The short answer
Transition: the usual entry rule
Children who turn five by 30 June can ordinarily begin Transition. Transition is optional; compulsory-schooling rules apply when a child is six by 30 June.
What about preschool?
Preschool ordinarily starts in Term 1 for children turning four by 30 June. Later birthdays may start after turning four, depending on places.
Can my child start later or earlier?
Optional Transition and compulsory attendance are different questions. Preschool access after a birthday can depend on local capacity, and specific arrangements should be checked with the school.
What should I do next?
Confirm the proposed Transition year and any applicable compulsory-attendance date, then contact the local school about enrolment and supports.
StartYear can help structure this decision with parent observations and optional input from an educator, but it cannot approve a deferral, exception or school placement. Eligibility is not the same as readiness.
Official Northern Territory sources
Check the latest published guidance before making an enrolment decision. The public rules summarised here were reviewed on 4 October 2026.