{"id":406,"date":"2026-04-28T18:27:48","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T18:27:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/"},"modified":"2026-04-28T18:27:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T18:27:48","slug":"choosing-a-primary-school","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing a Primary School"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"406\" class=\"elementor elementor-406\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b146f01 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-default-div e-57d0aae \" data-id=\"b146f01\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"b146f01\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5defb30 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"5defb30\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- WEB_CONTENT_START -->\n<!--\n===================================================================\nLEAD EARLY LEARNING CENTRES | 88 CHOOSING A PRIMARY SCHOOL | BODY ONLY\nDesign: \"Bright Blocks\" (client approved). Built to plan PAGE 088 \/ S04 (Guide, Starting School, Tier 3)\nof the Lead ELC Topical Authority Map.\nScope: every selector is prefixed with #lelc-cps. No html\/body\/* rules.\nIncludes the theme-proof protection layer (theme\/Elementor typography,\nborders and spacing cannot leak in). Paste this whole file into ONE\nElementor HTML widget (full-width container, 0 padding). Header +\nfooter come from Headerfooter.html templates.\nImages point to \/wp-content\/uploads\/<file>: upload the images\/upload\nfolder first, with month\/year folders switched off (Settings > Media).\n-------------------------------------------------------------------\nSEO PLUGIN FIELDS (paste into Rank Math \/ Yoast, not into the widget)\nMeta Title  (51): Choosing a Primary School | Upper North Shore Guide\nMeta Desc  (150): How to choose a primary school: NSW enrolment areas, public versus independent, what to look for on a tour, care logistics and schools around St Ives.\nCanonical: https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/\nSlug: \/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/  |  Primary: choosing a primary school\nBreadcrumb: Home > Parent Resources and Guides > Starting School in NSW > Choosing a Primary School\n-------------------------------------------------------------------\nNOTES\n- Plan meta title was 66 chars; shortened to 50.\n- Enrolment facts verified (education.nsw.gov.au enrolment page, 25 Sep 2026): many public schools have designated local enrolment areas guaranteeing places for local residents; the local school may not be the closest; use School Finder; non-local enrolment only if places are available; apply online or on the paper form. Procedure changes from Term 1 2026.\n- School names verified by web search (25 Sep 2026): government primaries St Ives Public School (Horace St), St Ives North Public School (Memorial Ave), St Ives Park Public School; Catholic: Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School; independent: Masada College (P-12), Sydney Grammar School St Ives Preparatory School. Listed alphabetically by sector with no rankings or opinions.\n- HONESTY: plan H2 is \"The schools our St Ives families feed into\". We do not have data on where Lead families go, so the section lists schools near the centre and says so. CLIENT TO CONFIRM: which schools Lead children commonly move on to, and any school relationships to mention. OSHC details (schools serviced, transport) remain CLIENT TO CONFIRM as on page 13.\n===================================================================\n-->\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\">\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\" crossorigin>\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Fredoka:wght@500;600;700&family=Karla:ital,wght@0,400;0,600;0,700;0,800;1,400&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<div id=\"lelc-cps\">\n<style>\n#lelc-cps{--ink:#1b2430;--blue:#0285b7;--blued:#01405a;--green:#80bd41;--yellow:#fbb604;--pink:#d41872;--paper:#ffffff;--soft:#f2f7fa;--bd:#1b2430;font-family:'Karla',Arial,sans-serif;color:var(--ink);background:var(--paper);font-size:17px;line-height:1.7;-webkit-text-size-adjust:100%;}\n#lelc-cps *,#lelc-cps *::before,#lelc-cps *::after{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0;}\n#lelc-cps{float:none;clear:both;letter-spacing:normal;word-spacing:normal;text-align:start;text-indent:0;text-transform:none;font-style:normal;text-shadow:none;word-break:normal;font-weight:400}\n#lelc-cps *{color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-style:inherit;line-height:inherit;letter-spacing:inherit;word-spacing:inherit;text-transform:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-indent:inherit;text-shadow:inherit;word-break:inherit;text-decoration:none;border:0 none;border-radius:0;box-shadow:none;outline:0;float:none;min-width:auto;max-height:none;border-collapse:inherit;border-spacing:inherit}\n#lelc-cps b{font-weight:bolder}\n#lelc-cps img{vertical-align:baseline;background:none}\n#lelc-cps td,#lelc-cps th{vertical-align:middle}\n#lelc-cps caption{caption-side:top}\n#lelc-cps ul,#lelc-cps ol{list-style:none}\n#lelc-cps a:focus-visible,#lelc-cps summary:focus-visible{outline:3px solid #0285b7;outline-offset:3px}\n#lelc-cps img{max-width:100%;height:auto;display:block;}\n#lelc-cps a{color:var(--blue);text-decoration:none;}\n#lelc-cps