Starting and leaving ages

Tasmanian government schools provide education from Kindergarten to Year 12.

School starting and leaving ages are set by law and your child is required to attend school full-time from the age of five to the age of 16.

This means that a child who has turned five on or by 1 January in any year must start school in that year, or be provided with approved home education.

Most children, however, start school in Kindergarten before they are five, and continue at school after they turn 16.

From 2008, young people who have completed Year 10 or turned 16 will be required to participate in further education or training:

• for a further two years, or
• until they have gained a certificate III vocational qualification, or
• until they have turned 17.

This means that it will no longer be possible for your child to finish education or training at the end of Year 10, although exemptions will apply if they can demonstrate that they have full-time employment.

For more information see:
Guaranteeing futures legislation

Kindergarten

Most parents enrol their child in Kindergarten even though it is not compulsory. It sets the foundations for the development of literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills. Kindergarten is a valuable experience for children. It helps them to develop confidence and the ability to concentrate and cooperate with others.

To start Kindergarten, your child must be four years of age on or by 1 January in the year in which they start.

There are two exceptions to this:

If your child is gifted, early entry to Kindergarten may be possible. Your child must be at least three years and six months of age as of 1 January in the year they will start. Talk to your school principal at the time of enrolment.
If your child attended a government school interstate at an age younger than four, you can apply for them to be enrolled in a Tasmanian Kindergarten. Contact your local school to discuss the possibility.

Kindergartens are part of a primary school, and are usually located at the same campus.

Your child will attend Kindergarten for 10 hours a week. Sessions may be half day or full day. Many schools also offer pre-Kindergarten sessions to help your child become familiar with the school.

For information about particular Kindergarten and pre-Kindergarten arrangements, contact your local school.

Parent brochure Starting kindergarten [PDF 904KB]