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Enrolments

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Starting School


General Information

  • Comparative Age - Australia
    This site, by the Western Australian Department of Education, provides a ‘Comparison of ages for entry into Programs in Australia’. Covers both preschool and formal schooling years.
    Well presented
  • Data Implementation Manual for Enrolments
    [For the 2008 School Year]
    ‘This manual provides information to assist schools and school systems to collect student background information from parents as agreed by Education Ministers. This is to enable nationally comparable reporting of students’ outcomes against the National Goals for Schooling in the Twenty-first Century.’ One state’s process, covering Years K [or 1] through to 7, that of Western Australia, can be found at this site.
  • Starting School
    While provided by Child and Youth Health Service in South Australia, it is applicable everywhere. Covers ‘Is your child ready for school ?’, ‘Preparing for School’, ‘Once at School’, ‘Starting Can be Stressful’, ‘Reminders’ and links to a range of resources.
    Highly Recommended !
  • Starting School : Effective Transitions
    This is a research paper by Australian academics. ‘It provides examples of effective strategies and transition programs. In this context, the nature of some current transition programs is questioned.’
  • Transition to School
    Information from Vision Australia. It includes information about a range of readiness skills, ways of assisting the transition, ‘School Days arrive’ and more. Covers all children.
  • Most schools will provide you with a Handbook, which lists all the relevant information about school life from ‘Absences’ to ‘Visitors’ and everything in between. If they do not supply one automatically, make sure you ask. Others may not only have a ‘paper’ version, but also an online version, such as at Anula Primary School [NT] and at Stanwell Park Public School [NSW, ‘School Information’].

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Australian Capital Territory

  • Starting School - A Guide for Parents
    Advice relating specifically to ACT schools. Download the .pdf document from this site.
  • Enrolment Policies
    Access Departmental policies for enrolment in Pre-Schools [Government], Primary & High Schools and Colleges from this site. Scroll down to the section including ‘E’.
  • First Year of School :
    • Kindergarten
  • Minimum Age at Entry :
    • Must turn 5 years of age by 30 June in the year they enrol.
    • Continuous intake after 5th birthday into Transition.
    • Children must be enrolled, by law, when they turn 6 years of age,
  • Special Circumstances :
    • Early entry for gifted/talented children is possible, but if this is sought then contact should be made with the local Director of Schools.
    • If you have a child with a disability, then contact should be made with the local Director of Schools to assure appropriate placement and assistance. Information on Special Education Services for all levels can be found at this site.
  • Non-Local School Enrolment :
    • Yes, but dependent on spaces. Local and then other ACT students have preference over non-ACT students.
    • Priority Enrolment Area - information on these for all levels can be found at this site with Word downloads covering 2008 and 2009.
  • Documentation Needed :
    • Proof of age e.g. Birth Certificate or Passport.
    • Appropriate VISA if applicable.
    • Recommended :
      • Copies of documentation if legal circumstances apply e.g. custody.
      • Any documentation relating to mental/physical conditions which may affect learning and/or require special assistance.
      • Check with the nominated school for any further requirements.
  • Immunisation :
    • No specific requirements for enrolment, though immunisation is encouraged. What happens if there is an outbreak, can be found in the Infectious Diseases
      Outbreak Procedures and Exclusion Periods document [.pdf].
  • Orientation
      • Yes. Check with your child’s future school regarding date[s] and time[s].
  • Travel Assistance :
  • Fees :
    • Check with your child’s future school for details.
  • Uniform :
    • Yes. Check with your child’s future school for details.

