Should we move to Victoria (Oz)?

[kerloch]

To go or not to go......

We have had a visa (skilled migrant) for a while but decided Australia was too expensive and we would be downgrading not upgrading if we left the UK . But DH is fed up with his job and needs a change and so we are now thinking of it seriously again.

Friends who went out there a few years ago have just come back though saying the skilled migrant visa has changed and now they have to pay more taxes, school fees etc. They said it was totally unaffordable. I wondered if anyone was in that situation over in Oz and could share their words of wisdom!

[saffronwblue]

Other comparable schools to Melbourne Grammar are Wesley, Scotch, Carey, St Michaels, Brighton Grammar. All very strong academically with great music programs, lots of sport, strong history and traditions and usually rather wealthy parents as the fees are challenging to say the least.

In the state system, if you live in the Carlton/ Parkville inner city area your DS could go to University High which is a state school with a good reputation. In the outer suburbs Glen Waverley Secondary has a great reputation as does McKinnon.

There is such a huge range of schools here - I guess it will come down to what you and your DC feel comfortable with.

[saffronwblue]

One very good one to look at - can't believe I forgot- is Melbourne High. www.mhsviceduau.com/

Selective state school, very strong reputation, lots of private school like trimmings and only accessible through entry test . Takes students in at year 9 and year 10.

[kerloch]

Thanks again saffron, here DS would be going into a high performing grammar or independent next year. So I am looking for something of the same standard - he's v bright and I don't want him to start slipping. Like I said much earlier, I had the joy of a year in 1980s state education in WA and it was dire so parents sent me back to UK to board. I am always bit wary of Aussie state though I am sure it has progressed enormously. With the state high schools that are v good do they have waiting lists or entrance exams or is it just a case of you must live near them?

[saffronwblue]

Melbourne High is one of 4 selective state schools - every student is there as a result of a selection test. DS tried to enter at year 10 and was unsuccessful. Hundreds of students sat the exam and there were only 50 places (many more places at year 9). I think DS was one of the few candidates who had not had years of tutoring for the test!
The other good state schools are a mixture of living in the zone and being accepted through testing.
Have a look at the myschool website www.myschool.edu.au/ for some data and background on schools that you are interested in.

[kerloch]

Gosh, sounds like grammars here. Thanks for the link.