Choosing a School: A Guide for Parents

Parramatta Marist Westmead students
Parramatta Marist High School, Westmead

Choosing a school is a big moment. Right up there with choosing a pram, a first pet or agreeing to sign your child up for weekend sport for the next decade.

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but take a breath. This guide is here to make the process feel lighter, clearer and a lot less daunting, so you can feel confident you’re asking the right questions and find a school that truly fits your child for any grade.

Step 1: Source reputable information

The internet has opinions, lots of them. It can be easy to get lost in the scroll, so start with people you trust. Chat to friends, family and other parents about their experiences. Then jump onto school websites and social media to get a feel for their values, learning style and community. You’ll quickly start to see what feels like a match.

Step 2: Identify your must-haves

Every family is different, so be clear on what matters most to you. Maybe location and travel time are non-negotiable. Maybe affordability, fees and uniforms matter most. You might also be looking for a school that aligns with your family’s values or faith. Don’t forget to ask about eligibility requirements or waiting lists - schools are always happy to help.

Step 3: Look beyond the classroom

The best schools don’t just teach, they nurture. Alongside academic learning, look for schools that support wellbeing, character and confidence. Consider extracurricular activities, how schools approach wellbeing and safety and how schools communicate with families. A strong school culture makes all the difference.

Step 4: Consider your child’s abilities and interests

Your child’s interests, abilities and needs should be at the heart of your decision. Think about how your child learns best and whether they have any additional learning, language or physical needs. Consider their interests too! Whether that’s sport, languages, science, music or the arts and how the school supports these passions.

St Joseph's Primary Kingswood students in science class
St Joseph's Primary School, Kingswood.

Step 5: Look long-term

It’s worth imagining your child five or ten years down the track. Does the school offer the opportunities, resources and experienced staff to support their growth over time? Looking at alumni stories, student achievements and the school’s track record can give you insight into the kind of young people the school helps shape.

Step 6: Attend an Open Day or plan a school visit

Nothing beats seeing a school in action, and attending an Open Day is one of the best ways to experience what makes a school unique. Explore learning spaces, meet students, teachers and school leaders and gain a sense of the school’s culture and community. It’s also a valuable chance to ask questions about learning and wellbeing support, co-curricular opportunities and how success is nurtured and celebrated beyond academic results.

Most importantly, trust your instincts. When a school feels right for your child and your family, you’ll know.

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) offers 80 primary and secondary schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. With high-quality learning programs, state-of-the-art facilities, a wide range of extracurricular opportunities and a strong focus on wellbeing and belonging, CSPD schools empower every child to thrive and strive for greatness.

Click here to find and register for an Open Day near you

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

Facebook

13 Oct 2026
From Facebook
Entries are now open for the CSNSW Sport Primary School Aquathlon on Tuesday 17 November 2026. This event is designed to introduce primary school students to multisport competition in a fun, inclusive and supportive environment. Combining swimming and running, the Aquathlon provides a fantastic opportunity for students of all abilities to challenge themselves, develop confidence and experience something new. Event Details Date: Tuesday 17 November 2026 Venue: Des Renford Leisure Centre and Heffron Park, Maroubra Eligibility: Boys and girls aged 8–13 years Age Categories: 8/9 Years, 10 Years and 11/12 Years Multi Class: Combined age groups 8–12 Years Race Distances 8–10 Years: 100m swim and 1km run 11/12 Years: 150m swim and 1.8km run Registration Link https://csnsw.sport/

29 Sep 2026
From Facebook
2027 CSPD Primary Sport TEAM Registration Form (Expression of Interest) - Sport Trials (Basketball, Cricket & Tennis) - Session 1 (November 2026) AFL (Boys & Girls -trials in early 2027) Expression of Interest (EOI) Nominations are now open for students wishing to trial for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Primary Sport Teams. Parents and guardians are invited to complete this Expression of Interest (EOI) form for their child to be considered for selection trials. Please note: Submitting an EOI does not guarantee attendance at a trial. All nominations are subject to school approval. 1. Sports Currently Open for Nominations The following sports are accepting nominations for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Teams. Cricket – Boys & Girls (closing date 26 October 2026) Basketball – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) Tennis – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) AFL – Boys & Girls (closing date 28th January 2027) Cricket, Basketball and Tennis trials will be held in November 2026. AFL trials will take place in early February 2027. 2. Upcoming Nominations – Term 1 and Term 2 Trials Nominations for the following sports will open on 23 November 2026 and close on Friday, 5 February 2027. Trials will be held during Term 1 and Term 2 of 2027. Hockey Football Netball Rugby League Rugby Union Softball Touch Football 3. Student Eligibility and Selection Criteria Students nominated for diocesan trials must demonstrate an above-average to high level of skill in their chosen sport. Students should have experience playing in regular competitions outside of school. For some sports, representative playing experience may also be required. Year Level Eligibility Students must generally be in Year 5 or Year 6 in 2027 to be eligible for nomination. Students entering Year 4 in 2027 who demonstrate exceptional skill and ability may also be nominated. This is open age and will compete against Year 5 & 6 students for the following sports: Hockey Softball Tennis Touch Football All nominations must meet the eligibility and selection criteria for the relevant sport. 4. School Approval and Trial Selection All Expressions of Interest are subject to approval by the student's school principal and sports coordinator. Each sport has specific eligibility and selection criteria that schools must follow when considering nominations. Submitting an EOI does not automatically qualify a student to attend a diocesan trial. Schools have final discretion over which students are approved to attend. Students selected by their school will receive the relevant Parramatta Diocesan Team trial information directly from their school. 5. How to Submit an Expression of Interest Parents and guardians may complete this form on behalf of their child. A separate EOI form must be submitted for each child and each sport. Once all required information has been completed, click SUBMIT to register your child's Expression of Interest. https://forms.gle/22MBb12d7cZgeTzo8 6. Additional Team Sports (MacKillop level only) – CSNSW Sport Portal Nominations for the following sports will open in early 2027 and must be completed through the CSNSW Sport Portal: Diving Golf Netball – Boys Rugby 7s – Girls These sports are not included in this EOI form. 7. Further Information For further information about eligibility, nomination requirements or selection trials, please contact your school's sports coordinator. Important reminder: This registration is an Expression of Interest only. Participation in Parramatta Diocesan Team trials is subject to school approval.