Moving to the Southern Highlands: A Parent Guide to Choosing the Right School
Families relocating to the Southern Highlands often begin by asking the same questions:
- What are the best schools in the area?
- Should we choose a local school or commute to Sydney?
- What kind of learning environment will help our child thrive?
This guide answers some of the most common questions families ask when exploring schools in the Southern Highlands and considering Oxley College.
Why Families Are Moving to the Southern Highlands
Families relocating to the Southern Highlands are often searching for more than just a new home. They are drawn to the region for its sense of community, open spaces, natural beauty and slower pace, while still maintaining access to Sydney and surrounding centres. Many parents are looking for an environment where children can enjoy a balanced upbringing, develop independence and participate fully in school and community life.
For many families moving from Sydney or other metropolitan areas, choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions they make during the relocation process.
This guide answers some of the most common questions parents ask when exploring schooling options in the Southern Highlands and considering Oxley College.
What are the best schools in the Southern Highlands?
Every family defines a “good school” differently. For some, academic outcomes are the priority. For others, wellbeing, community culture, co curricular opportunities or class sizes may be equally important.
Many families searching for schools in the Southern Highlands are looking for a balanced education that combines academic challenge with strong relationships, individual support and opportunities beyond the classroom.
Oxley College offers a co educational learning journey from Pre-K to Senior School, with a strong focus on helping students grow academically, socially and personally.
Should we choose a local school or commute to Sydney?
This is one of the most common questions families ask when moving to the Southern Highlands.
While some families initially consider commuting to Sydney for schooling, many discover the benefits of accessing a high quality education close to home. Attending a local school often allows students to spend less time travelling and more time participating in school life, sport, performing arts, friendships and community activities.
Families also value the opportunity for their children to build lasting connections within the Southern Highlands community.
What should parents look for when choosing a school?
Choosing the right school involves looking beyond facilities and academic results. Many parents look for a school where their child will feel known, supported and encouraged to grow in confidence.
Some of the most important considerations include:
- the quality of relationships between teachers and students
- wellbeing and pastoral care programs
- opportunities in sport, music, theatre and leadership
- class sizes
- communication with families
- the culture and values of the school community
Visiting a school and experiencing the environment firsthand is often one of the best ways for families to determine whether a school feels like the right fit for their child.
Why Families Choose Oxley College
Located in Burradoo, Oxley College provides an independent co educational experience for students from Pre-K to Year 12.
Families are often drawn to Oxley because of its balance of academic rigour, wellbeing support and strong community culture. Small class sizes allow teachers to know students as individuals and provide personalised support and encouragement throughout their learning journey.
Students at Oxley are encouraged to pursue excellence while also exploring their interests, creativity and sense of purpose. Learning extends beyond the classroom through opportunities in music, theatre, sport, leadership and outdoor education.
The College’s campus setting in the Southern Highlands also provides students with space to learn, play and connect within a natural environment.
Early Learning and the Transition to School
What age can children start at Oxley College?
Children can begin at Oxley College in the Pre-K program at 4 years of age, where early learners are introduced to school life through a nurturing and play based environment.
The early years are an important time for developing confidence, independence, communication skills and curiosity about the world.
What is play based learning?
Play based learning allows children to learn through exploration, creativity and guided experiences. Research shows that play helps young learners develop social skills, language, emotional regulation, collaboration and problem solving abilities.
At Oxley, Pre-K students are encouraged to learn through meaningful experiences that support both social and academic development while preparing them for Kindergarten and future learning.
How does Oxley prepare children for Kindergarten?
The transition to Kindergarten is supported through consistent routines, caring relationships and opportunities for children to build independence and confidence.
Students become familiar with the school environment, learn to work collaboratively with others and develop foundational learning skills that support a smooth transition into primary school.
Student Wellbeing and School Culture
How does Oxley College support student wellbeing?
Wellbeing is an important part of life at Oxley College. Students are supported through strong pastoral care, mentoring relationships and a school culture that values kindness, respect and belonging.
Teachers work closely with students and families to ensure each child feels known and supported throughout their educational journey.
The College also recognises that student wellbeing and academic growth are closely connected. Students who feel safe, connected and confident are better able to engage in learning and embrace new opportunities.
Why is school community important?
For many families, a strong sense of community is one of the defining features of an excellent school.
A connected school community helps students feel supported and encourages positive relationships between students, teachers and families. Community events, co curricular programs and shared experiences all contribute to a sense of belonging and connection.
Many families at Oxley value the warm and welcoming nature of the College community and the relationships that develop throughout a student’s schooling journey.
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
What co curricular opportunities are available at Oxley College?
Students at Oxley College are encouraged to explore a wide range of interests and experiences beyond the classroom.
Programs include:
- music and ensembles
- theatre and performing arts
- sport
- outdoor education
- leadership opportunities
- debating and academic enrichment activities
Participation in co curricular activities helps students develop confidence, collaboration skills, resilience and creativity.