p a{text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:2px;text-decoration-color:var(--yellow);font-weight:800;color:var(--blued);}\n#lelc-cps p a:hover{background:var(--yellow);}\n#lelc-cps h1,#lelc-cps h2,#lelc-cps h3{font-family:'Fredoka',Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.12;color:var(--ink);font-weight:600;}\n#lelc-cps .wrap{max-width:1180px;margin:0 auto;padding:0 24px;}\n#lelc-cps .sec{padding:76px 0;}\n#lelc-cps .kick{display:inline-block;font-family:'Fredoka',Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:.85rem;letter-spacing:.05em;text-transform:uppercase;background:var(--ink);color:#fff;padding:6px 14px;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:16px;transform:rotate(-1deg);}\n#lelc-cps h2{font-size:clamp(1.7rem,3.4vw,2.5rem);margin-bottom:16px;}\n#lelc-cps .lead-p{font-size:1.1rem;font-weight:600;}\n#lelc-cps p+p{margin-top:15px;}\n#lelc-cps .card{border:3px solid var(--bd);border-radius:18px;background:#fff;box-shadow:6px 6px 0 var(--bd);}\n#lelc-cps .vac{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;background:#fff;border:3px solid var(--bd);border-radius:999px;padding:6px 16px;font-weight:800;font-size:.88rem;color:var(--ink);box-shadow:4px 4px 0 var(--bd);}\n#lelc-cps .vac .dot{width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--green);animation:lelccps-pulse 1.8s infinite;}\n#lelc-cps .hero-p{color:#eaf6fc;font-size:1.08rem;font-weight:600;max-width:560px;}\n#lelc-cps .btnrow{display:flex;gap:14px;flex-wrap:wrap;}\n#lelc-cps .btn-y{background:var(--yellow);color:var(--ink);font-family:'Fredoka',Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:1.05rem;padding:13px 26px;border-radius:14px;border:3px solid var(--bd);box-shadow:5px 5px 0 var(--bd);transition:.15s;}\n#lelc-cps .btn-y:hover{transform:translate(3px,3px);box-shadow:2px 2px 0 var(--bd);}\n#lelc-cps .btn-w{background:#fff;color:var(--ink);font-family:'Fredoka',Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:1.05rem;padding:13px 26px;border-radius:14px;border:3px solid var(--bd);box-shadow:5px 5px 0 var(--bd);transition:.15s;}\n#lelc-cps .btn-w:hover{transform:translate(3px,3px);box-shadow:2px 2px 0 var(--bd);}\n#lelc-cps .stick{position:absolute;background:#fff;border:3px solid var(--bd);border-radius:14px;padding:10px 16px;font-weight:800;font-size:.9rem;box-shadow:5px 5px 0 var(--bd);}\n#lelc-cps .stick b{color:var(--pink);}\n#lelc-cps .split{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr) minmax(0,1fr);gap:52px;align-items:center;}\n#lelc-cps .split>*{min-width:0;}\n#lelc-cps .why{background:var(--soft);border-top:3px solid var(--bd);border-bottom:3px solid var(--bd);}\n#lelc-cps .prog{background:var(--green);border-top:3px solid var(--bd);border-bottom:3px solid var(--bd);}\n#lelc-cps .prog .kick{background:#fff;color:var(--ink);}\n#lelc-cps .prog h2{color:#fff;}\n#lelc-cps .prog .lead-p,#lelc-cps .prog p{color:#f4fbe9;}\n#lelc-cps .prog p a{color:#fff;text-decoration-color:var(--yellow);}\n#lelc-cps .prog p a:hover{background:transparent;color:var(--yellow);}\n#lelc-cps .tbl-wrap{overflow-x:auto;margin-top:18px;border:3px solid var(--bd);border-radius:16px;box-shadow:6px 6px 0 var(--bd);}\n#lelc-cps table.ratio{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;background:#fff;min-width:420px;font-size:.95rem;}\n#lelc-cps table.ratio caption{text-align:left;padding:12px 16px;font-family:'Fredoka',Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:600;background:var(--yellow);border-bottom:3px solid var(--bd);}\n#lelc-cps table.ratio th{background:var(--ink);color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:11px 16px;font-weight:800;}\n#lelc-cps table.ratio td{padding:11px 16px;border-top:2px solid var(--bd);font-weight:700;}\n#lelc-cps table.ratio td b{color:var(--pink);}\n#lelc-cps .faqwrap{max-width:860px;margin:28px auto 0;display:grid;gap:16px;}\n#lelc-cps details.fq{border:3px solid var(--bd);border-radius:16px;background:#fff;box-shadow:5px 5px 0 var(--bd);overflow:hidden;}\n#lelc-cps details.fq[open]{background:var(--soft);}\n#lelc-cps details.fq summary{display:block;position:relative;padding:18px 62px 18px 22px;cursor:pointer;font-family:'Fredoka',Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:1.06rem;list-style:none;}\n#lelc-cps details.fq summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none;}\n#lelc-cps details.fq summary::marker{content:\"\";}\n#lelc-cps details.fq summary .pm{position:absolute;right:14px;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%);width:34px;height:34px;border-radius:10px;border:3px solid var(--bd);background:var(--yellow);display:grid;place-items:center;font-weight:800;font-size:1.25rem;pointer-events:none;line-height:1;box-shadow:2px 2px 0 var(--bd);}\n#lelc-cps details.fq[open] summary .pm{background:var(--pink);color:#fff;}\n#lelc-cps details.fq .ans{padding:0 22px 20px;font-size:.97rem;}\n#lelc-cps .band{background:var(--pink);border-top:3px solid var(--bd);}\n#lelc-cps .band .wrap{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:26px;padding-top:56px;padding-bottom:56px;flex-wrap:wrap;}\n#lelc-cps .band h2{color:#fff;margin-bottom:6px;}\n#lelc-cps .band p{color:#ffd9ec;font-weight:600;max-width:520px;}\n@media (max-width:980px){\n#lelc-cps .split{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:34px;}\n}\n@media (max-width:560px){\n#lelc-cps{font-size:16px;}\n#lelc-cps .sec{padding:54px 0;}\n#lelc-cps .stick{display:none;}\n}\n#lelc-cps a[href^=\"mailto:\"]{overflow-wrap:anywhere}\n\/* ---------- kit ---------- *\/\n#lelc-cps .crumbs{background:#fff;border-bottom:3px solid var(--bd)}\n#lelc-cps .crumbs ol{list-style:none;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:6px;padding:12px 0;font-size:.88rem;font-weight:700}\n#lelc-cps .crumbs li+li::before{content:\"\\203A\";margin-right:6px;color:var(--pink)}\n#lelc-cps .crumbs a{color:var(--blued);text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:var(--yellow);text-decoration-thickness:2px;text-underline-offset:3px}\n#lelc-cps .crumbs [aria-current]{color:#5a6a75}\n#lelc-cps .phero{background:var(--blue);border-bottom:3px solid var(--bd);position:relative;overflow:hidden}\n#lelc-cps .phero::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;width:300px;height:300px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.08);bottom:-140px;left:-80px}\n#lelc-cps .phero .wrap{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1.1fr) minmax(0,.9fr);gap:52px;align-items:stretch;padding-top:56px;padding-bottom:68px;position:relative}\n#lelc-cps .phero .wrap>*{min-width:0}\n#lelc-cps .phero h1{color:#fff;font-size:clamp(2rem,4.2vw,3.1rem);margin:16px 0 16px}\n#lelc-cps .phero h1 .box{display:inline-block;background:var(--yellow);color:var(--ink);padding:0 12px;border-radius:12px;border:3px solid var(--bd);box-shadow:5px 5px 0 var(--bd);transform:rotate(-1.5deg)}\n#lelc-cps .phero .hero-p{color:#eaf6fc;font-size:1.06rem;font-weight:600}\n#lelc-cps .phero .hero-p a{color:#fff;text-decoration-color:var(--yellow)}\n#lelc-cps .phero .hero-p a:hover{background:transparent;color:var(--yellow)}\n#lelc-cps .pfacts{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));gap:12px;margin:22px 0}\n#lelc-cps .pfacts div{background:#fff;border:3px solid var(--bd);border-radius:14px;padding:10px 12px;text-align:center;box-shadow:4px 4px 0 var(--bd)}\n#lelc-cps .pfacts b{display:block;font-family:'Fredoka',Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:1.12rem;color:var(--blued);line-height:1.2}\n#lelc-cps .pfacts span{font-size:.74rem;font-weight:800;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;color:#5a6a75}\n#lelc-cps .btnrow{display:flex;gap:14px;flex-wrap:wrap}\n#lelc-cps .phero .pfig{position:relative;min-height:380px}\n#lelc-cps .phero .pfig .ph{position:absolute;inset:0;border:4px solid var(--bd);border-radius:22px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:10px 10px 0 var(--bd);transform:rotate(1.2deg);background:#fff}\n#lelc-cps .phero .pfig .ph img{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover}\n#lelc-cps .phero .stick{position:absolute;bottom:-14px;left:-10px;background:var(--yellow);border:3px solid var(--bd);border-radius:14px;padding:10px 16px;font-weight:800;font-size:.9rem;box-shadow:5px 5px 0 var(--bd);transform:rotate(-3deg);max-width:280px;line-height:1.35}\n#lelc-cps table.agetbl{min-width:720px}\n#lelc-cps table.agetbl td{vertical-align:top;font-weight:600}\n#lelc-cps table.agetbl td:first-child a{font-family:'Fredoka',Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:1.05rem;color:var(--blued);text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:var(--yellow);text-decoration-thickness:2px;text-underline-offset:3px}\n#lelc-cps .tbl-wrap+p{margin-top:18px}\n#lelc-cps .fqh{font-family:'Fredoka',Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:clamp(1.6rem,3vw,2.2rem);line-height:1.12;margin-bottom:12px;color:var(--ink)}\n#lelc-cps .band .bandh{font-family:'Fredoka',Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:clamp(1.6rem,3.2vw,2.3rem);line-height:1.12;color:#fff;margin-bottom:6px}\n@media (max-width:980px){\n#lelc-cps .phero .wrap{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:40px;padding-top:40px;padding-bottom:56px}\n#lelc-cps .phero .pfig{min-height:0}\n#lelc-cps .phero .pfig .ph{position:relative;inset:auto}\n#lelc-cps .phero .pfig .ph img{height:340px}\n}\n@media (max-width:560px){\n#lelc-cps .pfacts{grid-template-columns:1fr}\n#lelc-cps .phero .pfig .ph img{height:280px}\n#lelc-cps .phero .stick{position:relative;left:auto;bottom:auto;margin-top:18px;display:inline-block}\n}\n#lelc-cps .side{background:#fff;padding:26px 24px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;gap:12px}\n#lelc-cps .side-h{font-family:'Fredoka',Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:1.2rem;line-height:1.25}\n#lelc-cps .side p{font-size:.95rem}\n#lelc-cps .side .btn-y{align-self:flex-start;text-align:center}\n#lelc-cps .side ul.ticks{list-style:none;display:grid;gap:8px}\n#lelc-cps .side ul.ticks li{position:relative;padding-left:30px;font-weight:700;font-size:.94rem}\n#lelc-cps .side ul.ticks li::before{content:\"\\2713\";position:absolute;left:0;top:1px;width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:7px;border:2px solid var(--bd);background:var(--yellow);display:grid;place-items:center;font-size:.75rem;font-weight:800}\n@media (min-width:981px){\n#lelc-cps .split>.side{align-self:stretch}\n}\n#lelc-cps .stack{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:22px}\n#lelc-cps .stack>.side{justify-content:flex-start}\n#lelc-cps .fill{flex:1 1 auto;min-height:200px;position:relative;border:3px solid var(--bd);border-radius:18px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:6px 6px 0 var(--bd)}\n#lelc-cps .fill