Toowoomba: (The Conversation) - Lists of Australia's “top” schools regularly make headlines. We see this every year with Year 12 and NAPLAN results. Earlier this month, News Corp papers also ranked public high schools across different states.

Parents are likely to scroll through these lists eagerly, scanning for their child's school or the names of schools they might be thinking about. With families understandably keen to ensure their kids get a good education, rankings provide a clear and seemingly easy guide. But do they really tell us which schools are the best? And more importantly, how do you know if a school is a good fit for your child?

What do league tables measure?
League tables typically rely on academic performance. NAPLAN results compare how students in years 3, 5, 7, and 9 perform in literacy and numeracy tests, while Year 12 results show how senior students fared in final exams. These measures give a snapshot of achievement and show patterns across time.

But standardised testing only offers a partial view of a school. Often, it reflects community demographics and unequal distribution of resources more than teaching quality. For example, students in wealthier suburbs tend to do better than students in disadvantaged areas. Some other rankings include measures such as student attendance or parent satisfaction surveys, but they remain narrow.

These tables do not reveal what happens in classrooms. They do not show the quality of relationships between teachers and students. They do not capture whether a school provides strong well-being support, fosters creativity, or values diversity. And they certainly cannot tell you whether your child will be happy there.

On top of this, they assume families always have a choice about where they send their kids. Popular public schools typically have strict catchment areas, meaning only children living locally can enrol. Families outside those boundaries often have limited options: a less sought-after public school, a specialist intake program at their preferred school (such as a music or academic scholarship), or paying for private education.

What research says really matters
Academic results matter, but they are only part of the picture. Research shows learning flourishes when students feel safe, respected, and inspired. A truly good school feels good to be in. According to a 2024 UNESCO report, joy, relationships, and belonging fuel both well-being and achievement. The Australian government's student wellbeing framework similarly says schools must prioritise safety, inclusion, and student voice.

Opportunities beyond academics also count, including arts, sports, vocational pathways, and other extracurricular activities to help students develop talents, build confidence, and make social connections. Personal and family values matter too. A school might be academically strong but highly competitive, which does not suit every child. Conversely, a smaller school with average test scores might offer a nurturing environment where your child can thrive.

What's right for your child?

Visit in person. Notice how staff and students interact and whether students seem engaged.
Talk to the school. Ask about teaching approaches, wellbeing policies, and support for diverse learners.
Look for balance. Consider whether it offers music, arts, sport, or vocational programs alongside academics.
Ask families already there. Parents can provide insights into the culture.
Think about your child. Some thrive in large, academically competitive schools, others in smaller, community-focused environments. The best school is where your child feels safe, challenged, and supported.

Beyond rankings
League tables will keep appearing because they make headlines and spark debate, but they should not be the guide for choosing schools. A truly good school partners with families, supports student wellbeing, and helps young people grow into capable, caring adults. That will not look the same for every child and will not be captured neatly in a newspaper list.

Next time you see a headline about “top” schools, ask yourself: what kind of environment will help my child learn, belong, and thrive?