Choosing a school and when to start

Find out when your child can start school and what to consider when you’re choosing a school.

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 School age calculator
NSW Starting school
NT Age your child attends school
Qld Enrolment age requirements
SA Starting school
Tas School starting and leaving ages in Tasmania
Vic Starting primary school in Victoria
WA Enrol at a Western Australian 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 or priority enrolment areas. 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 a school in your Priority Enrolment Area
NSW Find a school
NT School's priority enrolment area
Qld Department of Education Schools Directory
SA Find your local school or preschool
Tas Find your local primary school
Vic Find my School
WA Schools online

Page last updated: 1 July 2025