Principals are asking parents to sign statutory declarations to ensure families are not gaming strict enrolment policies as public schools in Sydney continue to struggle with overcrowding.
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Sydney needs more schools
Over the next ten years demand for schools across Sydney is almost going to double.
High achieving schools and those in popular areas have especially rigorous enrolment requirements, insisting that tenancy agreements stretch for at least the first six months of the year to stop families leasing a property simply to gain enrolment.
Overcrowding is a worsening problem for Sydney schools and the NSW Department of Education has changed the boundaries for 11 schools this year in a bid to ease the pressure in areas with ballooning populations.
Rozelle, Orange Grove and Bourke Street public schools are among those which have had their boundaries changed after several years of significant enrolment growth.
Numbers at Orange Grove have swelled from 240 students in 2012 to 401 students last year while at Rozelle, enrolments have increased from 537 to 626 in four years.
Russell Lea has also had its boundaries changed as it transforms from an infants school to a full primary school to relieve enrolment pressure on schools in the Drummoyne area.
An education department spokesman said: "Enrolment boundaries are regularly revised at NSW public schools, particularly in response to changing patterns of enrolment."
As schools in Sydney continue to grow, some principals are implementing strict enrolment processes, which include insisting on statutory declarations in addition to four pieces of evidence showing a family lives in the catchment, including bills, rate notices and tenancy agreements.
Principals also warn parents that submitting false information when enrolling a child in school could result in a $22,000 fine or even jail.
Many schools do not accept out-of-area enrolments and some do not guarantee a place for siblings if the family has moved out of the catchment.
Matthew Pearce Public in Baulkham Hills is a high-achieving school and competition to enrol is fierce. Real estate agents report that they are swamped in the lead up to the new school year as families try to move into the school's catchment.
It has undergone significant growth, seeing an increase of 300 students in just four years. Last year, 1311 students were enrolled.
"If leasing a property the lease must extend into the school year, a minimum of six months," the enrolment form for Matthew Pearce says.
"This may require families to present a new lease prior to enrolment. Office staff will advise when necessary. All lease agreements must be substantiated with the accompanying rental bond receipt from the Department of Fair Trading."
The form also stresses that documents will be reviewed to ensure a family's situation has not changed.
"For new students enrolling for the next year, whilst current documents will be asked for in the year prior to the day of enrolment, more current documents will need to be provided on the day of enrolment, to ensure address is still current.
"This will be for all residents, both rental properties and home owners."