img{position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover}\n#lelc-cps .fill.art{background:var(--soft)}\n#lelc-cps .fill.art.a-y{background:#fff4d1}\n#lelc-cps .fill.art.a-g{background:#eef7e3}\n#lelc-cps .fill.art img{object-fit:contain;padding:26px}\n#lelc-cps .fill.art .tag{position:absolute;left:14px;bottom:14px;background:#fff;border:2px solid var(--bd);border-radius:999px;padding:3px 12px;font-family:'Fredoka',Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:.82rem;box-shadow:3px 3px 0 var(--bd);z-index:1}\n@media (min-width:981px){\n#lelc-cps .split>.stack{align-self:stretch}\n}\n@media (max-width:980px){\n#lelc-cps .fill.art{display:none}\n#lelc-cps .fill{min-height:260px}\n}\n#lelc-cps .prog .card p,#lelc-cps .prog .card li{color:var(--ink)}\n#lelc-cps .prog .card p a{color:var(--blued);text-decoration-color:var(--yellow)}\n#lelc-cps .prog .card p a:hover{color:var(--pink)}\n@keyframes lelccps-pulse{0%{box-shadow:0 0 0 0 rgba(128,189,65,.6)}70%{box-shadow:0 0 0 9px rgba(128,189,65,0)}100%{box-shadow:0 0 0 0 rgba(128,189,65,0)}}\n\/* ---------- page ---------- *\/\n#lelc-cps .sectors th,#lelc-cps .sectors td{vertical-align:top;font-size:.93rem}\n#lelc-cps .sectors td:first-child{font-family:'Fredoka',Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:700;white-space:nowrap}\n#lelc-cps .near{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:16px;margin-top:22px}\n#lelc-cps .near .card{padding:18px 20px}\n#lelc-cps .near h3{margin:0 0 8px;font-size:1.05rem}\n#lelc-cps .near ul{margin:0;padding-left:18px}\n#lelc-cps .near li{font-size:.95rem;margin:0 0 5px}\n#lelc-cps .prog .lead-p a,#lelc-cps .prog p a{color:var(--ink);text-decoration:underline}\n@media (max-width:900px){#lelc-cps .near{grid-template-columns:1fr}}\n<\/style>\n\n<nav class=\"crumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <ol>\n      <li><a href=\"\/elc\/\">Home<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"\/elc\/parent-resources\/\">Parent Resources<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/\">Starting School<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><span aria-current=\"page\">Choosing a School<\/span><\/li>\n    <\/ol>\n  <\/div>\n<\/nav>\n\n<!-- ============ HERO ============ -->\n<section class=\"phero\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div>\n      <span class=\"vac\"><span class=\"dot\"><\/span>Starting school guide<\/span>\n      <h1>Choosing a Primary <span class=\"box\">School<\/span><\/h1>\n      <p class=\"hero-p\">Choosing a primary school starts with a simple question: which public school is your local one? From there, families on the Upper North Shore weigh up enrolment areas, public, Catholic and independent options, what they see on a tour, and the daily logistics of care and travel. This guide walks through each step.<\/p>\n      <div class=\"pfacts\">\n        <div><b>Local area<\/b><span>Guaranteed public place<\/span><\/div>\n        <div><b>3 sectors<\/b><span>Public, Catholic, independent<\/span><\/div>\n        <div><b>Tour<\/b><span>Before you decide<\/span><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"btnrow\">\n        <a class=\"btn-y\" href=\"#lelc-cps-tour\">What to Look For<\/a>\n        <a class=\"btn-w\" href=\"\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/\">Starting School Hub<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <figure class=\"pfig\">\n      <div class=\"ph\">\n        <img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lead-elc-families-touring-centre.webp\" alt=\"Families touring Lead on opening day, the same kind of visit that helps when choosing a primary school\" width=\"900\" height=\"1350\" fetchpriority=\"high\">\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"stick\">Look, ask, then decide<\/div>\n    <\/figure>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"sec\" style=\"padding-bottom:0;\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <p class=\"lead-p\" style=\"max-width:880px;\">School choice can feel enormous, especially with strong opinions at every playground and on every parents' group chat. In reality, most children do well at any good school where they feel safe and known. Use this guide to narrow the options calmly. For the whole year before school, see our <a href=\"\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/\">starting school in NSW guides<\/a>.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- ============ H2 1 ============ -->\n<section class=\"sec\">\n  <div class=\"wrap split\">\n    <div>\n      <span class=\"kick\">Step one<\/span>\n      <h2>Start with your catchment<\/h2>\n      <p class=\"lead-p\">The first step in choosing a primary school is finding your local public school, the one whose enrolment area includes your home address. That school must offer your child a place. Knowing it gives you a reliable baseline, and many families find it is the right choice without looking further.<\/p>\n      <p>Boundaries follow streets, not distance, so the nearest gate is not always your local one.<\/p>\n      <p>Type your exact address into the School Finder tool on the department website.<\/p>\n      <p>If you are moving house before school starts, check the catchment of the new address.<\/p>\n      <p>Visit your local school first, even if you are considering others. It gives you something to compare against.