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New South Wales

  • Starting School [NSW]
    Advice relating specifically to New South Wales schools.
  • Education - Starting School
    A Starting School section, is one part of this government site covering different aspects of education in NSW.
  • How to Enrol at a Public School
  • Going to Primary School
    Includes, Preparing for Kindergarten, Ten Tips for Parents of Children Starting Kindergarten and, Time to Start School …[A Parent’s Guide to Starting Kindergarten] [pdf 1.28mb], as well as other information.
  • First Year of School :
    • Kindergarten
  • Minimum Age at Entry :
    • Must turn 5 years of age by 31 July in the year they enrol. Intakes may occur until the beginning of Semester 2.
    • Late birthdays [May/June/July] are likely to invoke discussion about suitability to start rather than wait.
    • Children must be enrolled, by law, when they turn 6 years of age.
  • Special Circumstances :
    • Children With Special or Additional Needs
      This site will provide a range of specific information.
    • Early enrolment possible for gifted/talented students. Check with your child’s future school for details.
    • Check with your child’s future school if your child suffers from a mental or physical disability to assure appropriate placement and assistance.
  • Non-Local Enrolment :
    • Yes. You may apply at up to 4 non-local schools. Available vacancies [school and/or year] will determine possible placement.
  • Documentation Needed :
    • Proof of age e.g. Birth Certificate or Passport.
    • Immunisation Certificate - see below.
    • Proof of address if applying for non-local school.
    • Appropriate VISA if applicable.
    • Recommended :
      • Copies of documentation if legal circumstances apply e.g. custody. Family Law Related Issues - this site provides a range of information.
      • Any documentation relating to mental/physical conditions which may affect learning and/or require special assistance. Children With Special Medication Needs - this site provides a range of information. Special Needs Transport Service - information can be found here
      • Check with your child’s future school for any further requirements.
  • Immunisation :
    • Immunisation Certificate from family doctor/hospital/local health centre.
    • Failure to be fully immunised may require exclusion in the event of particular diseases occurring in the school.
    • All Immunisation [NSW] details can be found here.
  • Orientation :
    • Yes. Check with your child’s future school regarding date[s] and time[s].
  • Travel Assistance :
    • Yes. Bus/train passes available where required, for all children up to Yr 3.
    • Passes for children in higher years are only if they live more than 1.6+ km in a direct line from the school.
  • Fees :
    • Yes, but voluntary. Check with your child’s future school. Voluntary School Contribution information can be found here.
    • Excursions, travel for sport and other costs are mandatory.
    • Discuss any of these with the school if there are difficulties with payment.
  • Uniform :
    • Yes. Check with your child’s future school.
    • Some schools have ‘dress codes’ in addition to or instead of uniforms.
    • Other Information [NSW] is available here.
  • new !Out of School Hours Care :
    • Many local and community programs operate across NSW, either at schools or local centres. You should also check with your child’s school in regard to Outside School Hours Care.
    • Before and After School Care
      A brief summary, with links, from the Department of Education & Training.
    • Network of Community Activities
      [OOSH]
      ‘OOSH [Out of School Hours] covers services for school-age children before and after school and during the school vacations. The official name for the government’s program is Outside School Hours Care [OSHC] or Vacation Care [VC].’
    • The Australian Child Care Index
      Search the various state areas to find appropriate sites.

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Northern Territory

  • Information for Parents
    ‘This information pack has been assembled for the benefit of parents whose children are to attend a school in the Northern Territory for the first time.’ You should also check the information on the Let’s Start Program which ‘aims to help parents support children as they negotiate their way through preschool into primary school. We work with children aged 4-6 years and their parents or main carers.’
  • First Year of School :
    • Government Pre-school available if children have turned 4. This is recommended but not compulsory. Non-Government Pre-schools may take them earlier than this.
    • Transition, with 3 intakes up to the beginning of Semester 2.
  • Minimum Age at Entry :
    • Must be 5 years of age before enrolment. To start at the beginning of the year, your child must turn 5 before 1 January of the year in which they start. Check the information on The Age of Entry Trial for the beginning of 2008.
    • If turning 5 between 1 January and 30 June, your child may be enrolled in the intake after their birthday.
    • Children coming from Pre-school enter in the Transition group.
    • Children must be enrolled, by law, when they turn 6 years of age.
  • Special Circumstances :
    • Check with your child’s future school if your child suffers from a mental or physical disability to assure appropriate placement and assistance. Information on Special Education and Wellbeing can be found at this site.
  • Non-Local Enrolment :
    • No restrictions, except where space is not available.
  • Documentation Needed :
    • Proof of age e.g. Birth Certificate or Passport.
    • Appropriate VISA if applicable.
    • Recommended :
      • Copies of documentation if legal circumstances apply e.g. custody.
      • Any documentation relating to mental/physical conditions which may affect learning and/or require special assistance. See Special Circumstances section above.
      • Check with your child’s future school for any further requirements.
  • Immunisation :
  • Orientation :
    • Yes. Check with your child’s future school regarding date[s] and time[s].
  • Travel Assistance :
    • A range of travel schemes. Check with your child’s future school. Details and application forms for a variety of travel assistance can be found here on the Student Assistance Schemes page.
  • Fees :
    • Yes, but voluntary [Annual Levy]. Check with your child’s future school.
    • Discuss any of this with the school if there are difficulties with payment.
  • Uniform :
    • A dress code which may include uniform. Check with the your child’s future school. A recent media release indicates uniform will be compulsory for Transition to Year 9 from the beginning of 2008.
    • Each school has its own policy, including sun safety.
  • new !Out of School Hours Care :
    • A variety of local and community programs operate, either at schools or local centres. You should also check with your child’s school in regard to Outside School Hours Care.
    • The Australian Child Care Index
      Search the various territory areas to find appropriate sites.

