If you have children and you are planning to make the move from the UK to Australia, one big issue you are likely to have thought about is their education.
Fortunately, the Australian education system shares many similarities with the UK’s, not least of which is the common language. This can help make your move relatively straightforward for both you and your children.
However, there are important differences worth understanding before your children start school – not just academically, but financially too.
How the Australian education system works
Australia’s education system is divided into three main stages, which are similar to the structure you will be used to in the UK.
- Early childhood education, similar to pre-school or reception in the UK.
- Primary school from 5 to 11, including an introductory first year, confusingly known as kindergarten.
- Secondary school, which is compulsory up to the age of 16.
Education is administered by individual state governments rather than centrally. This means there can be variations in school starting ages depending on where you live.
The Australian and UK curricula are very similar
Australia follows a national curriculum framework that covers the same core subjects as the UK. Again, there may be slight differences between states. Academic qualifications are globally recognised.
Australian schools also place a strong emphasis on practical learning, problem-solving, teamwork, and outdoor education.
Sport plays a particularly important role in school life, and many schools offer opportunities ranging from swimming and athletics to rugby, cricket, and netball.
Importantly, from an expat’s perspective, children moving from overseas are usually well supported when they start school in Australia. Many schools will run orientation programmes and have dedicated staff who help new pupils from overseas settle into school life.
Australian school years are different from those in the UK
The Australian school year begins in late January or early February and finishes in December, rather than running from September to July as it does in the UK.
Unlike in the UK, the academic year is divided into four terms rather than three. Students typically enjoy a six-week summer holiday over Christmas and New Year, while the breaks between each term are generally shorter than those in the UK.
Children are generally placed into year groups according to their age. However, you should be aware that most schools will assess pupils arriving from overseas who have already started school to ensure they are placed in the most appropriate year.
If you arrive midway through a school year, you will probably be advised to allow your child to repeat part of the academic year. This will allow them to settle in – both academically and socially – more easily.
You will have three choices of schools for your children
While there are a small number of international schools that cater to highly mobile families, you will have three main options when choosing the type of school for your children.
1. Government (public) schools
As in the UK, these are based on the catchment area near where you live.
The government funds these schools, and they provide high-quality education for the majority of Australian children.
As a permanent resident, you will generally pay no tuition fees, although you will need to budget for uniforms, books, excursions, and other school-related costs.
2. Catholic schools
These schools occupy a middle ground between public and private education.
While they receive some government funding, they also charge tuition fees, which are often considerably lower than those of independent schools, ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 (2026 figures).
While baptised Catholic children are given priority, these schools accept non-Catholic families, though parents must agree to support the school’s religious values and activities.
3. Independent (private) schools
Entry into private schools is very competitive, so if you intend to have your child educated privately, you will need to start the application process early, as many have long waiting lists.
The annual fees range from $25,000 to $55,000 (2026 figures). According to Jacaranda Finance, the total cost of privately educating your child from age 5 to 18 is over $400,000 in Sydney and Melbourne, though considerably less in other cities.
For UK expat families, private school fees can often become one of the largest household expenses after housing costs.
We regularly see families underestimate the long-term cost of education, particularly when they have multiple children. Creating a dedicated education funding strategy early can help avoid putting pressure on your other financial goals such as retirement planning.
What UK expat families should consider before choosing a school
When moving to Australia, many expat families focus on the quality of schools, but it’s equally important to consider how education fits into your wider financial plan.
Some questions worth asking include:
- Do you plan to remain in Australia permanently or return to the UK in future?
- What type of school do you want your children to attend?
- Are private school fees affordable alongside your mortgage and retirement planning objectives?
- Would you like the flexibility for your children to attend university in either Australia or the UK?
- Could relocating to a different suburb significantly affect your schooling options?
Thinking about these issues before you move can help avoid costly decisions later.
Thinking ahead to university
Australia is home to world-renowned universities offering high-quality education, excellent facilities, and globally recognised qualifications.
As a permanent resident, your children may be eligible for domestic tuition fees and government-loans, which can significantly reduce your up-front education costs.
Bear in mind, however, that the loan repayment system works in a similar way to the UK system whereby you start repaying the loan (by deduction through your salary) when your income reaches a certain level.
As a UK expat, you may want to consider your child returning to the UK for their university studies, especially if you still have family there.
However, be aware that UK university tuition fees are generally linked to residency status rather than nationality alone.
Even if you hold British citizenship, your child could be charged international tuition fees, which are significantly higher than the standard rate.
The rules are complex and based on a range of criteria, so we would recommend you get expert advice well before you begin applying.
Find out more: How British expats in Australia can avoid losing “home” status at UK universities
Watch our webinar – UK university fee status – a financial planning guide for UK expat families
Get in touch
bdhSterling is widely regarded as the leading cross-border financial planning company for people moving from the UK to Australia.
Working with us can give you the confidence and peace of mind that comes from having an effective, robust financial plan in place.
By incorporating education costs into a wider cross-border financial plan, we can help ensure your family’s move to Australia supports both your children’s future and your own long-term financial objectives.
If you want to discuss any of the issues you’ve read about in this article, please get in touch with us.
Please note
This article is for information only, it does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs.
Please do not solely rely on anything you have read in this article and ensure that you conduct your own research to ensure any actions you may take are suitable for your circumstances.
All content is based on our understanding of HMRC and ATO legislation, which is subject to change.