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"stack\">\n      <div class=\"side card\">\n        <p class=\"side-h\">Before you look further<\/p>\n        <ul class=\"ticks\">\n          <li>Check your address<\/li>\n          <li>Find your local school<\/li>\n          <li>Note enrolment dates<\/li>\n          <li>Book a visit<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"fill art a-y\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lead-elc-art-flower.webp\" alt=\"A child's drawing of a flower\" width=\"500\" height=\"509\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"tag\">Start local<\/span><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- ============ H2 2 ============ -->\n<section class=\"sec why\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <span class=\"kick\">The rules<\/span>\n    <h2>How NSW enrolment areas work<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"lead-p\" style=\"max-width:880px;\">Many NSW public schools have a designated local enrolment area. Children living in it are guaranteed a place. Children from outside can apply for a non-local place, which is only offered if the school has room after local enrolments, and popular schools often have none to spare.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"max-width:880px;\">\n      <p>You will usually need proof of address, such as a lease or rates notice, plus your child's birth certificate and immunisation history.<\/p>\n      <p>You can apply online or with a paper application form, which also collects health information such as allergies.<\/p>\n      <p>Non-local applications are assessed against set criteria, such as siblings already at the school. Places are not guaranteed.<\/p>\n      <p>Enrolment rules were updated from Term 1 2026, so check the current process for your school.<\/p>\n      <p>The department's <a href=\"https:\/\/education.nsw.gov.au\/public-schools\/going-to-a-public-school\/enrolment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">public school enrolment page<\/a> has the full rules.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- ============ H2 3 ============ -->\n<section class=\"sec\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <span class=\"kick\">Your options<\/span>\n    <h2>Public, Catholic and independent compared<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"lead-p\" style=\"max-width:880px;\">NSW families choose between three sectors. Public schools are run by the NSW Department of Education and are free apart from voluntary contributions and costs like uniforms. Catholic schools charge moderate fees. Independent schools set their own fees and enrolment processes, which often start years ahead.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"tbl-wrap\">\n      <table class=\"ratio agetbl sectors\">\n        <caption>The three school sectors at a glance<\/caption>\n        <thead><tr><th>Sector<\/th><th>Fees<\/th><th>Getting a place<\/th><th>Good to know<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n        <tbody>\n          <tr><td>Public<\/td><td>Free tuition, voluntary contributions<\/td><td>Guaranteed in your local area<\/td><td>Local community, walkable for many families<\/td><\/tr>\n          <tr><td>Catholic<\/td><td>Moderate fees<\/td><td>Apply to the school, often a year or more ahead<\/td><td>Faith-based; many accept non-Catholic families<\/td><\/tr>\n          <tr><td>Independent<\/td><td>Higher fees, vary widely<\/td><td>Waitlists, some open years ahead<\/td><td>Some are K to 12, so no later move<\/td><\/tr>\n        <\/tbody>\n      <\/table>\n    <\/div>\n    <p style=\"max-width:880px;margin-top:18px;\">Every school is different within each sector. Always check fees and enrolment dates with the school itself.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- ============ H2 4 ============ -->\n<section class=\"sec prog\" id=\"lelc-cps-tour\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <span class=\"kick\">Visiting<\/span>\n    <h2>What to look for on a school tour<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"lead-p\" style=\"max-width:880px;\">On a school tour, look past the buildings and watch the people. Notice how staff speak to children, whether children seem relaxed and engaged, and how the Kindergarten rooms feel. The warmth of the Kindergarten teachers and the way a school welcomes new families usually matter more than facilities.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"max-width:880px;\">\n      <p>Watch playtime if you can. Are children playing happily, and are teachers on duty engaged?<\/p>\n      <p>Ask how Kindergarten children are settled in, and whether there is a buddy program.<\/p>\n      <p>Ask about class sizes and how teachers support children who are ahead or need extra help.<\/p>\n      <p>Look at the playground. Is there shade, space and a quieter area for children who need it?<\/p>\n      <p>Trust your gut. If a school feels welcoming to you, it will often feel that way to your child.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- ============ H2 5 ============ -->\n<section class=\"sec\">\n  <div class=\"wrap split\">\n    <div>\n      <span class=\"kick\">Logistics<\/span>\n      <h2>Before and after school care logistics<\/h2>\n      <p class=\"lead-p\">For working families, before and after school care can decide between two good schools. School days in NSW usually run from about 9am to 3pm, which does not fit most jobs. Check whether a school has care on site or nearby, how children get there, and whether places are available before you commit.