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Queensland
  • First Year of School :
    • Year 1
  • Minimum Age at Entry :
    • They may enrol in a Kindergarten in the year they turn 4 years of age.
    • Their name may be placed on a waiting list in the year they turn 3. See proof of age requirements below.
    • They attend Preschool in the year they turn 5. Get set for Prep - ‘In 2007, a non-compulsory, full-time Preparatory Year of schooling will replace the current, part-time preschool program. Children will need to be five by 30 June in the year they enrol.’. Find out all the relevant information from this site.
    • They must turn 5 years of age in the calendar year before starting school - Year 1.
    • Children must be enrolled, by law, when they turn 6 years of age.
  • Special Circumstances :
    • Early enrolment possible for gifted/talented students. Check with your child’s future school for details.
    • Check with your child’s future school if your child suffers from a mental or physical disability to assure appropriate placement and assistance. The Learning & Disability : Students with Disabilities covers support information for students with disabilities.
  • Non-Local Enrolment :
    • Not applicable.
  • Documentation Needed :
    • Proof of age e.g. Birth Certificate or Passport.
    • Appropriate VISA if applicable.
    • Recommended :
      • Copies of documentation if legal circumstances apply e.g. custody.
      • Any documentation relating to mental/physical conditions which may affect learning and/or require special assistance.
      • Check with your child’s future school for any further requirements.
  • Immunisation :
    • No specific requirements for enrolment, though immunisation is encouraged.
  • Orientation :
    • Yes. Check with your child’s future school regarding date[s] and time[s].
  • Travel Assistance :
    • An allowance is available. Check with your child’s future school or go to School Transport, which covers transport for students with disabilities.
  • Fees :
    • There is a Contribution Scheme. Check with your child’s future school. Discuss any of this with the school if there are difficulties with payment.
  • Uniform :
    • There is a Dress Code which may include uniform. Check with your child’s future school.
  • new !Out of School Hours Care :

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South Australia

  • Starting School [SA]
    Advice relating specifically to South Australian schools. [Slow to load when last checked.]
  • First Year of School :
    • Reception is the 1st formal year.
  • Minimum Age at Entry :
    • Must turn 5 years of age before enrolment is possible.
    • Children must be enrolled, by law, when they turn 6 years of age.
  • Special Circumstances :
    • Early enrolment possible for gifted/talented students. Check with your child’s future school for details.
    • Check with your child’s future school if your child suffers from a mental or physical disability to assure appropriate placement and assistance.
  • Non-Local Enrolment :
    • Not applicable.
  • Documentation Needed :
    • Proof of age e.g. Birth Certificate or Passport.
    • Appropriate VISA if applicable.
    • Recommended :
      • Copies of documentation if legal circumstances apply e.g. custody.
      • Any documentation relating to mental/physical conditions which may affect learning and/or require special assistance.
      • Check with your child’s future school for any further requirements.
  • Immunisation :
    • No specific requirements for enrolment, though immunisation is encouraged.
  • Orientation :
    • Yes. Check with your child’s future school regarding date[s] and time[s].
  • Travel Assistance :
    • Concession cards are available. Check with your child’s future school.
  • Fees :
    • There is an Annual School Charge which is compulsory. There may also be Voluntary Contributions. Discuss any of these with the school if there are difficulties with payment.
  • Uniform :
    • Some schools require uniforms. Check with your child’s future school.
  • new !Out of School Hours Care :
    • ‘Most services are located in schools but some are located in community centres, recreation centres or childcare centres.’ You should check with your child’s school in regard to Outside School Hours Care.
    • Information for Families
      This site helps you find services and provides access to other information.
    • Out of School Hours Care
      Information provided as part of broader care information from Preschool, Child Care & Family Support section of DECS.
    • Out of School Hours Care Association
    • The Australian Child Care Index
      Search the various state areas to find appropriate sites.

