Gold Coast School...Which is best?

Hi,

Please help! We are new to the Gold Coast and so know nothing of any schools reputations, good or bad, and we are trying to pick a school for our two daughters. We have spoke with a few people who recommend looking at the private colleges but we have just returned from an open evening and we are now questioning that decision. Are Independent schools/colleges really that much better than state schools on the coast?

How can we compare schools.....where can we best find out the good, the bad and the ugly about all the schools? Our children are only young so we have time to really look in to this and make sure that we find the right school for them but at the same time we are eager to get their names down as soon as possible to give them the best chances of securing a place. We are willing to move if we need to for catchment areas.

Please tell us your experiences and help us make this really important decision.

Thanks so much in advance.

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Permalink Reply by Rod Kirkland on May 22, 2011 at 11:30

Trust yourself - visit interested schools, talk to teachers, visit clasrooms, read the curriculum directions, feel the 'tone' of the school. You will soon get a picture for your self of a place you would like for your children. Rod Kirkland - Principal Nerang State Primary School

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Permalink Reply by Michelle on June 2, 2011 at 18:12

Thanks so much for your advice. I'm quickly realising your are so right, I'm starting to find that everyone's opinions are varying and what one likes another does not so the decision is down to us. We have been to see more schools, one very small (around 400 pupils in whole school - prep-g8) and another quite large (1600 pupils prep-yr12). Do you have any experience or opinions on small schools?

Thanks again

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Permalink Reply by Sharon Norburn on May 24, 2011 at 14:08

Hi there. We are in the same boat. We have two girls years one and five and are moving to the gold coast in September. Having a visit up there in June to visit schools. Which ones have you been to so far?

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Permalink Reply by Michelle on June 2, 2011 at 18:12

Hi Sharon, we have visited Kings, St Andrews, Gold Coast Christian College, Lindisfarne and we are also looking at Mudgeerba Creek and Clover Hill. There is so many though, we like Hillcrest and Marymount but we need to look in to them a little more re fees.
Let us know how you and I'll let you know if we see any others.

Good luck with your search

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Permalink Reply by Stephen on September 29, 2011 at 12:18

Visiting the school, talking to staff, talking to students and walking around the campus will give you a good indication of the 'feel' for the school.

Talk to parents who also go to the school.

Some advice about fees... Don't necessarily take them on face value. Some schools advertise fees are all inclusive with virtually nothing more to pay. Others publish tuition fees, but camps, books, sport etc may be extra and can quickly add up to quite a bit.

Stephen Wruck - King's Christian College

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Permalink Reply by Sharon Norburn on October 2, 2011 at 15:58

Thanks for your message. We loved Kings and the girls start on Tuesday.

Cheers,

Sharon

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Permalink Reply by Liv on October 10, 2011 at 17:40

Hi Michelle,

I was wondering what were your thoughts about GC Christian College?

Thanks,

Liv

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Permalink Reply by Cara on February 1, 2012 at 21:01

Love love love this school!!! the children love going, the older kids mentor the younger children, and the teachers all go that extra mile... Nothing is ever too much trouble, and everyone feels like they are part of a big family. If you have any questions, feel free to ask...