A direct answer
When should my child start school?
It depends first on the cut-off date where your child will enrol. In some states and territories you can choose a later start. In others, the first year is compulsory or a later start needs approval. Your child's everyday experience and the support at school can help you think it through.
Some states and territories let families choose a later start. In others, the first year is compulsory or a later start needs approval. Eligible doesn't automatically mean ready.
Sources
- WA Department of Education: Enrol at a Western Australian school
- Queensland Department of Education: Early and delayed entry to Prep
School start age and cut-off
The table uses each state guide's ordinary school-start wording. Earlier or later pathways, where a guide describes them, stay on that guide. Government guidance on those pages was reviewed on 4 October 2026.
| State or territory | First year | School start age and cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland | Prep | A child is ordinarily eligible for Prep if they turn five by 30 June in the proposed start year. |
| New South Wales | Kindergarten | A child can ordinarily start public-school Kindergarten if they turn five on or before 31 July that year. School attendance is required by their sixth birthday. |
| Victoria | Foundation (Prep) | Children ordinarily start Foundation if they turn five by 30 April in the year they begin school. School attendance is compulsory from age six. |
| South Australia | Reception | For Reception, children turning five before 1 May ordinarily start in Term 1; those turning five from 1 May to 31 October ordinarily enter in Term 3. Children turning five later normally enter the following year. |
| Western Australia | Pre-primary | Children who turn five by 30 June ordinarily start Pre-primary that year. Pre-primary is the first compulsory year of schooling in Western Australia. |
| Tasmania | Prep | Children ordinarily start Prep in the year they are five. Kindergarten is for children who are four on or before 1 January. |
| Australian Capital Territory | Kindergarten | Children who turn five on or before 30 April ordinarily enter Kindergarten that year. School attendance is compulsory from age six. |
| Northern Territory | Transition | Preschool and Transition are optional before age six. School is compulsory from six, and the enrolment year depends on whether your child turns six by 30 June. |
Official sources already linked from the state guides
- Queensland: Queensland Government: Prep enrolments
- New South Wales: NSW Department of Education: Primary school enrolment
- Victoria: Victorian Government: Enrolling in Foundation (Prep)
- South Australia: SA Department for Education: Starting school
- Western Australia: WA Department of Education: Enrol at a Western Australian school
- Tasmania: Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People: Enrolling your child
- Australian Capital Territory: ACT Government: School age calculator
- Northern Territory: Northern Territory Government: Stages of schooling
Readiness
There is no single score that can answer that question. These are observations to discuss in context, not a checklist a child must pass.
Families often think about participation in everyday routines, communication, relationships, attention, independence, play and learning.
Questions parents ask
When should my child start school?
It depends first on the cut-off date where your child will enrol. In some states and territories you can choose a later start. In others, the first year is compulsory or a later start needs approval. Your child's everyday experience and the support at school can help you think it through. Some states and territories let families choose a later start. In others, the first year is compulsory or a later start needs approval.
What age does my child start school in Australia?
There is no single Australian starting age. Each state and territory sets its own date and its own name for the first year of school. Check the official rule where your child will enrol, then see whether an earlier or later start is possible.
Should my child start school at five or wait until six?
Start by checking the options in your state or territory. Then think about how your child is going at home and in early learning, the support available at school, and what their educator sees. For some children, starting a year later may not be an option.
Does being the youngest in the class mean my child should wait?
No. Being young for the class isn't, by itself, a reason to wait. The rules in your state, your child's everyday experience and the support at school all matter.
A clearer beginning
Start with the rule. Then consider your child.
The free starting-age check explains ordinary eligibility. It is not a readiness verdict.