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Tasmania
  • First Year of School :
    • Kindergarten - 10 hours per week. Then Preparatory or Year 1
  • Minimum Age at Entry :
    • Pre-Formal School Enrolment [Kindergarten] can be as young as 4 years of age on or before 1 January in the year they start. Some earlier enrolment is possible, but only on one of two [2] grounds - Gifted or transfer from another state. Check with your child’s future school if this applies.
    • The minimum age of enrolment directly into Preparatory is 5 years on or by 1 January in the year they commence.
    • The minimum age enrolling directly into Year 1 is 6 years on or by 1 January in the year they commence.
    • They must enrol in the year after the child turns 6 years of age.
    • Children must be enrolled, by law, when they turn 6 years of age.
  • Special Circumstances :
    • Early enrolment possible for gifted/talented students. Check with your child’s future school for details.
    • Check with your child’s future school if your child suffers from a mental or physical disability to assure appropriate placement and assistance.
  • Non-Local Enrolment :
    • Yes, you may enrol anywhere within each of the 6 individual districts, provided numbers allow.
  • Documentation Needed :
    • Proof of age e.g. Birth Certificate or Passport.
    • A written Immunisation Statement is required.
    • Appropriate VISA if applicable.
    • Recommended :
      • Copies of documentation if legal circumstances apply e.g. custody.
      • Any documentation relating to mental/physical conditions which may affect learning and/or require special assistance. Children With Special Medication Needs - this site provides a range of information including checklists, responsibilities, etc.. Special Needs Transport Service - information can be found here
      • Check with your child’s future school for any further requirements.
  • Immunisation :
  • Orientation :
    • Yes. Check with your child’s future school regarding date[s] and time[s].
  • Travel Assistance :
    • Yes, this is available. Check with your child’s future school in regard to Student Concession & Student Transfer Passes. Check details on the Travelling To and From School site.
  • Fees :
  • Uniform :
  • new !Out of School Hours Care :
    • Some services are located in schools, others are located in community centres, recreation centres and childcare centres. You should check with your child’s school in regard to Outside School Hours Care.
    • Out of School Hours Child Care
      From the Department of Education comes a listing of the services and a range of related information, including financial assistance.
    • The Australian Child Care Index
      Search the various state areas to find appropriate sites.

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Victoria

  • Victorian Government Schools …
    [Bringing Learning to Life]
    Includes information on Getting started, What services are available, Curriculum, Primary and Secondary school, Health and well being for your children, How to become more involved in your child’s education, Useful contacts. Further information can also be found at this site for Parents.
  • First Year of School :
    • Preparatory [Prep]. new !Prep to Year 4, is a summary of aspects of school for students in these years.
    • Welcome to School
      ‘The Welcome to School handbook has been designed for parents of Prep students - it will help you and your child on this very important journey through school. This handbook will tell you everything you need to know about government schools.’ You can also listen to audio files of these from the same source.
  • Minimum Age at Entry :
    • Must turn 5 years of age by 30 April in the year they enrol.
    • All students begin school at the beginning of the school year irrespective of birth date.
    • Children must be enrolled, by law, when they turn 6 years of age.
  • Special Circumstances :
  • Non-Local Enrolment :
    • You may apply to any school for enrolment.
  • Documentation Needed :
    • Proof of age e.g. Birth Certificate or Passport.
    • Immunisation Certificate - see below.
    • Appropriate VISA if applicable.
    • Recommended :
      • Copies of documentation if legal circumstances apply e.g. custody.
      • Any documentation relating to mental/physical conditions which may affect learning and/or require special assistance.
      • Check with your child’s future school for any further requirements.
  • Immunisation :
    • Immunisation Certificate, which is obtainable from the local council, detailing immunisations.
    • Failure to be fully immunised may require exclusion in the event of particular diseases occurring in the school.
  • Orientation :
    • Yes. Check with your child’s future school regarding date[s] and time[s].
  • Travel Assistance :
    • Possible, but there is a 4.8km minimum distance to travel. Check with your child’s future school for details. Information on Student Transport, of all types, can be found here and also new !at this site.
  • Fees :
  • Uniform :
    • Possible. Check with your child’s future school.
  • new !Out of School Hours Care :
    • ‘Many primary schools offer before-school and after-school care as well as school holiday programs for students. Parents using these services may be able to obtain the Child Care Benefit [a Commonwealth Government benefit]’. You should check with your child’s school in regard to Outside School Hours Care.
    • Out of School Hours Care Program
      General introduction with links to further information.
    • The Australian Child Care Index
      Search the various state areas to find appropriate sites.

