Perth parents voice frustration as school catchment changes leave families divided

A proposal to redraw school catchment boundaries across Perth's inner suburbs has sparked considerable concern among parents and community groups who fear the changes will disrupt established neighbourhood networks and increase commute times for hundreds of students.

The Western Australian Education Department announced last month that adjustments to zones serving Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, and several public secondary schools in the Subiaco and Nedlands areas would take effect from 2027, aiming to ease overcrowding at oversubscribed institutions.

Parents from the Mount Lawley and Dalkeith districts have been particularly vocal through neighbourhood Facebook groups and the Mount Lawley Primary Parents and Citizens Association, expressing concerns that the changes could split sibling groups across different schools and force students onto lengthy public transport routes.

"We chose our home in Nedlands specifically because of the school pathway it offered," one parent told The Daily Perth, requesting anonymity. "Now we're being told our younger child won't get into the same secondary school as their older brother. It feels like the goalposts have moved completely."

Across Subiaco, local residents attending recent community forums have questioned whether the department adequately consulted affected families before announcing the changes. The proposed catchment shifts would redirect approximately 340 students from the current Methodist Ladies' College zone, redirecting many toward Perth Modern School in South Perth—a journey requiring at least two bus changes from some northern areas.

The Education Department states the modifications are necessary, citing enrolment projections showing a 15 per cent increase in secondary-age students across inner Perth over the next five years. Officials note that alternative transport support will be available for affected families during the transition period.

However, local education advocates argue the department should have invested in increasing capacity at oversubscribed schools rather than reconfiguring zones. "This is a band-aid solution," according to statements from the Subiaco Community Action Network, which has collected over 850 signatures on a petition requesting a 12-month consultation delay.

The Western Australian Secondary Principals' Association has also weighed in, calling for clearer communication timelines and suggesting that boundary changes should align with planned infrastructure upgrades at receiving schools.

The Education Department will hold further consultation sessions in Subiaco Town Hall and the Nedlands Community Centre next month. Affected families can lodge submissions until 31 July.

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