I use Circuit Maker 2000 and PSIM for simulations, Ultibum for PCB layout and drawing pretty schematics for reports and reference charts, etc. There are "student versions" of all this stuff around.
No software is going to tell you what the design flaws in your circuit are. You have to run a simulation, check the voltages and currents that result, and see if you are getting what you want/expect. If not then get debugging.
Check out "Express PCB" as well for free PCB software. You must order your PCB from them though. But in a way this is good to because the whole order process is built into the software which saves messing around trying to get the correct files for your PCB to be fabricated.