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Western Australia
  • First Year of School :
    • Year 1
  • Minimum Age at Entry :
    • They must turn 5 years of age by 30 June in the year they enrol.
    • All students begin school at the beginning of the school year irrespective of birth date.
    • They may enrol in Kindergarten Classes the year they turn 4 [if before the 30th June].
    • Children must be enrolled, by law, at beginning of the school year in which the child reaches the age of 6 years 6 months
  • Special Circumstances :
    • Check with your child’s future school if your child suffers from a mental or physical disability to assure appropriate placement and assistance. The Centre for Inclusive Schooling provides information about the services available for students with disabilities or learning difficulties.
  • Non-Local Enrolment :
  • Documentation Needed :
    • Proof of age e.g. Birth Certificate or Passport.
    • Immunisation Record.
    • Appropriate VISA if applicable.
    • Recommended :
      • Copies of documentation if legal circumstances apply e.g. custody.
      • Any documentation relating to mental/physical conditions which may affect learning and/or require special assistance.
      • Check with your child’s future school for any further requirements.
  • Immunisation :
    • No specific requirements for enrolment, though immunisation is encouraged.
  • Orientation :
    • Yes. Check with your child’s future school regarding date[s] and time[s].
  • Travel Assistance :
  • Fees :
    • Voluntary contributions only.
      Contributions and Charges information can be found in either downloadable .pdf or Word documents which form the policy for the state. These are found on the
      Fees and Charges page. Sample templates that are used for Voluntary Contributions & Charges can be found [and explained] at this site.
  • Uniform :
    • Dress Codes apply. Check with your child’s future school.
      Dress Code for Students information can be found in downloadable .pdf or Word documents which form the policy for the state. These are found on the School Uniforms page. Note that from 2007, denim clothing is not allowed as part of any uniform.
  • new !Out of School Hours Care :
    • Before-school and after-school care as well as school holiday programs for students. Parents should check with their child’s school in regard to Outside School Hours Care.
    • The Australian Child Care Index
      Search the various state areas to find appropriate sites.

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Transition - Primary to Secondary Schooling

Normally, the process of transition from Primary schooling to secondary school will commence during the first half of the last year of primary school. This will include some/all of the following depending upon the state you are in. A helpful page can be found at Zone7 [especially Starting Secondary School] which, while Victorian oriented, would be essentially common to all systems :

  • Parents & students are asked to nominate a Secondary school. This is usually done during Term 2 [Tasmania - by June] of the last primary year of schooling.
  • In each state/territory you may have a choice of applying for one, or more, of the following :
    • your local secondary school;
    • a range of non-local secondary schools;
    • different kinds of secondary schools e.g., sport, selective, technical. This will depend on the structure within the system in that state or territory.
  • You are often asked if your child will not be attending a government secondary school i.e., if you are going to choose a non-government school. This allows schools to gain a reasonable idea of the number of students they can expect to enter the first year of secondary school.
  • In some states, e.g. New South Wales and Western Australia, there is a special examination for potential entry to selective/specialist secondary schools. This occurs during the first semester of the year. [See Examination, Test, & Reports link at top of page.]
  • Once your child has been approved for placement at the selected secondary school you will be notified, usually through your child’s primary/state school.
  • The secondary school is formally notified, by the system, that your child is coming to them in the following year and a place is reserved for them.
  • Your child will take part in an Orientation process. Depending on the state/territory this could be one or more visits. These could be for a whole, or part of a, day.
  • Some states/territories will hold all of these on the same date, other on dates developed between secondary schools and their feeder primary schools.
  • The Orientation is usually held either in late November or early December.
  • At that time, students are normally :
    • given a tour of the school;
    • given details regarding uniform/dress code, school materials required, etc.;
    • told about fees and other requirements;
    • told about subjects to be studied;
    • introduced to a number of staff who will work specifically with them;
    • told the exact date/time when they are to come to the secondary school to commence in the following year;
    • talked to by existing students at the school.
  • Parents may be invited to take part in the Orientation. You should check with the school concerned if you are not sure about and you wish to be involved. You should discuss this with your child prior to attendance.
  • Your child should then report to the school on the nominated date, and at the nominated place, at the commencement of the new school year
  • If you are in doubt about any aspect of the process to be used, then you should contact your child’s primary school no later than the end of Term 2 [Tasmania - by June].
  • If you wish to know more about the commencement of the new school year in secondary school, then contact the secondary school your child will be attending.
  • If your child is to attend a non-government secondary school, then you will have been involved directly in all aspects from the application onwards, and you should already be aware of all that is involved.

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