The verdict in three sentences
Relocating families choosing an international private school in Melbourne shortlist from the website, often from overseas and weeks before any campus visit. A Melbourne agency typically quotes a 2026 ballpark of AUD 25,000 to 60,000 (about USD 16,000 to 39,000) for a new site, while Kolonell works on a fixed grid of USD 2,900 (Starter), 4,900 (Growth) and 8,900 (Premium). The honest comparison is the three-year total, including content, photography, translations and the admissions tools you may connect later.
What must the site prove to relocating families?
Parents moving from Singapore, London, Dubai or Paris compare three or four schools in an evening. They look for facts, in this order:
- Curriculum and pathways, stated exactly as held (IB programmes, VCE, a British or French stream), with the year levels concerned.
- Accreditations and registrations as actually held, with no logo you cannot justify.
- Admissions process: steps, documents, entry points mid-year, waiting list rules.
- Fees, transparent, with what is included (uniform, camps, transport, levies).
- Location and transport: campus map, bus routes, distance from typical expatriate suburbs.
- Open days and virtual tours, with dates kept current.
- Wellbeing, EAL support and child safety policies, easy to find.
Never publish invented exam results, rankings or enrolment numbers. Under Australian Consumer Law, claims about outcomes must be accurate.
Real cost: Kolonell vs Melbourne providers
Local ranges are a prudent 2026 ballpark from typical agency quotes and public agency rate pages, converted approximately at AUD 1 = USD 0.65. Kolonell prices are fixed in USD.
| Option | Local price (AUD, 2026 ballpark) | Approx. USD | Timeline | Typical inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance designer | 8,000 to 20,000 | 5,200 to 13,000 | 6 to 12 weeks | Template-based build, light copy support |
| Melbourne agency | 25,000 to 60,000 | 16,000 to 39,000 | 10 to 16 weeks | Discovery, custom design, CMS, training |
| Premium education specialist agency | 60,000 to 150,000 | 39,000 to 98,000 | 4 to 8 months | Brand work, video, admissions integrations |
| Kolonell Starter | n/a | 2,900 | 3 to 4 weeks | Compact site, admissions enquiry path |
| Kolonell Growth | n/a | 4,900 | 3 to 4 weeks | Fuller structure: curriculum, fees, news, events |
| Kolonell Premium | n/a | 8,900 | 4 to 6 weeks | Multilingual tier, languages set in the quote |
Every tier includes a project manager reachable in your time zone, native English or French copywriting, delivery in 3 to 4 weeks (Premium 4 to 6) once content is ready, and 3 months of support. An admissions portal, a link to your student information system (SIS) or a parent login are on quote. Details on the international website offer.
Hidden costs and three-year total
| Cost item | Who pays | Three-year estimate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional photography with parental consent forms | Third party | 2,000 to 5,000 |
| Translations for families (for example Mandarin or French) | Third party | 1,500 to 4,000 |
| Compliance review of privacy and child safety pages | Your counsel | 1,000 to 3,000 |
| Hosting and domain | You | 600 to 1,800 |
| Maintenance after the 3 included months | Market assumption: USD 150 to 450 / month | 4,950 to 14,850 over 33 months |
| Admissions portal or SIS connection | On quote | Depends on scope |
Example three-year total with Kolonell Growth, using mid-range assumptions: 4,900 + 3,500 + 2,500 + 2,000 + 1,200 + 9,900 = USD 24,000. The same assumptions with a USD 27,000 local agency build give 27,000 + 3,500 + 2,500 + 2,000 + 1,200 + 9,900 = USD 46,100.
Children's data and photos
Keep data collected on enquiry forms to the minimum: a parent contact, intended year level, start date. Medical or family details belong in a secure admissions process, not a web form. Use pupil photos only with written parental consent and remove them on request. Check with your advisers whether and how the Privacy Act 1988 applies to your school; the small business exemption has exceptions. This is not legal advice.
When a local agency is the better choice
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
A Melbourne agency is worth its premium if you need on-campus filming over several days, close coordination with a board and a parents' association through in-person workshops, or a deep integration with your SIS and enrolment platform in the first release. If your priority is a credible, clear site live before the next intake, the fixed grid usually fits better.
Questions to ask any provider: who writes for parents abroad? How are fees pages kept current? Who owns the domain and CMS accounts? What happens when we add a language?
Mini case study
Illustrative example: "Yarra Bend International School", a K to 12 school, receives an AUD 45,000 quote (about USD 29,250). It chooses Kolonell Premium at USD 8,900 to publish in English and the languages set in its quote, plus USD 4,000 of photography and USD 3,000 of translation as third-party costs, for USD 15,900. It keeps USD 29,250 − 15,900 = USD 13,350 for a later admissions portal, quoted separately.
FAQ
How long does a new school website take?
With Kolonell, 3 to 4 weeks for Starter and Growth and 4 to 6 weeks for Premium once content is ready. Melbourne agencies usually plan 10 to 16 weeks.
Should fees be published?
Most families expect them, and clear fees reduce unqualified enquiries. Update them at least once a year, with the date shown.
Can we show exam results?
Only verified results, presented accurately and dated. Never estimate or round up figures.
Is an online application included?
A structured enquiry form is included. A full admissions portal or SIS connection is on quote and often costs more than the site itself.
What does Premium add?
Premium is the multilingual tier at USD 8,900, with languages set in the quote and a more advanced structure. It suits schools recruiting families from several language markets.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your curriculum, intake calendar and the families you recruit, and we will recommend Growth or Premium with a launch date. See the international offer or request a free quote: detailed reply within 48 hours.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.