First thing is to check this site:

http://www.immi.gov.au/students/

Public school are, in the main, non-selective, which means that you don't get a concentration of academically-gifted children in the one school. We do have selective schools, but places in these are gained through competition, and I don't think I've heard of anyone on a studnet visa being taken for just a couple of months... there are usually 200+ people on a waiting list for permanent enrolment.

Your best bet might be to go for a temporary placement in a private school and just pay the fees. Many private schools have a "gifted and talented" programme which your two sons might be able to fit into, and some have both primary (up to Year 6) and Secondary (Years 7-12)classes on the same campus, which would make things a little simpler for you.

It would be impossible for me to recommend one as being more or less suitable for your sons, as, of course, we know nothing about their interests or their strengths. I suggest that maybe you decide on the area you want to live in first, and once this is established, canvass the private or Church schools in your area.

Have you affiliations with a church that has a presence in Australia? This might give you an opening.. someone could do the initial liaising on your behalf.

Purely as a starting guide, the most-affluent suburbs in Sydney are north of the bridge, or to the east, around Double Bay and Bellevue Hill. Lots of great schools in both these areas! The western and southern areas are generally less-desirable. There are several excellent schools in the near-country areas such as the Blue Mountains or Campbelltown... living is more laid-back in these areas, but they are not so popular with commuters.

I found this. Maybe you could contact them for suggestions.

http://nswagtc.org.au/

And maybe the Education Department could provide you with information about what your options are for such a short length of time.

…nsw.gov.au/policies/gats/index.htm

Also have you tried googling for parenting forums? Fellow parents can be a great resource. It's how we found a better government school when the department (not NSW) was telling us all its schools are equally excellent.

There are a few considerations here. One is which grade to enrol in - Australian school years run on a year basis, ie 4 terms in 2008 each terms is 10 - 11 weeks in public schools, usually less at most private schools, this could be a factor on public or private. There is much debate about the merits of public versus private, basically in general terms the quality of teaching is very similiar in both, with the facilities at most private schools are usually superior to public.

What is not common knowledge is that people on the various temporary visas usually have to pay fees to attend a public school (yes that is correct, I am in a position to know) it depends on the number of the visa. This means that paying to attend some private schools (usually the 'church') ones can actually be cheaper.

Quality of education - you will find the 'standard' fo education in NSW is very good, this means that even though your sons will not qualify for OC or selective school (temporary visa situation)the mode of teaching differentiates the curriculum for students and this is not only encouraged it is expected. However the area the you choose to live /stay will determine the cohort in which they are enrolled. It can be surprising where really good schools are, 'public' reputation does not always reflect the quality of teaching or results. You do need to dig a little deeper. But overall what school your sons attend will probably not have a significant impact on future results, in fact your 9 year old will probably not be affected by not attending school at all, that is if you can cope, but he will probably enjoy the social experience of attending school in another country.

I can assist further, but am limited by the public nature of this forum. Please send a private email instead.

Annaroo