List of primary school perormance?

[MumofLewis]

I'm just wondering if there is some sort of list that shows school performance for primary schools?

I am a few years away from deciding about schooling but wouldn't have a clue which schools are the better ones in my area.

[mrsmac]

No thank goodness. (sorry but I am a teacher and the thought of this horrifies me- schools are not companies producing a product they are about helping to create educated human beings)
You need to go and visit the schools and see how you feel about them when the time comes. What area od Sydney are you in? Are you looking at public or private?

[teachmum]

Well said mrsmac. Talk to people who are already at the school as well.

[MistyFying]

You caould also google the name of the school + local newspapers and see what has been reported over the last few years (don't forget, schools don't stay the same.... I think it depends not only on the children attending and their parents, but also on the values of the school and the teaching staff and principal).

[Beach Mama]

I agree MrsMac! Many of the results are one test on one day so even if a school says that they have high Naplan results - keep in mind that many schools train kids to perform well on that particular day. I would be more inclined to visit the school, talk to the kids and teachers, visit the classrooms and see what type of programs they run in the school. Ask about their welfare programs, bullying policy, extension/gifted programs, and remedial programs. Often you get a feeling just walking through the school about what kind of culture they are fostering. Good luck with it all. (Public Primary School Teacher talking here too )

[Rouge]

I'm in two minds about this.

I think it can be good and bad. I do believe that children should go to schools that suit there needs rather than just the closest school or the most "popular" private school. That said I think some schools (private included) do have a higher focus on certain areas (sports, arts, maths, debating etc) and if you have a child that excels in that area then of course picking a school that also excels in that area is going to be beneficial. I can see how it can be bad for a school's reputation if a school doesn't primarily excel in an area or has a low level of university entrants iykwim?

As a parent I am going to be looking at these areas, and yes whilst they aren't a business I do think if they can't cater to my child I'm not going to send them there.

Here in Melb we have the Age "Good Schools Guide" which gives a breakdown of what each school offers the number of students etc.