It might seem like a long time before you have to enrol your little one in school, but it pays to be prepared.
How old do they have to be before they can start ‘big school? What is their first year of formal schooling called? What are the cut-off dates?
Leaving it to the last minute can cause unnecessary stress, so find the information you need to know early, and make sure everything is ready when it needs to be.
Here is our quick guide to education in Australia.
Education in Australia
The education system in each Australian state is run by that state or territory government.
The main differences are:
- The names of each level can vary (for example Prep in Queensland is the same as Kindy in NSW)
- Primary school is from Grades 1-6 except in South Australia until 2022, when they will come in line with the rest of the country.
- School is compulsory for children from the age of 6 in all states and territories, except Western Australia and Tasmania where it is younger (see below for more info on compulsory schooling).
Formal schooling in Australia includes:
- a preparatory year before Year 1 (when a child is turning 5 years or 6 years)
- primary schooling: Years 1-6 (1-7 in South Australia until 2022)
- secondary schooling: Years 7-12 (8-12 in South Australia until 2022).
Australian children can do a year of preschool or pre-prep before formal schooling starts. This is not compulsory.
Australian Education System: State by State
| State / Territory | Pre-Prep | Prep Year | Primary School | High School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | Preschool | Kindy | Grade 1-6 | Grade 7-12 |
| NSW | Preschool | Kindy | Grade 1-6 | Grade 7-12 |
| NT | Preschool | Transition | Grade 1-6 | Grade 7-12 |
| QLD | Kindy | Prep | Grade 1-6 | Grade 7-12 |
| SA | Preschool/Kindy | Reception | Grade 1-6 (from 2022) | Grade 7-12 (from 2022) |
| TAS | Kindy | Prep | Grade 1-6 | Grade 7-12 |
| VIC | Kinder | Prep | Grade 1-6 | Grade 7-12 |
| WA | Kindy | Pre-primary | Grade 1-6 | Grade 7-12 |
How old does my child have to be before they can start school?
The age your child needs to be before they’re able to start school varies from state to state.
The Prep Year (also called kindy, reception, pre-primary or transistion) is the start of formal schooling. However many parents choose to send their children to preschool or Pre-Prep (called kinder in Victoria and kindy in QLD, Tasmania and ACT) the year earlier, in preparation for formal schooling.
| State / Territory | Pre-Prep | Prep Year |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | If a child turns 4 on or before April 30 they can start Preschool at the beginning of that year. | If a child turns 5 on or before April 30 they can start Kindy at the beginning of that school year. |
| NSW | If a child turns 4 on our before July 31 they can start Preschool at the beginning of that year. | If a child turns 5 on or before July 31 they can start Kindy at the beginning of that school year. |
| NT | If a child turns 4 between Jan 1 and June 30 they can start Preschool at the start of that year. Children who turn 4 in the second half of the year can start from their 4th birthday. | If a child turns 5 on or before June 30 they can start Transition at the beginning of that school year. |
| QLD | If a child is 4 by June 30 they can start Kindy at the beginning of that year. | If a child is 5 by June 30 they can start Prep at the beginning of that school year. |
| SA | If a child turns 4 before May 1 they can start Preschool at the beginning of that year. | If a child turns 5 before May 1 they can start Reception at the beginning of that school year. |
| TAS | If a child turns 4 on or by January 1 they can start Kindergarten at the beginning of that school year. | If a child turns 5 on or by January 1 they MUST start Prep at the beginning of that school year. |
| VIC | Kindergarten is usually for children who are in the year before school (turning 4 by April 30)however the Victorian Government is rolling out a funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten program across the state from 2022. | If a child turns 5 by April 30 they can start Prep at the beginning of that school year. |
| WA | If a child turns 4 by June 30 they can start Kindy at the beginning of that year. | If a child turns 5 by June 30 they MUST start Pre-primary at the beginning of that school year. |
When is school compulsory?
Each state or territory governs their own education system which means there are slight variations in age requirements for compulsory schooling.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT it is compulsory for children to be enrolled in school from age six and to continue in full-time education until they complete Year 10. Young people are then required to participate in full-time education, training or employment until they complete Year 12 or turn 17.
NSW / Victoria / Northern Territory
All children must be in compulsory schooling by their 6th birthday and until they complete Year 10. After that, and until the age of 17, student must be either in school, employment, education or training.
Queensland
A child is considered to be of compulsory school age from 6 years and 6 months until they turn 16, or they complete Year 10 (whichever comes first).
South Australia
Children and teenagers must be in school from 6 years to 16 years old. Teenagers must go to school or an approved learning program until they turn 17 unless they achieve their SACE or other qualification, or are in full-time employment.
Tasmania
Every child who has turned five on or by 1 January must start Prep in that year, or be provided with approved home education. Young people need to stay in education or training until they finish Year 12, or receive a Certificate III, or reach the new minimum leaving age of 18.
Western Australia
The first year of compulsory school is Pre-primary (students who turn 5 by June 30) and all students of compulsory school age must be enrolled and attending. Children must attend school until they are 16. Sixteen and 17-year-olds must be enrolled in school or a training organisation, be employed or be in a combination of all three.
What else do I need to know?
The most important thing is to get in early—especially if you want to enrol your child in private school or you live in an area of high demand.
Even if you don’t know where you’ll be living when your child is due to start school, you should investigate your options and put down their names where necessary. Some waiting lists at private schools are so long you’d be well advised to have your child’s name down at birth!
Education in state schools is free. Non-state schools and pre-preps are generally fee paying.
Useful links:
ACT
- Department of Education and Training
- Catholic Education Office – Canberra and Goulburn
- The Association of Independent Schools of the ACT
NSW
- Department of Education
- Catholic Education Commission NSW
- Catholic Education Office Sydney
- The Association of Independent Schools of NSW
NT
- Department of Education
- Northern Territory Catholic Education Office
- Association of Independent Schools of the Northern Territory
QLD
- Education Queensland
- Queensland Catholic Education Commission
- Independent Schools Queensland
- C&K Queensland
SA
- Department of Education South Australia
- Catholic Education Office South Australia
- South Australian Independent Schools
TAS
- Department of Education
- Catholic Education Tasmania
- Association of Independent Schools of Tasmania
- Christian Schools Tasmania
VIC
- Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
- Catholic Education Commission of Victoria
- Independent Schools Victoria
WA
- Department of Education
- Catholic Education Western Australia
- Association of Independent Schools Western Australia
Find more great info, hints, and tips about schooling in our Back to School Hub.
James Franco 
Crystin 
Ezmom 
Evelyn 
Clare 
Fleur 
Mum of 2 
SydMum 
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