Starting Prep

The Preparatory (Prep) Year is the first year of full-time schooling.  Prep is offered in all Diocesan primary schools to families seeking to commence their child’s schooling in the Catholic tradition.

From 2017, it will be compulsory for all Queensland children to undertake Prep, prior to commencing Year 1. To minimise disruption to schools and families, the new requirement will not apply to children already enrolled in Year 1 for 2017.

The changes have been made by the Queensland Government to establish the importance of Prep as the first year of schooling.

While Prep is now compulsory, there are some exceptions including circumstances where:

• the child has undertaken education in another jurisdiction that is equivalent to Prep;
• the child was registered for home education in the year prior to enrolment in a state or non-state school; or
• the principal is satisfied the child is ready to be enrolled in Year 1 taking into account the child’s attributes.

To enrol in Prep, children must be aged five years by 30 June in the year of proposed attendance.

When can they start?

Child’s Birth Date	Eligible for Prep Year in
1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012	2017
1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013	2018
1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014	2019
1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015	2020

Is there Early Entry to Prep?

What should I do if I think my child isn’t ready to start Prep?

Most parents enrol their child in Prep at the Prep-eligible age – in the year they turn five by 30 June. However, parents still retain flexibility to enrol their child in Prep the following year, in the year they turn six by 30 June, giving consideration to the child’s developmental, behavioural and emotional readiness for schooling.  If you have questions or concerns about your child’s readiness for Prep, speak with your child’s Kindergarten teacher or the Principal of the school where you plan to enrol your child for Prep.

For further information about enrolling your child in Prep contact your nearest Catholic school, or Catholic Education Services.