Department of Education > School & College Education > School Life > Tasmanian education system

Government Schools 

Tasmania's 215 government schools and colleges cater for over 62,000 students. There are:

• 139 Primary schools - Kindergarten to Year 6
• 31 Secondary (or high) schools - Years 7 to 10
• 8 Senior secondary colleges - Years 11 and 12
• 27 District high (or combined) schools - Kindergarten to Year 10
• 10 Special schools which provide education specifically for students with disabilities.

Some high and district high schools offer a limited range of senior secondary courses.

Schools are provided with services and support on a regional basis through the South, South-East, North and North-West Learning Services.

A board of principals coordinates learning support particularly for students with special and/or additional needs.

The school year is divided into three terms.

All teachers must be skilled and qualified, of good character and registered with the Teachers Registration Board.

The Tasmanian Qualifications Authority (TQA) provides curriculum, standards, assessment and certification for all senior secondary students in Tasmania.

Distance Education Tasmania provides education services for students who are unable to attend a regular school.

Support is also provided for students who are registered with the Home Education Advisory Council on a fee for service basis.

Parents and carers can find further information under School Life.

International programs provides information for young people who are planning to come to Tasmania from their home country to study at a government school.

Non-Government Schools

Non-government schools are another educational option. They must be registered in Tasmania by the Schools Registration Board. This ensures that they comply with appropriate standards for facilities, curriculum, the qualifications and registration status of teachers, and enrolment and attendance procedures.

Home education

Home education is a legal alternative to attending a school. The ages for starting and finishing approved home education are the same as for regular school.

Parents who decide to educate their children at home assume overall responsibility for their child's educational program. They make a major commitment in terms of their time, energy and resources. Parent educators must be registered as home educators with the Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council (THEAC).

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