A child may be enrolled if they turn 5 years on or before 31 July that year. Students identified as gifted, who turn 5 years after 31 July of the year of enrolment, may be enrolled per the High potential and gifted education policy.
To enrol your child in Kindergarten (Kindy) at a NSW public school, check that they turn 5 by 31 July of that year. Find your local designated school using the School Finder tool, then submit an application either via the Online Enrolment Application portal or by contacting the school directly.
Check Age Eligibility
- Children can start Kindy at the start of the school year if they turn 5 on or before 31 July.
- By law, children must be enrolled in compulsory schooling by their 6th birthday.
Gather Required Documents
- Birth certificate or formal identity documents.
- Proof of residential address (such as a council rates notice, lease agreement, or electricity bill).
- Immunisation history statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
- Supporting documents for medical action plans, additional learning needs, or court orders, if applicable.
Submit the Application
- Use the digital Online Enrolment Application if your local public school participates in the system.
- Alternatively, download and complete the paper Application to Enrol form or request one directly from your school’s front office.
- Provide original identity and address documents in person to the school so staff can sight and verify them.
Primary school begins in kindergarten and goes to year 6. To enrol, children must:
- children can start Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn 5 on or before 31 July that year.
- by law, all children must be in compulsory schooling by their 6th birthday.
Getting children ready to start primary school can involve many steps over an extended period. These include:
- understanding catchment zones
- how to choose and find a school
- immunisation requirements
- what to do (and when) for a child with disability or learning needs
- transition to primary school programs.
Once enrolled, there’s after school care to consider, as well as:
- dealing with new routines
- playing your part with homework
- sharing safety information, particularly around pick-up time and location
- what’s involved in becoming part of the school community.