Aranmore Catholic Primary School

Leederville is one of those inner-city suburbs that feels like a small village tucked into the big city. The heart of it is Oxford Street, a lively strip of cafes, restaurants and shops that’s always buzzing. The school describes itself as just 3km from Perth’s CBD, which means you get that close-to-everything convenience without losing the neighbourhood feel. It’s a mixed area, attracting families from the local community and wider Perth suburbs, so you’ll find a blend of long-time locals and newer arrivals. Public transport links are right at the doorstep, making it easy to hop into the city or explore further afield. For a family, it’s the kind of place where you can walk to a weekend coffee, bump into neighbours, and still be home in time for afternoon activities. It’s practical, friendly, and genuinely central.

Aranmore Catholic Primary School has a strong focus on both academic growth and creative enrichment. The school runs a renowned onsite Instrumental Program, which is a real point of pride, alongside extracurriculars like Band, Choir, Chess Club, Netball and Swim Squad. In the classroom, students benefit from STEM, Music, Religious Education and an Academic Extension and Enrichment program, so there’s something for every kind of learner. The school’s materials highlight that it attracts families from the local community and wider Perth suburbs, which speaks to its reputation. It’s a Catholic school, so faith and values are woven into daily life, but the range of programs means kids aren’t just sitting at desks all day. Whether your child is into music, sport or academics, there’s a place for them here.

For working parents, the school has you covered with its own out-of-school-hours care called ‘Gumtrees’, operated by The Y WA. It’s located at 22 Brentham Street, right next to the school, which makes drop-off and pick-up a breeze. The centre opens from 7.00am, so you can drop the kids off early, they can have breakfast, and then they’re walked over to school when the bell rings. In the afternoon, they’re looked after in a home-like environment until you finish work. It serves children from kindergarten to year 6, so it’s a consistent option as your kids grow. The fact that it’s run by The Y WA, a well-known provider, adds peace of mind. It’s practical, close, and designed to fit around a working day.

When you don’t feel like cooking, Oxford Street has plenty of family-friendly options. Six Senses Gourmet Thai at 135 Oxford Street is a solid choice for curries, pad thai and chilli basil stir fries, open daily from 5:30pm to 10:00pm — perfect for a relaxed dinner or quick takeaway. If the kids want burgers, Grill’d at 128 Oxford Street (corner of Newcastle Street) is vibrant and casual, and Guzman y Gomez at 145 Oxford Street does Mexican street food that’s always a hit. For something a bit different, Amani Bar and Kitchen at 1/162 Oxford Street offers Modern Australian share plates, with takeaway and delivery options if you’d rather stay in. It’s a great strip for those nights when you want to eat out without a big fuss.

Getting around is straightforward. Leederville Station is on the Transperth Yanchep line, and it was one of the first three stations opened on that line back in 1992. Transperth trains and buses serve the area, and the journey planner will show your nearest stop and the time into the city. For extra academic support, there’s a named maths tutor, Andre, offering tutoring in West Leederville via Ezy Math Tutoring — he has award-winning achievements in calculus and linear algebra. Inside the school, the Academic Extension Program (AEP) provides in-house enrichment, so you might not even need outside help. The commute is genuinely easy, whether you’re driving or taking the train.

If Aranmore Catholic Primary School feels like the right fit, your next step is to get in touch with the school office to arrange a tour and discuss enrolment. They can also confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements, though Gumtrees is already well-established. It’s worth walking around Leederville on a weekend to get a feel for the Oxford Street vibe and check out the local parks. The school’s proximity to the CBD and the train line makes it a practical choice for commuting families. Take your time, ask questions, and see if the community feels right for you. Moving suburbs is a big decision, but Leederville has a lot to offer — and Aranmore could be the anchor your family needs.