<\/p>\n      <p>Many schools have an on-site care service, but places can fill up, especially for Kindergarten.<\/p>\n      <p>Vacation care matters too, since school holidays add up to around 12 weeks a year.<\/p>\n      <p>Consider travel time. A school near home or work makes drop-off and pick-up far easier.<\/p>\n      <p>Care may be eligible for Child Care Subsidy, which can lower the cost significantly.<\/p>\n      <p>Lead offers <a href=\"\/elc\/programs\/before-and-after-school-care\/\">before and after school care<\/a> for school-age children. Ask us which schools we can work with.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"stack\">\n      <div class=\"side card\">\n        <p class=\"side-h\">Ask each school<\/p>\n        <ul class=\"ticks\">\n          <li>On-site care?<\/li>\n          <li>Kindergarten places?<\/li>\n          <li>Vacation care?<\/li>\n          <li>Morning start time?<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"fill art a-g\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lead-elc-art-butterflies.webp\" alt=\"Crayon butterflies drawn by a child\" width=\"500\" height=\"471\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"tag\">Make it work<\/span><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- ============ H2 6 ============ -->\n<section class=\"sec why\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <span class=\"kick\">Near us<\/span>\n    <h2>The schools our St Ives families feed into<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"lead-p\" style=\"max-width:880px;\">Our St Ives centre welcomes families from across the Upper North Shore, so children head off to many different schools. The schools below are the ones located in St Ives itself, listed by sector. We do not rank schools, and your local public school depends on your own address.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"near\">\n      <div class=\"card\">\n        <h3>Public primary<\/h3>\n        <ul>\n          <li>St Ives North Public School<\/li>\n          <li>St Ives Park Public School<\/li>\n          <li>St Ives Public School<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"card\">\n        <h3>Catholic primary<\/h3>\n        <ul>\n          <li>Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"card\">\n        <h3>Independent<\/h3>\n        <ul>\n          <li>Masada College<\/li>\n          <li>Sydney Grammar School, St Ives Preparatory School<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <p style=\"max-width:880px;margin-top:22px;\">Families from nearby suburbs also look at schools in Turramurra, Pymble, Gordon and Wahroonga. See our <a href=\"\/elc\/areas-we-serve\/\">areas we serve<\/a> for local guides.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- ============ H2 7 ============ -->\n<section class=\"sec\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <span class=\"kick\">Deciding<\/span>\n    <h2>Making the call without overthinking it<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"lead-p\" style=\"max-width:880px;\">Most children thrive at any good school where they feel safe, known and supported, and the best choice is often the one that fits your family's life. Narrow it to two or three schools, visit, think about logistics and your child's personality, then decide and move on. Second-guessing helps nobody.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"max-width:880px;\">\n      <p>Rankings based on test results say little about how a school suits a four-year-old.<\/p>\n      <p>Friends matter. A school where your child already knows a few children can make the first term easier.<\/p>\n      <p>Talk to parents with children already at the school, especially in the younger years.<\/p>\n      <p>Our preschool educators are happy to talk through what they know about your child's needs. Call <a href=\"tel:0272388668\">(02) 7238 8668<\/a>, or read <a href=\"\/elc\/parent-resources\/kindergarten-in-nsw-explained\/\">how Kindergarten works in NSW<\/a>.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- ============ FAQ ============ -->\n<section class=\"sec why\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div style=\"text-align:center;max-width:780px;margin:0 auto;\">\n      <span class=\"kick\">Common questions<\/span>\n      <p class=\"fqh\">School choice, answered<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"faqwrap\">\n      <details class=\"fq\">\n        <summary>Can we enrol out of catchment?<span class=\"pm\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n        <div class=\"ans\"><p>Yes, you can apply for a non-local place at a NSW public school, but it is only offered if the school has room after local enrolments. Applications are assessed against set criteria, such as siblings at the school. Popular schools may have no non-local places, so have a back-up plan.<\/p><\/div>\n      <\/details>\n      <details class=\"fq\">\n        <summary>When should we apply for independent schools?<span class=\"pm\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n        <div class=\"ans\"><p>Earlier than you might think, as many independent schools open enrolment lists several years ahead, and some from birth. Check each school's process as soon as you are interested. Application fees are common and usually non-refundable, so confirm details directly with the school.