St John's School

Scarborough is a lovely, affluent coastal suburb that feels like a permanent beach holiday, yet it’s very much a family-friendly community. With a median age of 36 and an average household size of 2.1, you’ll find a mix of young professionals, couples, and families with younger kids. The vibe is relaxed and outdoorsy, centred around the beautiful Scarborough Beach, which offers 22 hectares of public open space, a beach pool, and a surf lifesaving club for weekend fun. The area is predominantly Australian-born, though about a quarter of residents come from overseas—with the United Kingdom being the most common birthplace, so you might find a few familiar accents at the local shops. It’s a welcoming, well-off neighbourhood where people take pride in their coastal lifestyle, and you’ll quickly feel at home among the friendly locals.

St John's School sits right in the heart of this vibrant community, offering a solid educational foundation for your children. While specific details about the school’s extracurricular programs aren’t widely publicised, the school’s focus is on providing a supportive, well-rounded learning environment that fits the family-oriented character of Scarborough. The school benefits from being in a suburb where parents are engaged and invested in their kids’ education, which often translates into a strong sense of community within the classroom. You can expect a caring atmosphere where teachers know their students by name, and the coastal surroundings provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor learning and exploration. For the most current information on what’s offered, a quick chat with the school office will give you the full picture of daily life and any special activities.

For working parents, the school office can confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements. While specific OSHC provider details aren’t publicly listed, it’s common for schools in this area to offer or coordinate care options, so it’s worth asking directly. Beyond school hours, Scarborough itself is a fantastic place for kids to unwind—the beach, the open spaces, and the family-friendly vibe mean there’s always something to do after pickup. Many local families take advantage of the beach pool or simply enjoy a walk along the shore while the kids burn off energy. If you need a bit more structure, the suburb’s strong community feel often leads to informal playdates and neighbourhood connections, which can be a lifesaver for busy parents. Just reach out to the school or local parent groups to see what works best for your family’s schedule.

Weeknight dinners in Scarborough are a breeze with plenty of casual, family-friendly options nearby. For a healthier take on burgers, Grill'd Burgers at 188 The Esplanade is a great choice, offering tasty meals that kids and adults both enjoy. If you’re craving classic fish and chips, Chasing Dory Fish & Chips at 1/11 Doric St delivers the real deal, perfect for a beachside picnic dinner. Peters By The Sea at 128 The Esplanade is another solid fast-food option with positive reviews, ideal for those nights when you just want something quick and easy. For a lighter, clean-eating option, Health Freak Cafe at 22 Scarborough Beach Rd serves healthy meals, though its hours (Tue–Sun 8am–2:30pm) mean it’s more of a lunch spot than a dinner destination. The Doric Street Shopping Centre is also a handy local hub for everyday groceries and takeaways, so you’ll never be short on dinner ideas.

Getting around from Scarborough is straightforward, especially if you need to head into Perth’s city centre. Transperth runs the 990 bus from Scarborough Beach Bus Stn Stand 2 directly to Perth Busport Zone B in about 40 minutes, with services every 15 minutes—so you won’t be waiting long. If you’re in a hurry, you can take the 990 to Glendalough Station and transfer to a Yanchep Line train, which gets you to Perth Underground Station in about 35 minutes total. That’s a pretty efficient commute for a coastal suburb. The commute itself is reliable and well-serviced, making it easy to balance work in the city with family life by the beach.

Your next step is to reach out to St John's School directly to arrange a tour and get the latest details on enrolment, fees, and any care options. While you’re at it, take a drive around Scarborough to get a feel for the neighbourhood—stop by the beach, check out the Doric Street Shopping Centre, and maybe grab a bite at one of the local takeaways. The school office will be your best source for anything specific, from before- and after-school care to any enrichment activities. Once you’ve got the school sorted, you can start picturing your family’s new routine: morning bus rides to the city, afternoons at the beach, and easy weeknight dinners. Scarborough is a welcoming, well-connected community, and with a bit of planning, you’ll settle in beautifully.