your support always, Irene

[@Gontse_M-v9w]

Hi..very informative video..when do school start every year? How many terms per year and when does each term start?

[@gladyskampilimba]

Hi chioma,just starting following you and ive enjoyed most of your videos I just want to know how long it takes for one to move their family from country of origin to Australia after relocating.thank you

[@dammietees]

Well done Chi, as alway you nailed it🤩 We are moving back to public school soon😂😂😂😂 No difference noted with both asides the religion

[@lifewithchioma]

Thanks sis. Your pocket will be very happy lol

[@rj.vir.singh.]

Heyy Chi, really nice video, I was wondering if I can help you by better video editing and also make highly engaging short. Let me know to have my portfolio or your edited sample video. Cheers, Rajvir Singh

[@Shirley-v3g]

This depends on genetics - intellect and talents cannot be bought - however - the right person or teacher can enhance or inspire a child to strive for better… / l myself only went as far as the 8th grade - I had a nightmare trying to learn and keep up with the pack / However, having said that - I never allowed school to get in the way of life… / I found my own way and became successful… on my own terms…. / We all have our own stories, when it comes to education.. but I wish your children the highest success - but just make sure you give your children a hug and kiss - regardless of their marks - because when a child feels loved - emotionally, they will be stable - and therfore more relaxed and open to the hard challenges of learning and life - just my own thoughts …😅

[@lifewithchioma]

This is appreciated. Thank you.

[@Mega22081984]

Hi Chioma, If I'm on a 491 Visa do I end up paying fees @ Public school. If yes how much would be the fees?

[@FMMG-au]

If you are on 491 visa your children won't be paying school fees in public school

[@theraregem-3]

How/where do you get the list of private schools for a certain city in Australia

[@super_mario6915]

Hi Chioma, hope you are doing well!, would like to ask you something about education. My partner just graduated in Canada (international student) and we plan to move to Australia. Will his diploma in Canada to be credited in Australia? Thank you.

[@lifewithchioma]

Please check the skilled occupation list and find out who the assessing authority is and what their requirements are (qualifications and work experience-wise)

[@maureenolu6162]

Religious schools are not private schools. They are independent schools. Private schools are more expensive than independent schools

[@lifewithchioma]

Sis, the private school system in Australia consists of religious and independent schools. I know it's confusing how they have all these sub-categories but all non-government owned schools are private schools even if they receive some funding from the government.

[@graerindley6312]

Disagree, private schools are those not solely govt funded, e.g. catholic private schools.

[@joshuahoffman7254]

​@graerindley6312 you are allowed to disagree, but you are factually wrong and you picked basically the worst example possible. A quick search on how private schools get Govt. Subsidies might be a good idea. Plus Catholic schools are proud to be private so they do advertise it as well... However, just so you are aware; Catholic, Christian, Islamic and independent schools are private and the Catholic schools are the most heavily tax payer subsidised private schools in Australia. That's why they are usually a little cheaper than other Christian or independent private schools. 👍

[@Jochiplays]

Stop fighting. Everyone has there one opinion

[@ppiiaannoo]

Modelling!❤

[@andrewcliffe4753]

Schools vary a lot

[@tejeriukochovwera846]

Good day Ma. How are you? Thanks for all your videos, they are helpful. Please I would like to apply for the visa 190. Can I apply without IELT Exam? Are there a back log of applicants for this visa? How long does it take? Thank you

[@mpumelelolinda3537]

what is the maximum number of kids in a class, in a public school.

[@Mottohead73]

My daughters when in public were in a class of around 35 kids

[@mpumelelolinda3537]

@Mottohead73 Thank you 😊

[@SsanyuS]

Thank you so much for discussing this topic, it is one area I am a bit stressed about. I am leaning towards Catholic schools because I would want the children to complete their sacramental programs and I also assume that Christian schools are a bit 'more strict' about discipline and particular values. We (the parents) both attended Catholic boarding schools in our country and even if we did not like it so much then, especially as teenagers, we have come to appreciate it as adults. By the way, I wonder what it is like for children coming from a strict environment (which is common for most African children) to a less strict one, how do they adjust to that? Otherwise I am so grateful.

[@irenemugure1155]

I want your thoughts on this too Chioma.

[@lifewithchioma]

My observation is that Christian schools here have an appearance of strictness on superficial things like dress code (uniform policy), grooming and in some cases, on-site device use (there's now a blanket ban in NSW schools on mobile phone use both in public and private schools). Apart from these surface-level instances, I don't see much else that is different. It would be almost impossible for any school to create a culture that is starkly different from the prevalent culture of the system within which it is located, so even in Christian schools, while certain aspects of the general liberal/progressive culture are not actively encouraged, they're not actively discouraged either. My kids were young enough to not even know the difference when they started school here, therefore there wasn't any struggle to adjust to the system. Balancing the difference in culture as parents though...that's an entirely separate conversation. I hope to address it in a video soon. Thanks for watching and giving me a great video idea.

[@SsanyuS]

@@lifewithchioma Thanks so much for the response , I look forward to a video explaining more on this topic.

[@dorcasekong3712]

Thanks. What about home schooling?

[@lifewithchioma]

Also allowed

[@handoko2020]

I go half way through your video and I'm pretty sure you didn't put your kids in private school to really compare, not sure if this is a fair comparison. I personally put my kid in public school just because I simply cannot afford private school at $35000 a year, 12 years is $400k. I believe you may not even know this figures. I will do my part by paying my kid his university fees instead. I thought my kid grows up fine in his school however I just thought he nor most of his friends didn't seem incentives to do well in school.

[@Nethan_Drue]

Hi chioma i Have been following ur videos for the last few months and have been DOING my research THROUGH ur videos and With other sources. But now i have a question. Is bachelors of community worker relatively a easy subject to graduate? I mean i was offered business analysts IT also civil engineering. But the thing is i am not a bright student 😢 so i was looking for a comparatively easy Course to Study. Can u please share ur insight It'll be very helpful for me 😅

[@pennykay6368]

I've taught units in that course here in Australia and I think it is really easy. However, 'easy' is relative.

[@sanchonyamweda8031]

This your besr video yet, note i have watched no more than 10 hahaha. I would have wanted to hear you husband's position on the matter though. Thank you

[@lifewithchioma]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fredafrimpong5066]

Please we want to come to Australia, please help us and show us the way

[@lifewithchioma]

Lots of videos on this channel. You can start with this playlist studio.kzbin.infoPLuGtlHTKojPrwCeuNpz5CrtjVtJBx4m2u/edit

[@rj.vir.singh.]

Would you be interested for a free sample edit for your video??

[@lifewithchioma]

I appreciate your offer but I can't afford a video editor right now, plus I enjoy learning and improving on my video editing skills. Thanks anyway.

[@rj.vir.singh.]

@@lifewithchioma We value feedback more than money. It would be if we can have a quick 300 seconds meeting to consider any queries you have. PS : You are at best stage to grow your channel right now. I personally recommend you to not miss this golden opportunity to aim new heights. Best Wishes, Rajvir Singh

[@Omemma-g7l]

I always look forward your voides. Its very informative. Please do you have an IG account, I will like to ask few questions about migration to Australia.

[@aio4128]

Her handle is Chiomarthur