Parenting in your state or territory
School starting ages, preschool programs, child health records and term dates differ across Australia. Choose your state.
Choose your state or territory
ACTAustralian Capital TerritoryStart Kindergarten if 5 by 30 AprilNSWNew South WalesStart Kindergarten if 5 by 31 JulyNTNorthern TerritoryStart Transition if 5 by 30 JuneQLDQueenslandStart Prep if 5 by 30 JuneSASouth AustraliaStart Reception if 5 by 30 AprilTASTasmaniaStart Prep if 5 by 1 JanuaryVICVictoriaStart Prep if 5 by 30 AprilWAWestern AustraliaStart Pre-primary if 5 by 30 June
Useful tools
Family & schoolSchool holiday plannerOfficial state dates and your own family plans.Family & schoolStarting school plannerThe year before, the first week and the first term.
Related guides
SchoolIs my child ready for school? Starting age by stateStarting ages across Australia, and what readiness looks like.SchoolFree kinder and preschool: what each state offersEarly learning in the year or two before school, and how to find a place.Health & safetyCar seat rules in Australia, and when to change seatsThe national rules by age, and how to know your child is ready for the next seat.