Sacred Heart Primary School

Highgate is a small, inner-city pocket of Perth, sitting just a couple of kilometres north of the CBD. It’s the kind of suburb where you feel the hum of the city without being swallowed by it—compact, walkable, and genuinely neighbourly. The local primary school draws families from over 50 different nationalities, which gives the streets a wonderfully cosmopolitan feel. You’re close enough to the city for work or weekend outings, yet the area keeps a relaxed, village-like charm. For a family new to Australia, it’s an easy place to land: everything feels within reach, and the community is used to welcoming newcomers. Expect a mix of older character homes and newer developments, with a pace of life that suits both busy professionals and young families.

Sacred Heart Primary School sits right in the heart of Highgate, and it’s a school with a strong sense of identity. The student body is wonderfully diverse—over 50 different nationalities and backgrounds are represented, which means your child will grow up learning alongside peers from all over the world. That diversity isn’t just a statistic; it shapes the everyday culture, with a natural emphasis on respect, curiosity, and inclusion. The school is Catholic, so faith and values are woven into daily learning, but families from all walks of life are welcomed warmly. Classrooms are focused on building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, while also encouraging creativity and critical thinking. It’s the kind of place where teachers know your child’s name—and your name too.

For working parents, Sacred Heart has you covered with Outside School Hours Care run through the YMCA, located right at the school on Mary Street. That means before you head to the office and after you pick up, your kids can be in safe, familiar hands without you having to dash across town. The YMCA program typically offers a mix of supervised play, homework time, and activities, giving children a relaxed wind-down after a busy school day. It’s a practical setup for families juggling work and school runs. The school office can confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements, including hours and booking details, so you can plan your schedule with confidence. Knowing that care is on-site takes a real weight off your shoulders.

Highgate is a great suburb for easy weeknight meals, especially when you’re settling in and don’t feel like cooking. StreetFood Pizza Bar is a local favourite—perfect for a casual, tasty feed that the whole family will enjoy, whether you pick up a pizza on the way home or order in. For something a bit different, Mary Street Bakery is where locals head for satisfying classics; think fresh bread, pastries, and comfort food that makes a simple dinner feel special. While the suburb doesn’t have a huge array of specialty grocers named in the area, being so close to the city means you’re never far from a good supermarket or a weekend market run. For those first few weeks, these two spots will become your reliable go-tos.

Getting around Highgate is straightforward, especially if you’re heading into the city. The suburb is served by Transperth bus routes—the 40 and 41—which run from Elizabeth Quay Bus Station to Galleria Bus Station and Bayswater Station respectively, with stops along Lord Street. That gives you a direct link to the CBD and connections to the wider train network. While there’s no train station right in Highgate, you’re only about 2 km north of Perth’s centre, so cycling or a short bus ride gets you where you need to go. For extra academic support, HighSchoolTutors.com.au lists 18 private tutors available in Highgate and nearby suburbs, covering primary through high school—handy if your child needs a bit of extra help in a specific subject.

If Sacred Heart feels like the right fit, your next move is simple. Reach out to the school office to arrange a tour—seeing the classrooms and meeting the staff will give you a real feel for the community. Ask about enrolment timelines and any paperwork you’ll need, especially if you’re new to the Australian system. While you’re in the area, take a walk around Highgate: grab a coffee at Mary Street Bakery, check out the local parks, and imagine your family’s daily rhythm here. The school’s diversity and the suburb’s inner-city convenience make it a strong choice for families starting fresh. And remember, the school office can confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements, so you can lock in your work schedule with peace of mind.