Education
School Catchments How to Find Out Which Catchment You Are In School catchment areas refer to the geographical location, determined by specific boundaries, where the majority of enrolled state school students must live. Every student, from Prep to Year 12, will find that they are automatically within the school catchment zone for a particular school. Here’s what you need to know about finding yours.
Why do we have school catchment areas?
Catchments and zones can change
School catchment areas are in place so each child is guaranteed a place at a local state school. State primary schools and state high schools will each have their own individual catchment areas.
When new schools open, catchments are adjusted to form a new equidistant boundary with the old school. If your child is already enrolled at a school before the boundary changes you do not have to switch schools unless you choose to. Younger siblings can also generally enrol at the same school as their older siblings provided they remain living within the school’s former catchment.
School catchment areas can also ensure that equitable amounts of government funding are sent to the right places. That ensures that the area will be adequately serviced by school buses and that appropriate safety measures, like school crossings and guards, are correctly distributed. As your child will automatically be enrolled in your local state school all you will need to do to confirm your interest is to fill out an application form and provide proof of residency. This might mean you show a rates notice, a tenancy agreement or bills that demonstrate you are the property occupier within the zone boundaries.
What if I don’t like my catchment school? It is possible to enrol your child at a state school outside of your designated school catchment area, but you will be put on a wait list to ensure that local children get places first. If this is your situation, we recommend you get your application in sooner rather than later so you are towards the top of the waiting list. You might secure enrolment if: • You apply early
Because catchments can change, it is a good idea to check yours periodically (particularly if you are in an area that has new schools being built) to see if you are affected.
How to find your school catchment area The Department of Education and Training map will allow you to scroll over school catchment zones until you find your street. Primary and secondary school catchments are different and are shown in different colours – be aware that primary school catchments are much smaller than high school ones.
New schools opening 2020 Fortitude Valley State Secondary School – opening to Year 7 students
• All classes at the school have an even spread of students
Yarrabilba State Secondary College – opening to Years 7 & 8
• Non-catchment students won’t negatively impact the educational outcomes of the catchment students
Foxwell State Secondary College, Coomera - opening to Year 7 students
• All students who live in that catchment area are catered for
Mango Hill State Secondary College - opening to Years 7 & 8 Ripley Valley State School – opening for prep to Year 6 Ripley Valley State Secondary School - opening to Years 7 & 8
New schools opening 2021 Inner City South State Secondary College, Dutton Park - opening to Year 7 students
12
Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au