Australian starting ages
When can my child start school?
It depends on the state or territory, your child's birthday and the education stage. Eligibility and readiness are different questions.
There is no national school-start cutoff.
Australia's states and territories set their own age rules and names for the first year of school. Some allow an ordinary later start, while others make the first year compulsory or require approval for exceptions.
These guides explain typical government-school and year-before-school entry. Private-school, place-allocation and exceptional pathways may differ. Confirm requirements with your chosen school or education authority.
Eligible doesn't automatically mean ready.
The rule tells you when enrolment may be possible. A school-start decision also needs a view of everyday experience, supports and the available alternatives. Read about readiness and decision-making.
A clearer beginning
Start with the rule. Then consider the child.
StartYear keeps the legal age check separate from its broader Decision Plan.
