Sunshine Coast Council

Australian law says children from 6-16 years old must go to school. You must enrol your child or children in a school as soon as possible. 

You will need to show your travel documents and your child’s immunisation records. Children must have the required immunisations in order to go to school.

Attending school 

Children attend thirteen years of formal education (plus non-compulsory preschool or kindergarten).

Preschool

Also called kindergarten (not compulsory): For ages 3 to 5

Primary School

Prep / Pre-primary: Ages 5 to 6

Grade 1 / Year 1): Ages 6 to7

Grade 2 (Year 2): Ages 7 to 8

Grade 3 (Year 3): Ages 8 to 9

Grade 4 (Year 4): Ages 9 to 10

Grade 5 (Year 5): Ages 10 to 11

Grade 6 (Year 6): Ages 11 to 12

Secondary School

Grade 7 (Year 7): Ages 12 to 13

Grade 8 (Year 8): Ages 13 to 14

Grade 9 (Year 9): Ages 14 to 15

Grade 10 (Year 10): Ages 15 to 16

Grade 11 (Year 11): Ages 16 to 17

Grade 12 (Year 12): Ages 17 to 18

Schools directory

Government schools are called 'state' schools. Tuition at state schools is free. Private schools require you to pay fees. 

The best way to choose a school is to visit the school, meet the staff and ask questions.

You can use the Queensland Government's Schools Directory to find a school in your area by searching on the school name or the name of your suburb:

Extra support to learn English language

If your child needs extra support learning English, talk to the Principal at their school. Primary and high school students in State Government schools may be eligible to receive extra help.