Beginning School

In South Australia, most children start school the year they turn 5 or 6 years old.

When your child is eligible to begin school will depend on their date of birth, and whether you’re applying to public or private school.

From 2024, children who turn 5 years old:

• before 1 May can start school in term 1
• between 1 May and 31 October can start school in term 3 (mid-year intake)
• after 31 October start the following year.

In South Australia, all children must be in school by their 6th birthday – this is the compulsory school age.

https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/schools/starting-school