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 When your child can start school in the ACT
NSW Starting school
NT Age your child attends school
Qld Enrolment age requirements
SA Starting primary 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 Search the education directory
Qld Search the schools directory
SA Find a school zone or preschool catchment area
Tas Find out about intake areas for Tasmanian Government Schools 
Vic Find my school
WA Use schools online
Page last updated: 25 March 2024