When your child reaches Kindy, you may start to wonder which school will best support their needs. Some parents feel uncertain about when to start school, or what services are available to assist with getting ready for starting school. This guide will help you understand school entry requirements in Queensland, explore schooling options, and learn about available support services.
School Entry in Queensland
In Queensland, Prep is the first year of formal schooling. Children are eligible to start Prep if they turn five before June 30 of that year. For example, a child born in the first half of 2022 would be eligible to begin Prep in 2027, while children born in the latter half of 2022 would start in 2028. The children born in the first half of the year will be among the youngest in their cohort. Parents can choose to delay their child’s entry to school, so long as they enrol in schooling by the age of six years and six months.
Schooling Options in Queensland
There are multiple schooling options available, and multiple factors a parent might consider when choosing which school or schooling option is the best option for their child. These factors can include catchment areas, location, cost, student capacity (and how waitlists are prioritised) eligibility, programs or support available and educational approaches.
State Schools
Over half of all schooling options in Queensland are government-funded state schools, where 64% of students were enrolled in 2023 (Australian Bureau of Statistics). State schools must follow the National Curriculum, set by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), which outlines what students should learn in subjects like English, science, mathematics, and the arts. Eligibility for state schools depends on age and school capacity; many state schools in South East Queensland have limited space and prioritise students within their catchment area. Children with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, have the right to enrol in any state school and receive reasonable adjustments to support their education. If parents wish to enrol their child in a state school outside their catchment area, it is advisable to contact the school directly to understand their processes and discuss any special circumstances. Parents can also visit school websites for information on extracurricular activities, subject offerings, behaviour management, and support for students with additional needs.
Support in State Schools
Under the Disability Standards for Education 2005, all Queensland state schools must make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities to ensure they can access and participate in education on the same basis as students without disabilities. These adjustments include strategies or supports that help students attend school, learn, participate in activities, and support their well-being. Adjustments can be made in various settings, such as classrooms, playgrounds, or during special events. Education staff make decisions about adjustments for a student based on their individual support needs, rather than by diagnosis. While adjustments are tailored to each student’s individual needs, they can also benefit other students. Schools are required to provide these adjustments to reduce barriers for students with disabilities. In Queensland, teachers are also able to make a referral to therapists such as Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologist, employed by education Queensland, for consultative support.
More information: Queensland Department of Education
State Special Schools
Special schools provide specialised and individualised programs for students with significant support needs from prep to year 12. Special schools employ a range of staff to support students enrolled; these may include teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists on a consultative basis and registered nurses.
To enrol in a state special school, students must be eligible and complete an application for enrollment and be approved.
Eligibility for Special Schools
- The student must have a severe disability, including an intellectual disability.
- The student is unlikely to reach their developmental potential without a special school program.
- The special school setting is deemed the best educational option when considering the student’s individual circumstances.
If your child is eligible for a special school, you may want to consider the following factors when deciding whether it is the right fit:
- The experience of staff in supporting children with disabilities
- The potential for smaller student-to-staff ratios
- Resources available at the school, such as assistive technology
- Opportunities for your child to interact with peers with similar needs.
Students can begin Prep at a special school without an official diagnosis of intellectual disability. If you believe a special school may be the right choice for your child, consider discussing your options with the school and completing the application process.
Some parents choose to enroll their child in Prep at a special school as a pathway into mainstream schooling. For example, a child may start Prep in a special school without an intellectual disability diagnosis and then transition to a mainstream school in Grade 1.
Independent Schools and Catholic Education
Independent schools are a popular schooling option in Queensland, with 16.8% of all Queensland students attending one in 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Independent schools operate outside of the Queensland State Government system and receive funding through tuition fees, as well as state and national government funding, grants, and donations.
As privately owned institutions, independent schools are managed by their own governing bodies, allowing them to set their own tuition fees, policies, and procedures, as well as design their curriculum. Schools from Prep to Year 10 typically follow the Australian Curriculum or an alternative curriculum recognised by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), such as:
- The Steiner curriculum
- The Montessori curriculum
- The International Baccalaureate (IB)
Independent schools in Queensland vary significantly in their educational approaches. Some are faith-based (e.g., Islamic or Christian denominations), while others emphasise specific learning philosophies (e.g., Montessori). There are also independent schools designed to support students who have disengaged from mainstream education, as well as vocational-style colleges.
