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Learn how to apply to and enrol in government schools on this page.
Non-government schools have their own process for application and enrolment — contact them for more information.
When to start primary school or reception
The first year of primary school is known as reception.
When your child is eligible to begin school will depend on their date of birth, and whether you're applying to government or non-government school.
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 from 2024, 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.
If you are considering enrolling your child to start school mid-year (ie term 3), you might be interested in the preschool mid-year the year prior, so they can do 4 terms before starting school. See starting preschool.
See the school and preschool enrolment policy (PDF 291 KB) for further detail.
Find out when your child can start school
Enter your child's birth month and year in the tool below to find out when they can start school.
Finding a school
Use the online tool to find a school.
You can apply to enrol your child in a school that's not your local school, but offers will depend on available places. Visit school placements for information about how places are decided.
Applying to start school for the next year
Submit application
To start primary school
Most primary schools usually open their application process for the next year before the end of term 2 in the current year. You can apply for either the start of the year (intake 1) or the start mid-year (intake 2) through this process.
You can get a registration of interest form directly from the primary school you're interested in.
Applications should be in by the end of term 2. Schools will still accept applications after the end of term 2, but if you apply after schools have made their enrolment offers, it might mean it becomes more difficult to get into a non-local primary school, or a primary school with a capacity management plan.
You can apply to more than 1 primary school. You should also apply at your local primary school in case your application to the non-local primary school is not successful.
To start secondary school
Every year there is a state-wide transition process for students attending public secondary schools. This transition process for families starts in term 2.
For more information see register to start secondary school.
Students at government schools
Year 6 students at public primary schools will get application information from their school.
There is an online registration of interest form for public school families. You should receive a unique URL for your child via email or letter from your primary school around the beginning of term 2.
Students at non-government schools
Year 6 students at non-government schools who want to apply for a public secondary school can get application information from their local public secondary school, local education office, or by education.startingsecondaryschool@sa.gov.au.
Applying to a public secondary school
Through the state-wide transition process, you can nominate your child for up to 3 non-local secondary schools, as well as your local (zoned) school. If your child currently attends a combined school (for example reception to year 12), you can stay at that school or apply for another secondary school. You must apply by the due date.
After the state-wide transition process closes each year, schools will take late applications directly. Late applicants may have limited opportunity to attend a non-local secondary school or a school with a capacity management plan.
Applying to special interest programs in secondary school
Some secondary schools also offer students a particular focus program on a specific interest, and may have a selective entry process for year 6 students to apply for that program. This process is undertaken by the school within the context of sustainable management of capacity, with support from the department. Contact the secondary school directly about its programs and application dates.
Wait for an enrolment offer
Primary school offers
When you apply, the school will tell you when you can expect to find out the result.
Offers are made by schools approximately 6 months prior to your child starting school. This means:
- For intake 1 (starting reception at the beginning of the year) - enrolment offers generally occur in term 3 the year prior to commencing.
- For intake 2 (starting reception in the middle of the year) - enrolment offers generally occur in term 1 of that same year.
Schools with a capacity management plan will make offers to families that meet the enrolment criteria as detailed in their plan.
Secondary school offers
Offers are made in order of the schools you nominate on the application. If you miss out on your nominated schools, you will be allocated to your local (zoned) school. There is more detail about the placement process on the school placement page.
All students will get their secondary school offer in term 3. Non-local students who miss out will be placed on a waiting list for the school if there is one.
If your allocated secondary school is not your first choice, the offer will also include review information and timelines. If the review is successful there is still no guarantee of entry into the school, but your position on the waiting list might be changed.
Contact your primary school or email education.startingsecondaryschool@sa.gov.au for more information.
Finalise enrolment
You should accept the offer by the date indicated by the school, to make sure your offer does not lapse and go to another applicant.
When you accept the offer you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. You will also need to show the school some documents to confirm the enrolment.
Accepting the offer does not stop you from being considered in later offers from other schools you have applied to.
Changing schools
You can apply to transfer your child to another school at any time during the year. Transfers can be considered if:
- the student is eligible for a place at their local school, for transfers from interstate, overseas or a non-government school. Enrolment for overseas students depends on certain conditions, which might include payment of student fees. To find out more, go to visa subclass types.
- the school has enough resources and places available to take non-local students.
If a late transfer is accepted after the start of the school year, there may be limited subject choices for the student. Transfers between South Australian public schools may be negotiated between the schools (for example, for the start of the next term). Until the transfer is approved, the student must continue to attend their current public school.
Contact the school directly for more information.