<\/p><\/div>\n      <\/details>\n      <details class=\"fq\">\n        <summary>Does school choice matter as much as people say?<span class=\"pm\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n        <div class=\"ans\"><p>Usually less than people fear. Family support, a good relationship with teachers and feeling safe and happy at school matter more for most children than which school they attend. Choose a school that fits your child and your family's life, then get involved.<\/p><\/div>\n      <\/details>\n    <\/div>\n    <p style=\"max-width:780px;margin:22px auto 0;text-align:center;\">Talk to our preschool team at <a href=\"\/elc\/\">our St Ives centre<\/a>.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- ============ CTA BAND ============ -->\n<section class=\"band\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div>\n      <p class=\"bandh\">A strong year before school<\/p>\n      <p>Whichever school you choose, our preschool year helps your child start ready.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <a class=\"btn-y\" href=\"\/elc\/enrolment\/book-a-tour\/\">Book a Tour<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/#webpage\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/\",\n      \"name\": \"Choosing a Primary School | Upper North Shore Guide\",\n      \"description\": \"How to choose a primary school: NSW enrolment areas, public versus independent, what to look for on a tour, care logistics and schools around St Ives.\",\n      \"isPartOf\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/#website\"\n      },\n      \"about\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/#centre\"\n      },\n      \"breadcrumb\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/#breadcrumb\"\n      },\n      \"inLanguage\": \"en-AU\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": [\n        \"ChildCare\",\n        \"LocalBusiness\"\n      ],\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/#centre\",\n      \"name\": \"Lead Early Learning Centres\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/\",\n      \"telephone\": \"+61272388668\",\n      \"address\": {\n        \"@type\": \"PostalAddress\",\n        \"streetAddress\": \"75 Killeaton Street\",\n        \"addressLocality\": \"St Ives\",\n        \"addressRegion\": \"NSW\",\n        \"postalCode\": \"2075\",\n        \"addressCountry\": \"AU\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/#breadcrumb\",\n      \"itemListElement\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 1,\n          \"name\": \"Home\",\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 2,\n          \"name\": \"Parent Resources and Guides\",\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/parent-resources\/\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 3,\n          \"name\": \"Starting School in NSW\",\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 4,\n          \"name\": \"Choosing a Primary School\",\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/\"\n        }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Article\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/#article\",\n      \"headline\": \"Choosing a Primary School\",\n      \"description\": \"Starting with your catchment, how NSW enrolment areas work, public, Catholic and independent schools compared, what to look for on a tour, before and after school care, schools near St Ives and making the decision.\",\n      \"inLanguage\": \"en-AU\",\n      \"author\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/#centre\"\n      },\n      \"publisher\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/#centre\"\n      },\n      \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/\",\n      \"image\": \"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lead-elc-families-touring-centre.webp\",\n      \"datePublished\": \"2026-09-25\",\n      \"dateModified\": \"2026-09-25\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/leadearlylearningcentres.com.au\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/#faq\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can we enrol out of catchment?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Yes, you can apply for a non-local place at a NSW public school, but it is only offered if the school has room after local enrolments. Applications are assessed against set criteria, such as siblings at the school. Popular schools may have no non-local places, so have a back-up plan.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"When should we apply for independent schools?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Earlier than you might think, as many independent schools open enrolment lists several years ahead, and some from birth. Check each school's process as soon as you are interested. Application fees are common and usually non-refundable, so confirm details directly with the school.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Does school choice matter as much as people say?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Usually less than people fear. Family support, a good relationship with teachers and feeling safe and happy at school matter more for most children than which school they attend. Choose a school that fits your child and your family's life, then get involved.