The form numbering system used in Australia is simple... You start in Year 1 (primary 1 in the UK) and stay until years 10, 11 or 12.
OK, but what about pre-school? - Well, you've got a year of Kindergarden (Kindie) and a year of pre-primary, both of which are voluntary. Read on to see the specifics...
The Law...
The School Education Act 1999 requires children of compulsory school age to attend school, that is from the beginning of the year in which children reach the age of six and a half until the end of the year in which they turn 15 years of age.
Pre-School
Children can attend 'Kindie' (kindergarten) from the age of four. Each child is entitled to 4 places a week in a government kindergarten program (you'll usually find that state primary schools have kindie classes). Children turning five (at the end of June) can attend pre-primary classes on a full or part time basis, five days a week. Again, pre-primary classes are usually attached to primary schools.
Primary School
Children commence their compulsory schooling in Year 1 and should be enrolled at a school at the beginning of the school year in which they turn age 6 years and 6 months. Parents can apply to register their children for home education by contacting the local district education office.
