Commentary: What Parents Are Really Looking For in Schools

What makes a school truly exceptional? While academic achievement remains an important measure of success, today’s families are looking for something more: a place where their children are known, supported and inspired to thrive. Following the 2026 AISWA Leaders Conference, HCWA CEO Paul Savvas shares his reflections on the future of education, the role of strong leadership and why the foundations of great schooling remain as relevant as ever. Read his latest commentary below.

As educators, we often spend a great deal of time discussing curriculum, technology, assessment and the future of learning. These conversations are important, and they were front and centre at the 2026 AISWA Leaders Conference, where St. Andrew’s Grammar Principal Siza Macdonald and I joined colleagues from across Western Australia to explore this year’s theme: Educational Leadership Beyond the Horizon.

Throughout the conference, one thought continued to resonate with me: while the world is changing at an extraordinary pace, what parents value most in a school has remained remarkably consistent.

Parents certainly want their children to achieve academically. They want them to be prepared for careers that may not even exist today and to develop the skills to navigate an increasingly complex world. Schools have a responsibility to embrace innovation, think strategically and ensure students are equipped for the future.

But beneath all of that lies something much more fundamental.

Parents want to know their child is known.

They want their children to feel safe, supported and challenged. They want teachers who genuinely care, leaders who listen and a school community that shares their values. They want confidence that their children will grow not only as learners, but as compassionate, resilient and responsible young people.

These are qualities that cannot be measured by test scores alone.

At St. Andrew’s Grammar, we are fortunate to be part of a community where relationships sit at the heart of education. Our size allows us to know our students as individuals, celebrate their strengths and support them through challenges. Our Hellenic heritage reminds us of the importance of community, belonging and respect, while our outlook remains firmly focused on preparing students for a global future.

The conference also reinforced that educational leadership is no longer simply about managing schools. It is about anticipating change while remaining grounded in purpose. As new technologies emerge and society continues to evolve, schools must be agile enough to adapt without losing sight of what matters most.

The horizon may look different in five, ten or twenty years’ time. Artificial intelligence, changing workforce demands and global challenges will undoubtedly shape the educational landscape. Yet I believe the schools that will thrive are those that continue to place people at the centre of everything they do.

Education has always been about more than preparing students for exams. It is about preparing them for life.

As leaders, our challenge is to embrace the future with confidence while preserving the values that have always underpinned great education: curiosity, integrity, kindness and a genuine commitment to helping every child reach their potential. If we can do that, we won’t simply be preparing students for the future.

At St. Andrew’s Grammar, these are principles that guide every decision we make. As education continues to evolve, we remain committed to staying at the forefront of teaching and learning; embracing innovation while never losing sight of the individual student. By combining high-quality education with a genuine sense of belonging, we are preparing young people for the world they will inherit and help create.

Choosing a school is choosing a future. I invite families to discover what sets St. Andrew’s Grammar apart — a place where students are challenged to excel, encouraged to grow and inspired to become confident, compassionate leaders. Come and meet our dedicated staff, experience our vibrant community and see firsthand how we are equipping students with the knowledge, character and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.