Private schools. Catholic schools. State schools. Co-ed schools. Single-sex schools.

The choices were overwhelming.

Her family had moved to Melbourne from the La Trobe Valley, and had not tapped into the discussions about "good schools" that are prevalent in this city.

"I didn't feel like I knew enough," she said.

So she paid for some expert help.

Parents are paying up to $4000 to consultants to help them choose the "perfect" school.

The Melbourne-based Regent Consulting offers a matchmaking service that helps parents select the right school for their child.

It also negotiates with schools on a parent's behalf to increase their chances of an enrolment.

The process can take between two to 18 months – and involves parents and children filling out detailed questionnaires, providing reports and being interviewed.

They are asked about the importance of religion, a school's proximity to public transport, parent involvement and their child's needs.

"Sometimes our families have holiday homes or go skiing and don't want to be involved in Saturday sport," managing director Paul O'Shannassy said.

"Others want a separate Year 9 campus."

The competition is so fierce that some schools have offered bribes to Mr O'Shannassy in the hope they will be promoted to prospective parents.

But he insists he is fiercely independent, and has always turned these "incentives" down.

He said choosing a school was one of the biggest – and potentially one of the most expensive – decisions made by parents.

Increasing competition has made this an incredibly difficult decision, as parents now have 2227 Victorian government and non-government schools to choose from.

"People see this as prudent advice. If you have three kids in a private school from prep to year 12 it could cost more than half a million dollars. You want to make the right decision."

Sometimes Mr O'Shannassy has to act as a circuit breaker between feuding parents who disagree on schools.

"We end up being a marriage counsellor. A dad might want a co-ed school and the mum wants a single-sex school. They bring us in to resolve the dispute."

He has an equal mix of clients from Melbourne, interstate and overseas. He recommends schools from every sector – but most of his clients want to send their children to private schools.

Mr O'Shannassy set up the business in 2008 because he sensed there was a lot of confusion about Australia's education system.

He has worked as a teacher in private and public schools – including at St Michael's, St Kevins and Yeshiva – and was constantly being bailed up at dinner parties by parents who wanted advice.

He has now helped 700 families demystify Australian schools, which involves explaining ATARs, the International Baccalaureate, NAPLAN and study score over 40.

Kent Relocation Services is another company that helps parents navigate Australia's education system.

Their consultants provide advice to interstate and overseas parents about local schools, organise school tours and meetings with principals.

"It can be a daunting process," national client services manager Lisa Fink said.

"It is their priority. They want their child's school sorted out before anything else."

Mrs Flanigan and her daughter Olivia are happy with their decision.

They settled on Carey Baptist Grammar in Kew, where Olivia is in grade 5.

"She was a bit shy and not very confident. We wanted a school that would help her express herself and be confident. She is really happy, and has great friends, and loves the school."

Single sex or co-educational?

Does your child need a comprehensive special education program?

Do you want your Saturday morning free from sport?

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