Updated 19 October 2026 · General information, not advice
The first full-time year of school is the same stage of learning everywhere in Australia, but each state and territory calls it something different.
- New South Wales: Kindergarten
- Australian Capital Territory: Kindergarten
- Victoria: Prep (also called Foundation)
- Queensland: Prep
- Tasmania: Prep (after part-time Kindergarten)
- Western Australia: Pre-primary (after part-time Kindergarten)
- South Australia: Reception
- Northern Territory: Transition
Watch out for “Kindergarten”
In NSW and the ACT, Kindergarten is the first year of school. In WA and Tasmania, Kindergarten is a part-time program the year before. In Victoria and Queensland, kindergarten means preschool. This often confuses families who move between states.
Starting age
Every state sets a cut-off date to decide which year a child starts. Check the rule in your new state, as a child may be placed differently after a move. See our state enrolment guides.