MELBOURNE EDUCATION

Children start school at 5 or 6 years old. They attend primary school until they are 11 or 12 and then go on to secondary school.

Government Schools have generally high academic standards and charge low or no admission fees. Schools are zoned and only children who live in the area can attend the local school.

Private Schools are often affiliated with a church and many have waiting lists. Some schools offer pre-primary for younger children and most offer primary through to final year. Fees vary.

Parish Catholic Schools are common in most areas. Fees vary.

Pre–Schools (or kindergartens) offer three and two day per week programmes with sessions of two to three hours. There are generally long waiting lists for permanent places.

Long Day Care (or creche) can provide qualified care for the whole day. They are generally available for newborn to five year olds.

Playgroups are attended by parents as well as children and can access central resources for workshops and other activities.