\"\n          }\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n<script>(function(){if(location.protocol!==\"file:\")return;var b=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/\",l=\"images\"+\"\/upload\/\";document.querySelectorAll(\"#lelc-cps img, #lelc-cps a[href]\").forEach(function(i){var k=i.tagName===\"A\"?\"href\":\"src\",s=i.getAttribute(k);if(s&&s.indexOf(b)===0){i.setAttribute(k,l+s.slice(b.length));}});})();<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- WEB_CONTENT_END -->\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":402,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-406","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Choosing a Primary School | Upper North Shore Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How to choose a primary school: NSW enrolment areas, public versus independent, what to look for on a tour, care logistics and schools around St Ives.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Choosing a Primary School | Upper North Shore Guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How to choose a primary school: NSW enrolment areas, public versus independent, what to look for on a tour, care logistics and schools around St Ives.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Lead Early Learning Centeres\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stagingloom.com\\\/elc\\\/parent-resources\\\/starting-school\\\/choosing-a-primary-school\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stagingloom.com\\\/elc\\\/parent-resources\\\/starting-school\\\/choosing-a-primary-school\\\/\",\"name\":\"Choosing a Primary School | Upper North Shore Guide\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stagingloom.com\\\/elc\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-04-28T18:27:48+00:00\",\"description\":\"How to choose a primary school: NSW enrolment areas, public versus independent, what to look for on a tour, care logistics and schools around St Ives.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stagingloom.com\\\/elc\\\/parent-resources\\\/starting-school\\\/choosing-a-primary-school\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/stagingloom.com\\\/elc\\\/parent-resources\\\/starting-school\\\/choosing-a-primary-school\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stagingloom.com\\\/elc\\\/parent-resources\\\/starting-school\\\/choosing-a-primary-school\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stagingloom.com\\\/elc\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Parent Resources\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stagingloom.com\\\/elc\\\/parent-resources\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Starting School in NSW\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stagingloom.com\\\/elc\\\/parent-resources\\\/starting-school\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Choosing a Primary School\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stagingloom.com\\\/elc\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stagingloom.com\\\/elc\\\/\",\"name\":\"Lead Early Learning Centeres\",\"description\":\"My WordPress Blog\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stagingloom.com\\\/elc\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Choosing a Primary School | Upper North Shore Guide","description":"How to choose a primary school: NSW enrolment areas, public versus independent, what to look for on a tour, care logistics and schools around St Ives.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Choosing a Primary School | Upper North Shore Guide","og_description":"How to choose a primary school: NSW enrolment areas, public versus independent, what to look for on a tour, care logistics and schools around St Ives.","og_url":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/","og_site_name":"Lead Early Learning Centeres","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/","url":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/","name":"Choosing a Primary School | Upper North Shore Guide","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-04-28T18:27:48+00:00","description":"How to choose a primary school: NSW enrolment areas, public versus independent, what to look for on a tour, care logistics and schools around St Ives.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/choosing-a-primary-school\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Parent Resources","item":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/parent-resources\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Starting School in NSW","item":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/parent-resources\/starting-school\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Choosing a Primary School"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/#website","url":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/","name":"Lead Early Learning Centeres","description":"My WordPress Blog","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/406","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=406"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/406\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/402"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stagingloom.com\/elc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=406"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}