Perth has a more modest international school market than the east-coast Australian cities. The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) dominates senior years, taught in both public and private schools. A small number of schools deliver the IB Diploma alongside or instead of WACE. Most relocating families choose between a strong private school delivering WACE plus IB option, and the well-funded public school catchments that serve high-density expat suburbs.
The school landscape
Independent schools in Perth deliver senior years at fee levels of AUD 24,000 to 36,000 (day) and AUD 60,000 to 75,000 (boarding). Notable schools include Christ Church Grammar, Scotch College, Hale School, Methodist Ladies' College, Penrhos College and Presbyterian Ladies' College. The IB Diploma is offered at Christ Church and a small number of others. Other families look to public schools in catchments around Cottesloe, Mosman Park, Floreat and Subiaco.
WACE versus IB at Perth schools
The Western Australian Certificate of Education is the default Year 11 to 12 qualification across Australian schools in WA. The IB Diploma is offered at a handful of independent schools. For families likely to stay in Australia long-term, WACE is sensible. For relocating families likely to move on within 2 to 3 years, the IB Diploma offers more portability.
Neighbourhoods
Western suburbs including Cottesloe, Mosman Park, Peppermint Grove, Dalkeith and Floreat host most of the independent school families and have the best public school catchments. Inner city areas (Subiaco, West Perth) work for day-school families. The suburbs along the Stirling Highway corridor concentrate most premium schools.