Updated 19 October 2026 · General information, not advice
Most Australian government schools give priority, or a guaranteed place, to children who live nearby. The rules are set by each state and territory, and so are the names.
What each state calls it
- NSW: local intake area – check with the NSW School Finder.
- Victoria: school zone – check on Find my School.
- Queensland: catchment area, for schools with an enrolment management plan.
- Western Australia: local-intake area.
- South Australia: school zone, for high-demand schools only.
- Tasmania: school intake area.
- ACT: Priority Enrolment Area (PEA).
- Northern Territory: confirm the local school with the department.
How zones affect your move
Zones are drawn street by street. Two houses in the same suburb can belong to different schools, so always check the exact address, not just the suburb. Primary and secondary zones are usually different.
Proof of address
Schools ask for evidence that you actually live at the address – typically a lease or contract of sale plus recent utility bills. In high-demand areas schools may check more than one document and can withdraw an enrolment if the address turns out to be temporary.
Zones change
Departments review boundaries as new suburbs are built and schools fill up. Check the zone for the year your child will start, and ask the school whether any review is planned.
See the state-by-state enrolment guides for details and official links.