Choosing a school and when to start
When to start primary school
The age your child can start school is different in each state or territory. Find out when your child can start school. These links will take you away from myGov.
| State or territory | Resource |
|---|---|
| ACT | When your child can start school in the ACT |
| NSW | Starting school |
| NT | Age your child attends school |
| Qld | Enrolment age requirements |
| SA | Starting school |
| Tas | Starting and leaving ages |
| Vic | Starting primary school guide |
| WA | Enrolling in school |
Choosing a school
Some families choose their local public primary school, look into private school options or choose to homeschool their child.
When you’re choosing a school you may consider:
- how close the school is to home and work
- the school’s teaching methods and if they cater to your child’s needs
- if the school has before and after school care
- the school’s academic performance.
You can use the My School website to get information about schools.
Find out more about things to consider when choosing a school on the Raising Children website.
Enrolment zones for public primary schools
Most public primary schools have enrolment zones, which are sometimes known as catchments. This means your child must live within a certain area around the school to attend.
Find out more about catchment areas in your state or territory. These links will take you away from myGov.
| State or territory | Resource |
|---|---|
| ACT | Find your local school |
| NSW | Use the School Finder |
| NT | School's priority enrolment area |
| Qld | Search the schools directory |
| SA | Find a school zone or preschool catchment area |
| Tas | Find your local primary school |
| Vic | Find my school |
| WA | Use schools online |