Sikat

Thanks Sammy1. That is all really useful stuff, especially as our 4 year old turns 5 on 6 June and so now he won't effectively go back a year. Good to know they can start as soon as enrolled. Cheers!

Thanks very much - it is good to know that finding somewhere to live in the right area is the only real hurdle - much more straightforward than in the UK!

Hi there. We have just had a positive skills assessment back today and so next step is to apply for sponsorship from the government of WA. All very exciting! Hoping to move to WA in the second half of 2013. We have three children - currently 6, 4 and 2 years old. Can anyone give us advice on how we go about starting the eldest two in school? For example, how quickly after arriving do we have to send them to school? Basically, are we able to let them have a 'holiday' for a couple of weeks to get over jet-lag etc even if we land in term-time? We've got a good idea of the government primary schools in Perth we'd like them to go to, but how do we make that happen? Is there an information source on catchment areas? Can we secure them a school place before we arrive in Oz or is that not possible due to the need for an 'in-catchment' address before you are awarded a place? Is it always the case that if you live in a catchment area, the local school has to take your children, or are there exceptions to this? Thanks - any advice gratefully received!