Preschool starting age
If your child turns four on or before 30 April, they can start preschool the first day of term 1 that year. If your child turns four after 30 April, they can start preschool the first day of term 1 the following year.
Example 1: Cara is celebrating her 4th birthday on 10 March 2025. She will be eligible to start preschool in February 2025.
Example 2: Luca turns 4 on 15 June 2025. He will start preschool in February 2026.
Your child may be eligible for one or more preschool programs. To check eligibility see: Enrolling in Preschool - Education (act.gov.au)
School starting age
If your child turns five on or before 30 April, they can start kindergarten the first day of term 1 that year.
In the ACT, children from the age of 6 must be enrolled in and attending school (or registered for Home Education) until they complete year 12 or turn 17, whichever happens first.
Example 1: Ahmed turns 5 on 13 January 2025. He will be able to start kindergarten in February 2025.
Example 2: Mia celebrates her 5th birthday on 3 May 2025. She will start kindergarten in February 2026.
For more information on enrolling in kindergarten see: Enrolling in Kindergarten To Year 12 - Education (act.gov.au)
Use the calculator below to determine when your child can start school.
Please enter your child’s date of birth (dd-mm-yyyy):
Note: You need to refresh your browser with Ctrl + F5 if you are completing multiple calculations or if a year date does not appear. See further Who needs to enrol? for more information on what ages students can be enrolled.