There’s a lot to learn about Brisbane schools, especially if you are new to the education system in Queensland. Do you need the facts about enrolling your child in kindergarten, primary (including prep) or high school?
Details can differ from school to school, so if you have specific questions always give the school a call. They have information about school hours, before and after-school care arrangements, uniforms and P&C issues.
Term dates for Brisbane schools
The school year is divided into two semesters and usually runs from late January to mid-December. There are two terms in each semester, with holiday breaks for Easter, winter, spring and summer.
See the term dates and school holidays for 2008 to 2010, as set by Education Queensland.
Private schools may have different holiday dates, so contact them for details.
Year levels
The following information is from Education Queensland.
All Queensland state education operates as a partnership between schools and their communities. All state schools are coeducational (meaning boys and girls attend together).
Children may begin their education with Prep in 2007. By law, children must attend school between the ages of 6 and 15. Primary school is the first compulsory stage and covers Years 1 to 7. After that, children attend secondary or high school from Years 8 to 10. On completing Year 10, students have the option of continuing to Years 11 and 12 or leaving school.
For more information check the Education Queensland website.
Hours of schooling
State primary and high schools generally run from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday except for public holidays, school holidays and student free days. Individual schools may set slightly different starting and finishing times.
Enrolling in school
When you enrol your child in any school you will need to take proof of the child’s date of birth, such as the child’s birth certificate, passport or visa. Contact the school to get the necessary forms. For more information, read the enrolment guidelines for primary and high schools.
If the student is moving from another school within Queensland, they will need a transfer certificate. If you have moved from interstate or overseas, contact the school your child will attend for more details.
Childcare and kindergarten
Find a Brisbane childcare centre or kindy. And learn when your child can attend kindergarten.
Primary School
Prep – 7
Find a primary school near you and learn more about Queensland primary schools, including new starting ages for Prep and Year 1.
High School
Years 8 - 12
Find a high school in Brisbane and learn about the various learning options and leaving age.
Before school, after school and vacation care
Some schools have formal centres attached to them which provide care for the children outside of school hours. The outside school hours care service is usually established by the school’s P&C, with the Department of Families responsible for administering rebates and registration. Call the school to find out if they offer a service and their costs and operating times. You may also consider using Family Day Care to provide outside school care options for school children.
School of Distance Education
If you are travelling, your child has a medical condition that stops them from attending school or you want to home school your children, the Brisbane School of Distance Education may be able to help you.
Tutoring
Looking for a tutor? Try contacting the following groups for help in a range of subjects:
You can also find businesses that offer tuition in school subjects in the ourbrisbane.com directory.
University or TAFE
If you’ve successfully navigated the school system, you may be interesed in heading off to find a university in Queensland or TAFE.
