Enrolment process
Most children start school in the year they turn 5 years of age. Your child must be at school by their 6th birthday.
Government primary schools have 2 major enrolment intakes, one for children at the beginning of the year (intake 1) and one for children to start school in term 3 (intake 2).
If your child turns 5 years old:
- before 1 May they can start reception in term 1 of that year.
- between 1 May and 31 October, they can start reception in term 3 (mid-year).
- after 31 October they can start reception in the following year.
Students enrolled through a mid-year intake will complete 6 terms of reception.
If our school is not your local school, you can still apply to enrol, but enrolment will only be offered if we have places available.
Visit the school enrolment section on the department’s website for more information.
Additional resources
You can contact us or download and complete a registration of interest form (PDF 173 KB) and return it to us.
Download the department’s getting ready for reception flyer (PDF 1 MB) for information on the transition from preschool to school.
If you’re considering enrolling your child mid-year (term 3), you might want to consider enrolling them in preschool during the year before, so they can complete four terms before starting school. See starting preschool on the department’s website for more details.
Apply to enrol
Upon enrolment you will need to provide:
- a copy of the child’s original birth certificate or passport
- an immunisation certificate
- residency visa, if you’re a non-Australian resident
- proof of address (for example utility bill or lease agreement).
Transition visits
Before starting school, you’ll get a letter to let you know when you can attend a transition visit in term 4. This is for all students starting school the following year.
When your child can start preschool
Your child is entitled to access 4 terms (1 year) of government preschool in the year before they start school.
Children who turn 4 years old:
- before 1 May, can start preschool at the beginning of the year
- between 1 May to 31 October, can start preschool in term 3 (mid-year intake)
- after 31 October, can start preschool at the start of the following year.
Regardless of whether your child starts at the beginning of the year, or through a mid-year intake they will attend 4 terms of preschool.
If you’re unsure about the best time for your child to start preschool or feel your child may benefit from starting preschool later, talk to us about your options.
Three-year-old preschool will be rolled out in government preschools in stages from 2026 to 2032.
Early entry
Aboriginal children and children who are or have been in care are eligible for 15 hours of preschool a week after they turn 3, continuing until they start school.
If you have a child with a disability or additional needs, they might be able to start preschool earlier if there are places available. Talk to us if this applies to you. Early entry to preschool does not guarantee early entry to school.
Enrolling your child in preschool
You can register your interest to enrol your child with us by using the preschool registration of interest form (PDF 173 KB) . This form is also available from us.