Each independent school sets its own enrollment criteria, and the admissions process may involve waitlisting and an interview.
Catholic Education
Catholic education is another schooling option in Queensland. Unlike other faith-based independent schools that operate autonomously, Catholic schools in Queensland are primarily governed by Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE). BCE oversees 146 Catholic schools, while some additional Catholic-affiliated schools operate as independent institutions.
Catholic schools implement:
- The Australian Curriculum and the Religious Education Archdiocese of Brisbane Curriculum for students in Prep to Year 10.
- The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) senior syllabuses and the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) vocational education courses for students in Years 11 and 12.
Support Available in the Catholic School System:
Like all schools in Queensland, Catholic schools are required to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, ensuring that reasonable adjustments are made to support students with disabilities. Catholic schools provide various support services, which may include teacher aides, specialist staff, and access to external therapists. More information on disability support in Catholic education can be obtained directly from Brisbane Catholic Education or individual Catholic schools.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is a legal and recognised educational pathway in Queensland, allowing parents to take full responsibility for their child’s education outside of the traditional school system. Parents who choose to homeschool must register their child through the Home Education Unit (HEU), which operates under the Queensland Department of Education.
Registration Process
To homeschool legally in Queensland, parents must:
- Apply for registration with the HEU before withdrawing their child from school (if they are already enrolled in a formal education setting).
- Submit an education plan outlining how they will provide their child with a high-quality education. This plan must address core learning areas, particularly literacy and numeracy.
- Provide an annual progress report demonstrating the child’s educational development and progress.
There is no set curriculum that homeschooling families must follow. Instead, parents have the flexibility to choose educational approaches and resources that align with their child’s learning style, interests, and needs. Many families use a mix of:
- The Australian Curriculum
- Alternative education philosophies (e.g., Montessori, Steiner, or Charlotte Mason)
- Online programs and learning platforms
- Structured or self-directed learning models
Support and Resources for Homeschooling Families
While homeschooling is parent-led, various resources and support networks are available to assist families, including:
- The Home Education Unit (HEU): Provides guidance, registration assistance, and regulatory oversight.
- Homeschooling Associations & Groups: Many local and online homeschooling communities offer support, co-op classes, and group activities.
- Distance Education Programs: Some families choose to follow structured programs from accredited providers, such as Brisbane School of Distance Education.
- Extracurricular Activities: Homeschooled children can participate in community sports, music lessons, and other programs to supplement their education.
Key Considerations
- Parental Responsibility: Parents must plan, deliver, and assess their child’s education without the support of a traditional school environment.
- No Dual Enrollment: Children registered for homeschooling cannot be simultaneously enrolled in a mainstream school.
- Social Opportunities: While homeschooling provides flexibility, families often seek out social interactions through homeschool meet-ups, extracurricular activities, and group learning experiences.
For more detailed information and guidance, visit the Queensland Department of Education – Home Education Unit (HEU):
Home education – Education Queenslandgov.au
Support in Non-State Schools
All schools in Queensland, including independent and Catholic schools, must comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, ensuring they provide reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities. Several programs support non-state schools in implementing these adjustments:
Non-School Organisations (NSO) Program
Previously funded by the Queensland Department of Education, the Non-School Organisations (NSO) Program provides additional support to both state and non-state schools to enhance educational opportunities for students with disabilities. This includes access to therapy services, specialised resources, and the trial or loan of assistive equipment.
Students with Disability Program
The Students with Disability Program provides funding to non-state schools for students requiring higher levels of support (supplementary, substantial, and extensive adjustments). Funding may be allocated for:
- Teacher aide time
- Professional development for teachers
- External support services (e.g., therapists)
- Specialist learning resources
More information on the Students with Disability Program can be found here:
Students with Disability Program
Further details on general supports for students with disabilities can be accessed here:
Differentiated Learning and Disability Support
Services to Support School Readiness
Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech Pathology (SP) play a vital role in assessing and developing school readiness skills in children. These allied health professionals can support children in preparing for school by identifying areas of strength and need, providing targeted interventions, and offering strategies to enhance learning and participation.
