Enrolment process
Most children start school in the year they turn 5 years of age. Children must be enrolled at school by the age of 6. This is the compulsory starting age for children in South Australia.
Government primary schools have 2 major enrolment intakes, one for children at the beginning of the year (intake 1) and one for children to start school in term 3 (intake 2).
If your child turns 5 years old:
- before 1 May they can start reception in term 1 of that year.
- between 1 May and 31 October, they can start reception in term 3 (mid-year).
- after 31 October they can start reception in the following year.
Children who start reception at the beginning of the year will generally complete 4 terms of reception, while children who start reception through the mid-year intake will complete 6 terms of reception.
Visit the school enrolment section on the department’s website for more information.
Enrolling
Step 1: submit an enrolment form. You can get a form from our front office or download.
Step 2: submit your verification documents. You’ll need to provide:
- a copy of the child’s original birth certificate or passport
- an immunisation certificate
- residency visa, if you’re a non-Australian resident
- proof of address (for example utility bill or lease agreement).
Transition visits
Before starting school, you’ll get a letter to let you know when you can attend a transition visit in term 4. This is for all students starting school the following year.