Can I enrol my child at a government school outside our area?

You can apply, and the school will consider it under its enrolment policy if it has room after local students are placed. Popular schools are often full with local students, so out-of-area places are not guaranteed, and siblings of current students may get priority.

When do Foundation enrolments open?

It depends on the state and the school. Government schools usually take enrolments during the year before your child starts, and many hold information sessions in the middle of that year. Catholic and independent schools often take applications earlier. Check with the school or your state education department.

What documents do I need to enrol?

Most schools ask for proof of your child's age and identity, proof of address, an immunisation history statement, recent school reports if your child has been at school before, and details of any medical needs or parenting orders. Families who are not citizens are also asked for visa details.

Can my child change schools during the year?

Yes. You can enrol at your local government school at any time of year once you live in its area. Non-government schools take mid-year enrolments when they have a place. Ask the new school about the steps and any records it needs from the old one.

How school enrolment works in Australia

Each state and territory runs its own school system, so the details differ. The broad pattern is the same everywhere, and this guide explains it. Always check the current dates with your state education department or the school itself.

Starting school: Foundation

The first year of school has a different name in each state: Kindergarten in New South Wales and the ACT, Prep in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania, Reception in South Australia, Pre-primary in Western Australia, and Transition in the Northern Territory. Children usually start in the year they turn five, depending on the state's cut-off date; see school starting age by state.

Most government schools take Foundation enrolments during the year before your child starts. Popular Catholic and independent schools may ask for applications much earlier.

Government schools and local enrolment areas

Most government schools have a local enrolment area. If you live inside it, your child is entitled to a place. You will usually be asked for proof of address, such as a lease or rates notice and a utility bill. If you live outside the area you can still apply, and the school will take you if it has room under its enrolment policy.

Find your local school's area on your state education department's website before you buy or rent, because boundaries can change. Our guide to school zones and catchment areas by state lists what each state calls them and where to look.

Moving to secondary school

Secondary school starts in Year 7 in every state and territory. For a government high school, the application is usually made in the year before, often through your child's primary school, which sends home the forms. Selective schools and specialist programs have separate, earlier applications and tests; see selective schools explained.

Catholic and independent secondary schools run their own applications, often closing a year or more before Year 7. If you are considering one, enquire while your child is in Year 4 or Year 5.

What to have ready

Your child's birth certificate or passport, and visa details if you are not an Australian citizen
Proof of address
Immunisation history statement (needed in most states)
Recent school reports and any learning support plans
Details of any medical needs, and custody or parenting orders if they apply

Enquire early, commit later

An enquiry is not an application. Asking a school about places, fees and tour dates costs nothing and keeps your options open. On Schools Near Me you can enquire with several private schools near you in one step.

Common questions

Can I enrol my child at a government school outside our area?: You can apply, and the school will consider it under its enrolment policy if it has room after local students are placed. Popular schools are often full with local students, so out-of-area places are not guaranteed, and siblings of current students may get priority.
When do Foundation enrolments open?: It depends on the state and the school. Government schools usually take enrolments during the year before your child starts, and many hold information sessions in the middle of that year. Catholic and independent schools often take applications earlier. Check with the school or your state education department.
What documents do I need to enrol?: Most schools ask for proof of your child's age and identity, proof of address, an immunisation history statement, recent school reports if your child has been at school before, and details of any medical needs or parenting orders. Families who are not citizens are also asked for visa details.
Can my child change schools during the year?: Yes. You can enrol at your local government school at any time of year once you live in its area. Non-government schools take mid-year enrolments when they have a place. Ask the new school about the steps and any records it needs from the old one.

Sources

We check guides against official sources. Rules can change, and some details vary by area, so check with the source before you act.

Last updated 1 November 2026.