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.
Transition activities for students beginning reception will occur during the term before they begin. The school will send information about the transition activities early in the term.
A tour of the school is highly recommended, and can be arranged before enrolling. Please contact the school to arrange a tour with the principal.
See the school and preschool enrolment policy (PDF 291 KB) for further detail.
