Is my child guaranteed a place at our local government school?

In almost every case, yes. Students who live in a government school's local enrolment area are entitled to a place once you provide proof of address. A few specialist and selective schools have no local area and admit by application instead.

Can I use a relative's address to get into a school zone?

No. Schools check that the address is where the child actually lives, and they can withdraw a place offered on a false address. If your circumstances are unusual, for example shared care between two homes, talk to the school about which address to use.

Do zones apply to Catholic and independent schools?

No. Catholic and independent schools set their own enrolment priorities. Catholic schools often give priority to families in their parish, which works a little like a zone, but it is not a government boundary.

What happens if the boundary changes after we move?

Rules differ by state, but students already enrolled at a school usually keep their place when a boundary changes, and siblings are often protected for a period. Check the transition arrangements with your state education department whenever a review is announced.

School zones and catchment areas by state

Most government schools in Australia have a local enrolment area. Live inside it and your child is guaranteed a place; live outside it and you can apply, but only get in if the school has room. Each state and territory runs its own system and uses its own name, so this guide sets out where to look in each one.

The common pattern

Your address decides your local government school, not your postcode or suburb name.
A place at your local school is guaranteed once you can show proof of address.
Out-of-area applications are considered after local students, under the school's enrolment policy. Siblings of current students often get priority.
Boundaries can change, especially around fast-growing suburbs and popular schools. Always check the official map for your address, not a real estate listing.
Catholic and independent schools do not use government zones; each sets its own enrolment priorities.

New South Wales: local intake areas

NSW government schools have local intake areas. The NSW Department of Education's School Finder shows the local primary and high school for an address. Some schools also have an enrolment cap because they are near capacity. See schools in New South Wales.

Victoria: school zones

Victorian government schools have school zones, and the Find my school (opens in a new tab) website shows the designated neighbourhood school for any address. Zones are set by the Department of Education and can be updated each year. See schools in Victoria.

Queensland: catchment areas

Queensland government schools that are near capacity have a catchment area and an enrolment management plan, which sets out who can enrol. Schools without a plan generally accept any student. The Queensland Department of Education explains how to find a school's catchment. See schools in Queensland.

Western Australia, South Australia and the ACT

Western Australian public schools have local intake areas, and a school's intake area is guaranteed to students who live in it. In South Australia, some government schools have zones, particularly popular schools that need to manage demand; others take students from anywhere if they have room. In the ACT, each public school has a priority enrolment area, and students living in it get priority for a place.

Tasmania and the Northern Territory

Tasmanian government primary and district schools each have an intake area, and students living in it are guaranteed a place. Local high school places follow the primary school a student finishes Year 6 at, through feeder arrangements. In the Northern Territory, government schools have priority enrolment areas, and a school that is near capacity can decline students who live outside its area.

If you are moving

Find the address you are considering on your state's official school map.
Ask the school whether it currently takes out-of-area students, and whether its area is under review.
Have proof of address ready before you apply: most schools ask for a lease or rates notice and a recent utility bill.
Look at Catholic and independent schools nearby too, using find schools near you, in case your local school is not the right fit.

Common questions

Is my child guaranteed a place at our local government school?: In almost every case, yes. Students who live in a government school's local enrolment area are entitled to a place once you provide proof of address. A few specialist and selective schools have no local area and admit by application instead.
Can I use a relative's address to get into a school zone?: No. Schools check that the address is where the child actually lives, and they can withdraw a place offered on a false address. If your circumstances are unusual, for example shared care between two homes, talk to the school about which address to use.
Do zones apply to Catholic and independent schools?: No. Catholic and independent schools set their own enrolment priorities. Catholic schools often give priority to families in their parish, which works a little like a zone, but it is not a government boundary.
What happens if the boundary changes after we move?: Rules differ by state, but students already enrolled at a school usually keep their place when a boundary changes, and siblings are often protected for a period. Check the transition arrangements with your state education department whenever a review is announced.

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.