| First year of school | Kindergarten |
|---|---|
| Enrolment boundary | Priority Enrolment Area (PEA) |
| Official check | ACT Education Directorate |
| Department | ACT Education Directorate |
Canberra public schools use Priority Enrolment Areas (PEAs). Each suburb is linked to priority schools, and students living in a school’s PEA are given priority when places are offered.
The annual enrolment round
Applications for the following school year open in the year before. Families apply online, and offers are made after the closing date. Late applications are processed as places allow.
School structure
ACT schools run from Kindergarten to Year 6 (primary), Year 7 to 10 (high school) and Year 11 to 12 (colleges). Some schools combine these stages.
Documents you will need
- proof of the child’s age and identity, such as a birth certificate or passport
- proof of your residential address, such as a lease, council rates notice or utility bills
- an immunisation history statement (most states ask for one at enrolment)
- visa and passport details if the child or parents are not Australian citizens
- any family law or parenting orders, and health or learning support information
General information, last reviewed 19 October 2026. Rules and dates change – confirm with the ACT Education Directorate before you enrol.