Why are music, theatre and sport important for students?
Co-curricular experiences provide students with opportunities to discover strengths, develop friendships and challenge themselves in new ways.
Theatre programs build communication and confidence. Music encourages discipline, creativity and teamwork. Sport supports resilience, collaboration and physical wellbeing.
These experiences play an important role in helping students develop as capable and well rounded young people.
Enrolling at Oxley College
How do I enrol my child at Oxley College?
Families interested in Oxley College are encouraged to begin by making an enquiry through the College website or speaking with the admissions team.
The enrolment process provides families with the opportunity to learn more about the College, explore the campus and discuss their child’s learning journey and interests.
Can prospective families visit the College?
Yes. Families are warmly invited to attend Open Mornings, tours and community events throughout the year.
Visiting the campus allows prospective families to experience the learning environment, meet staff and students, and gain a deeper understanding of life at Oxley College.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxley College
Where is Oxley College located?
Oxley College is located in Burradoo in the heart of the Southern Highlands.
What communities does Oxley College serve?
The College welcomes families from across the Southern Highlands including Bowral, Moss Vale, Mittagong and surrounding villages.
Is Oxley College co educational?
Yes. Oxley College is a co educational independent school supporting students from Pre-K to Year 12.
Families considering a move to the Southern Highlands are encouraged to experience Oxley College firsthand through an Open Morning or personal tour.
Visiting the campus provides an opportunity to explore the grounds, meet staff and students, and discover more about the learning journey from Pre-K to Senior School.
1. What are the best schools in the Southern Highlands?
Families moving to the Southern Highlands often look for schools that combine strong academic outcomes with a welcoming community and broad co-curricular opportunities. Many families are drawn to schools that offer a balanced education close to home, allowing students to stay connected to their local community while benefiting from a high quality learning environment.
2. Are there good independent schools in the Southern Highlands?
Yes. The Southern Highlands offers several schooling options including independent schools such as Oxley College. Families often choose independent schools for their smaller class sizes, strong pastoral care and broad academic and co curricular programs.
3. Should we send our child to school locally or commute to Sydney?
Many families relocating from Sydney initially consider commuting for schooling before discovering the quality of education available locally in the Southern Highlands. Choosing a local school often allows students to participate more fully in school life, develop local friendships and spend less time travelling each day.
4. What is school life like in the Southern Highlands?
Schools in the Southern Highlands often offer a strong sense of community, access to outdoor spaces and opportunities for students to build meaningful relationships with teachers and peers. Many families value the balance between academic learning and lifestyle that the region provides.
5. What schools are near Bowral?
Families living in or near Bowral have access to several schooling options including Oxley College in nearby Burradoo. The campus is conveniently located for families across the Highlands region.
6. What should we look for when choosing a school after relocating?
Families moving to a new area often look for a school where their child will feel supported socially as well as academically. Important considerations include wellbeing support, community culture, opportunities outside the classroom and how well the school helps new students settle in.
7. How do schools help new students settle into a new community?
Schools can support new students by fostering strong peer connections, positive relationships with teachers and opportunities to participate in co-curricular activities. Feeling connected quickly is often an important part of a successful transition for relocating families.
8. Are there schools in the Southern Highlands with strong wellbeing programs?
Many parents relocating to the Highlands prioritise schools that focus on student wellbeing alongside academic learning. Schools with strong pastoral care programs help students build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.
9. What are class sizes like at independent schools in the Southern Highlands?
Many independent schools in the region offer smaller class sizes, allowing teachers to know students well and provide more personalised support and feedback throughout their learning journey.
10. Are there schools with strong arts and music programs in the Southern Highlands?
Families looking for a balanced education often seek schools that offer opportunities in music, theatre, visual arts and performance. These programs help students develop creativity, confidence and collaboration skills alongside their academic studies.
11. What co curricular opportunities are available for students in the Southern Highlands?
Schools across the region offer a range of co curricular opportunities including sport, performing arts, debating, leadership and outdoor education. These experiences help students explore interests beyond the classroom and build confidence and resilience.
12. How early should we apply for school enrolment in the Southern Highlands?
Many families begin exploring enrolment options well before relocating to the region. Applying early can provide greater flexibility and allow families to attend Open Mornings and school tours before making a decision.
13. Can families tour schools before moving to the Southern Highlands?
Yes. Many schools, including Oxley College, offer Open Mornings and private tours for prospective families. Visiting a school in person can help families understand the culture, facilities and learning environment.
14. What makes Oxley College appealing to families moving from Sydney?
Families relocating from Sydney are often drawn to Oxley’s combination of academic challenge, strong wellbeing support and connected community. Many families appreciate the opportunity to access a high quality independent education while embracing the lifestyle and pace of the Southern Highlands.
15. Why are families choosing to raise children in the Southern Highlands?
Many families are attracted to the Southern Highlands for its sense of community, natural environment and lifestyle. Access to strong local schools allows families to build long term connections within the region while providing children with a balanced and enriching education.