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

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. If a parent feels their child is not ready for school they can apply for them to start later, and this should be discussed with the school principal. Most children, however, start school in Kindergarten when they are four.

Young people are required to complete the school year during which they turn 16, and to continue participating in education or training until they turn 17.

Participation options include:

• attending the Tasmanian Academy or Polytechnic
• attending a senior secondary college or a district high school
• undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship
• doing a training course through a registered training organisation.

They may leave earlier if they gain a vocational qualification at Certificate III level or are employed for more than 25 hours each week.

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 as it also 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.

Your child will attend Kindergarten for at least 10 hours a week. Some schools are able to offer 15 hours. All schools will provide a 15 hour program by 2013.  Sessions may be half day or full day.

Many schools also offer early years programs through the Birth to 4 initiative, 'Launching into Learning', as well as pre-Kindergarten sessions to support families and young children's learning and the transition to school.  Parents and children attend these together. Kindergartens are part of a primary school, and are usually located at the same campus.

Children who are gifted may be eligible to start kindergarten early. 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.

Early entry may also be permitted for a child who has previously been enrolled in a government school in another state or territory who now resides in Tasmania. Contact your local school to discuss enrolment.

Parent brochure Starting kindergarten [PDF 904KB]