- Occupational Therapists assess and support:
- Gross motor skills (e.g., balance, coordination, core strength)
- Fine motor skills (e.g., pencil grip, cutting skills, hand strength)
- Self-help skills (e.g., dressing, toileting, independence in routines)
- Speech Pathologists assess and support:
- Language development (e.g., understanding and using language)
- Expressive and receptive communication
- Pre-literacy skills (e.g., phonological awareness, listening skills)
Accessing Therapy Services
Therapy services may be subsidised or funded through various programs, including:
- Medicare (e.g., Chronic Disease Management Plan)
- Private health insurance (dependent on provider and coverage)
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Early Childhood Intervention
For more details on funding options, see our blog: How to Access Funding for Therapy.
Statewide Queensland Government-Funded Therapy Services
Families may also access publicly funded therapy services through programs such as:
- Children’s Developmental Service (CDS) (e.g., The Prince Charles Hospital)
- Child Development Services (available through Queensland Health for children with developmental concerns)
For eligibility and referral pathways, visit the Queensland Health Child Development Service page.
NDIS versus School Responsibility
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the school education system have distinct responsibilities in supporting students with disabilities. Schools are tasked with facilitating educational outcomes by adjusting teaching methods, providing learning aids, modifying facilities, and offering transport for school activities. Conversely, the NDIS funds supports related to a student’s disability that are not primarily educational, such as personal care during school hours, specialised behavior management plans, and assistance with transitions to higher education or employment. Additionally, the NDIS may cover transport to and from school if a student’s disability prevents the use of conventional means. It’s essential to recognise that while schools focus on educational facilitation, the NDIS addresses broader disability-related needs to ensure comprehensive support for students.
For a detailed overview, you can refer to the NDIS guidelines on school education:
Kindergarten Programs in Queensland
Kindergarten programs provide an essential foundation for children before they enter school. In Queensland, children are eligible for 15 hours of free kindergarten per week during school terms.
- Community Kindergartens (C&K) – Fully funded programs
- Long Day Care Centres – Offer kindergarten programs but may still have out-of-pocket costs
Kindergarten programs focus on play-based learning, fostering children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. They encourage curiosity, independence, and early literacy and numeracy skills, supporting a smooth transition to school.
Kindergarten Transition Support
To support a child’s transition to school, kindergartens provide Transition Statements in November of the kindergarten year. These are written documents that highlight a child’s:
- Strengths
- Challenges
- Motivations
- Achievements
Who contributes to the Transition Statement?
- Parents and carers – Share insights about their child’s needs and experiences
- Kindergarten educators – Document observations and learning progress
- Children (where appropriate) – Provide input about their own experiences
These statements can be shared with schools to plan a supportive transition. Early education providers, families, and schools can use this information to discuss strategies for success as the child enters Prep.
Inclusion Support for Kindergarten
Children with additional needs can access support programs to ensure they receive appropriate assistance in their early learning journey:
- Kindergarten Inclusion Support Scheme (KISS) – Provides additional funding to kindergartens to support children with disabilities.
More info here - Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP) – Supports eligible children with disabilities who meet specific criteria:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Hearing impairment
- Intellectual disability
- Physical impairment
- Speech/language impairment
- Vision impairment
More info on ECDP access and eligibility
4. Tips for Choosing a School
Selecting the right school for your child is a big decision. Below are key questions to ask schools during your visit:
Classroom and Support Structure
- What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
- What additional supports are available? (e.g., Special Education Unit, teacher aides, small learning groups)
- Does the school provide 1:1 support for students who need it?
- Are there specialist staff such as learning support teachers or inclusion officers?
Collaboration with Therapy Teams
- Will the school collaborate with my child’s therapy team?
- Can therapists attend school meetings (e.g., Individual Education Plan meetings) to share strategies?
- Can therapists visit the school for on-site therapy if this aligns with our child’s therapy plan?
Behaviour and Inclusion Policies
- What is the school’s behaviour management plan?
- How does the school support students with disabilities or additional needs? (Check if they have an Inclusion Support Officer or similar role)
- What is the process for obtaining formal support (e.g., verification for students with disabilities)?
Emotional Well-being and Communication
- How does the school support students’ social and emotional well-being?
- What strategies does the school use to communicate with parents about student progress and challenges?
Tip: Consider printing out these questions to bring along to school visits!
Early Childhood Development Programs (ECDP)
ECDP programs offer support for children with disabilities before school. These programs cater to children with:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Hearing, vision, or physical impairment
- Intellectual or speech-language disabilities
More information: ECDP Access and Eligibility
Starting school is a big step for families, and choosing the right school is an important decision. By understanding your options and accessing support services, you can ensure a smooth transition for your child.
