Start with the rules
Understand the school or kindy entry options in your state or territory before weighing them up.
A clearer beginning.
Should my child start school next year — or wait?
StartYear helps Australian parents understand their options, bring in an educator's perspective and make a plan for what comes next.
Free starting-age check Optional educator input No readiness score
Illustrative journey, not an in-app screenshot
Australian school-entry rules
Parents and educators together
Practical next steps
More than a birthday
First, what's possible.
Then, what's right for your child.
Eligibility tells you when a child may start. It doesn't tell you whether they should. StartYear keeps those questions separate.
See the whole picture
Consider everyday experiences at home and, if you choose, observations from an educator.
Leave with a plan
See the reasons, areas of uncertainty, preparation priorities and when to review your decision.
The StartYear journey
Decide. Prepare.
Transition.
One thoughtful decision, made in stages. Explore your options, focus on what can help, and review as your child grows.
Explore the journey01
Decide
Know the lawful options and bring different perspectives into view.
02
Prepare
Agree on useful activities and the support your child may need.
03
Transition
Revisit the plan and speak with the school before your child starts.
Made for Australia
School starting ages aren't the same everywhere.
Prep in Queensland. Kindergarten in NSW. Reception in South Australia. Start with the rules where your child will enrol. Each guide links to the relevant education authority.
QLDQueenslandNSWNew South WalesVICVictoriaSASouth AustraliaWAWestern AustraliaTASTasmaniaACTAustralian Capital TerritoryNTNorthern Territory
Government guidance last reviewed by the StartYear product owner: 4 October 2026. Check the original source before enrolling.
Two perspectives, one child
They know your child in different ways.
Your child's educator sees different parts of their day. StartYear keeps each view distinct and makes any difference worth discussing visible.
No averaged readiness score. No assumption that support needs mean a child should wait.
How educators contributeGood questions
What parents want to know.
What age does my child start school in Australia?
There is no single Australian starting-age cutoff. Each state and territory has its own date and first-year name. Check your jurisdiction's official rule before considering whether an earlier or later start is available.
Should my child start school at five or wait until six?
First establish the lawful options in your state or territory. Then consider your child's experience across settings, the supports available at school and what their educator observes. For some children there is no ordinary later option.
Is StartYear a school readiness test?
No. StartYear is educational decision support, not a diagnostic, clinical or psychometric test. Its directional Decision Plan is not a prospectively validated prediction of the best start year.
A clearer beginning
Your child. Their path. A considered decision.
Understand the options today and have a clearer conversation about tomorrow.