Moving? Your guide to finding the right school in a new city

You might have a lot to think about, but choosing a new school will likely be one of your highest priorities when moving cities. After all, school is a home away from home for your child and your choice will help mould their future.

With that said, choosing schools in an unfamiliar city can be difficult. To make it easier we have put together a little advice from the experts.

Think about your child’s goals

Before you start looking for schools, it is a great idea to consider what your child wants to achieve, and what you want for them. Are they academically gifted? Or do they want to explore extracurricular activities, or excel in a high performing sport environment?

Whatever your child’s goals are, they should always help inform your choice of school.

Ask the locals

One of the best ways to learn about a school in a new city is to simply talk to people you know in the area before you move (especially if their children go to the school you are interested in!). Having an honest, open conversation with someone you trust can be the best way to put your mind at ease about a school you are considering.

Do your homework

The more you know about the schools in the area you are moving to, the easier your choice will be. That is why it is a great idea to research before you move by looking into the school’s academic performance, teaching philosophy and values — as well as the quality of their teachers and facilities.

For a little advice on how to research, check out our guide on choosing a school.

Think about practical details

When you are thinking about the important things like the quality of a school’s teachers or your child’s goals for the future, it can be easy to forget simple practical details such as:

• The school’s location: Where is the school located in relation to your new home? What will the morning drop off and afternoon pick-up be like — will there be traffic and will you be able to make it in time from work?
• Intake years: Haileybury Rendall School has intake years at Reception, Transition and Year 7. There may be opportunities for entry at some other year levels, but they are limited.
• Waitlists and applications: Schools that are in high demand like Haileybury Rendall School often have long waiting lists of up to two to three years. That is why it is a good idea to speak to the school you are considering far in advance of your move to apply and join the waitlist to ensure your child’s spot. Alternatively, you can apply online to join the waitlist.

Consider remote learning or boarding

If the practical details do not add up, it could be worth considering an alternative schooling arrangement. For example, Haileybury Rendall School offers a world-class boarding experience to domestic and international students from Years 7–12. This is ideal for families who live remotely or travel often and gives children the opportunity to forge lifelong friendships and develop independence.

Alternatively, Haileybury Pangea, Australia’s leading online private school, offers fully remote learning for students from Years 5–12. The school adopts the successful approach of Haileybury and adapts it for the online learning environment, providing an ideal alternative for families who travel often or live remotely.

Start early

As soon as you know you are moving it is a great idea to start considering the school your child will attend. Starting your school search early will help ensure that your child has a spot at your school of choice and give you peace of mind so your relocation is less stressful.