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Children's education in WA is currently organised as follows:
- Kindergartenages 3 or 4 (attend if they are 4 by June 30 of that year)
- Pre-primaryages 4 or 5 (attend if they are 5 by June 30 of that year)
- Primary schoolages 6-12 Years 1-7
- Secondary/High schoolages 12-15 Years 8-10
ages 15-17 Years 11-12
The school year runs from January to December.
School is compulsory, by law, between the ages of 6 and 15, ie from Years 1-10 (inclusive).
Kindergarten, pre-primary, and the final two years of High School (Years 11-12) are optional.
Education in state schools is free. Non-state schools and kindergartens are generally
fee paying.
Further information on state schools, from pre-primary onwards, is available from the organisations detailed in the
more info section at the bottom of the page.
kindergarten & pre-primary
Attendance in kindergarten and pre-primary is not compulsory, but provides an opportunity
for you to introduce your child to a school environment, four half days-a-week.
Kindergartens accept children from age 3 (if turning 4 by June 30). Usually
community based with fees payable, kindergartens offer education classes and
learning facilities. Kindergartens can get heavily booked and if you wish to
enrol your child you should register your interest as early as possible
(even from birth) by contacting your preferred facility directly.
Pre-primary is for children from ages 4-5 and the following options are available:
- state pre-primary
- independent pre-primary
- community pre-primary
Attendance at state pre-primarys is free. A search
facility for state pre-primary locations is available via the School Profile System
section of the Education Department of Western Australia
website.
Schools prefer to have a child added to the enrolment list prior to
the end of term 3 the year before the child is due to attend.
Independent pre-primarys are usually attached to a main independent school. Information can be obtained from
the organisations detailed in the
more info section at the bottom of the page
Community pre-primarys are not government controlled, but do receive some
grants from the state. Fees are still payable but are generally lower
than commercial and private facilities. Community pre-primarys are non-profit
organisations and all fees go towards the running of the school and the
facilities provided. Community pre-primarys are very popular and you
should put your child on a waiting list as early as possible after birth.
For enrolment policy details, contact the individual facilities directly.
More detailed information on other facilities for children below pre-primary age, such as
child care, family day care and community childcare centres is contained within
the child care page of this website and
nannies & babysitters page.
primary school
Primary schools provide the first seven years of compulsory education. A full
list of state primary schools is available via the School Profile System of the
Education Department of WA website.
For independent schools, see the organisations detailed in the
more info section at the bottom of the page.
secondary/high school
Secondary schools provide a further three years of compulsory education
(Years 8-10) and two years of post-compulsory education (Years 11-12). A full list of state secondary
schools is available via the School Profile System of the
Education Department of WA website.
For independent schools, see the organisations detailed in the
more info section at the bottom of the page.
special schools and/or special needs
If your child has special needs, the Education Department of Western Australia's Centre for Inclusive Schooling
website
has details of special schools in the region or call (08) 9426 7111 for more advice.
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more information
Department of Education
- website
- ph: (08) 9264 4111 (general)
- ph: 1800 224 888 (Early Childhood School Starting Age Enquiries)
- ph: (08) 9426 7111 (Centre for Inclusive Schooling)
- ph: (08) 9264 5006 or 9264 5007 (government school term & vacation dates)
Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia
- website
- ph: (08) 9244 2788
Catholic Education Office of Western Australia
- website
- ph: (08) 9212 9212
