What age does my child start school in Australia?

In most states, children start school (Kindergarten, Prep, or equivalent) in the year they turn 5, but the exact cutoff date varies: 31 July in NSW, 30 April in VIC and ACT, 30 June in QLD, WA, and NT, and 1 January in TAS. SA has continuous intake throughout the year.

Can I hold my child back a year from starting school?

Yes, in all Australian states parents can choose to delay their child's school start by one year. However, school becomes compulsory at age 6 in most states (5 in Tasmania, 6.5 in Queensland). Speak with the school principal about your child's readiness.

What is the difference between Kindergarten and Prep?

They are the same thing — the first year of primary school. NSW and ACT call it 'Kindergarten', VIC, QLD, and TAS call it 'Prep', WA calls it 'Pre-primary', SA calls it 'Reception', and NT calls it 'Transition'. The names differ but the concept is the same.

school starting age australia — when does my child start school by state?

by william samuels·12 april 2026

william is an education policy researcher and father of three who has navigated school enrolment in multiple Australian states.

every Australian state and territory has a different name for the first year of school — Kindergarten, Prep, Pre-primary, Reception, or Transition — and different cutoff dates for when children can start. this guide breaks it all down so you know exactly when your child is eligible.

tap any state below for the full details including kinder programs, free kinder entitlements, and options for delaying.

school starting age — at a glance

state	first year name	cutoff date	compulsory age
NSW	Kindergarten	31 July	6 years old
VIC	Prep	30 April	6 years old
QLD	Prep	30 June	6 years and 6 months
WA	Pre-primary	30 June	6 years old
SA	Reception	no strict cutoff — continuous intake	6 years old
TAS	Prep	1 January	5 years old
ACT	Kindergarten	30 April	6 years old
NT	Transition	30 June	6 years old

choose your state

New South WalesNSW

Kindergarten · cutoff: 31 July · compulsory at 6 years old

VictoriaVIC

Prep · cutoff: 30 April · compulsory at 6 years old

QueenslandQLD

Prep · cutoff: 30 June · compulsory at 6 years and 6 months

Western AustraliaWA

Pre-primary · cutoff: 30 June · compulsory at 6 years old

South AustraliaSA

Reception · cutoff: no strict cutoff — continuous intake · compulsory at 6 years old

TasmaniaTAS

Prep · cutoff: 1 January · compulsory at 5 years old

Australian Capital TerritoryACT

Kindergarten · cutoff: 30 April · compulsory at 6 years old

Northern TerritoryNT

Transition · cutoff: 30 June · compulsory at 6 years old

related guides

childcare costs by city

how much does daycare cost in your city? 2026 averages compared.

childcare options in Australia

comparing long day care, family day care, preschool, and more.

school starting ages and cutoff dates are based on state education department publications and were accurate at the time of writing. rules can change — always check your state's education department for the latest enrolment requirements. mini mode is not affiliated with any government department.