What is the first year of school called in my state?

It is 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. The national curriculum calls it Foundation.

Can my child start school before the cut-off date?

Sometimes. Several states allow early entry in limited cases, usually after an assessment of the child's readiness, and some non-government schools set their own dates. Ask your state education department or the school about the process where you live.

Should I hold my child back a year?

It depends on your child. Many children born close to the cut-off thrive when they start, and some benefit from another year of early learning. Talk to your child's early childhood educator and the school before deciding, and check your state's compulsory school age.

Do Catholic and independent schools use the same cut-off dates?

Not always. Many follow the state rule, but some set their own date, which can be earlier. Check each school's enrolment policy when you enquire.

School starting age in each state and territory

Every state and territory sets its own starting age, and gives the first year of school its own name. The national curriculum calls it Foundation. Children start in the year they reach the state's cut-off age, and must be at school by the compulsory school age. The cut-off dates below are the general rules for government schools; Catholic and independent schools can set their own, and every state has rules for early or delayed entry, so check with your state education department or the school.

Cut-off dates at a glance

New South Wales (Kindergarten): children can start if they turn 5 on or before 31 July that year, and must be enrolled by their sixth birthday.
Victoria (Prep, also called Foundation): children can start if they turn 5 by 30 April that year. School is compulsory from age 6.
Queensland (Prep): children can start if they turn 5 by 30 June that year. Prep is compulsory before Year 1.
Western Australia (Pre-primary): children start if they turn 5 by 30 June that year. Pre-primary is compulsory. The year before, Kindergarten, is for children who turn 4 by 30 June.
South Australia (Reception): children who turn 5 before 1 May can start at the beginning of that year. Government schools also have a mid-year intake in Term 3 for children who turn 5 between 1 May and 31 October. Children must be at school by their sixth birthday.
Tasmania (Prep): children start if they turn 5 by 1 January that year. The year before is Kindergarten.
Australian Capital Territory (Kindergarten): children can start if they turn 5 by 30 April that year.
Northern Territory (Transition): children can start if they turn 5 by 30 June that year.

Early and delayed entry

Most states allow some flexibility. Queensland, for example, allows early entry to Prep for children who turn 5 by 31 July if the principal is satisfied they are ready, and delayed entry with no formal approval until the child reaches compulsory school age. Other states have their own processes. Ask your state education department or the school how it works where you live.

Families with children born close to the cut-off often weigh up whether to start school or wait a year. There is no single right answer: talk to your child's early childhood educator, who sees how they play, listen and manage their feelings in a group.

Signs your child may be ready

Can manage toileting, eating lunch and dressing with little help
Can follow a simple instruction and take turns in a group
Can say when they need help, and cope with separating from you
Shows curiosity about books, letters, numbers and the world
Has the energy for a full school day, with rest at weekends

Next steps

Find the schools near you with find schools near you, check which government school is local for your address, and read how school enrolment works for what to have ready. Enrolments for the first year usually open during the year before your child starts.

Common questions

What is the first year of school called in my state?: It is 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. The national curriculum calls it Foundation.
Can my child start school before the cut-off date?: Sometimes. Several states allow early entry in limited cases, usually after an assessment of the child's readiness, and some non-government schools set their own dates. Ask your state education department or the school about the process where you live.
Should I hold my child back a year?: It depends on your child. Many children born close to the cut-off thrive when they start, and some benefit from another year of early learning. Talk to your child's early childhood educator and the school before deciding, and check your state's compulsory school age.
Do Catholic and independent schools use the same cut-off dates?: Not always. Many follow the state rule, but some set their own date, which can be earlier. Check each school's enrolment policy when you enquire.

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.