Public schools

A strong public education system is the cornerstone of every successful society.

We provide high-quality education for children and young people throughout Western Australia, helping them reach their full potential.

We have more than 800 schools in communities across our state – in bustling city and regional centres and in some of the most remote parts of the world. Comprehensive schools, selective schools and education support schools.

As our population grows, we're building new schools and developing state-of-the-art facilities for children to learn in. Modern schools using the latest and emerging technologies.

Each school, like each community, is distinctive.

Parents and communities play a key role in creating a unique ethos for their school. They help shape the school's directions.

Principals have great flexibility and control over the directions of their schools and how they use available resources and services to benefit their students. They work with their staff, their parents and their communities to determine priorities for student learning.

The principal signs a 'statement of expectation', which is noted by the school council or board and then signed by the Director General. Building on strength outlines our commitment to implement one delivery and performance agreement for all schools. The statement of expectation makes clear and public the expectations and responsibilities of schools and the Department in student achievement and progress.

Staff work closely with staff at other schools, not only within their area but also across the state. They work together to ensure students progress smoothly from primary to secondary schooling, to provide a wide range of courses and subjects for students to study, and to share resources, facilities and expertise.

Public schools are located in 8 education regions, each supported by directors of education who are also members of the Department’s executive.

Regional offices provide direct support to:

• help public schools implement public school policies
• monitor the performance of public schools, intervene in underperforming schools and engage with schools which need more support
• provide services to support school staff
• respond to general requests for information from communities
• help manage complaints and crises.