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.

Since 2017 it is compulsory for all Queensland children to undertake Prep, prior to commencing Year 1. The change was 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 2014 to 30 June 2015	2020
1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016	2021
1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017	2022
1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018	2023

Is there Early Entry to Prep?

Section 15 of the Education (General Provisions) Regulation 2006 allows early entry to Prep for a child who:

EITHER

• will be at least 5 years and 5 months on 31 December in the proposed year of attendance at school (i.e. a child who turns 5 on or before 31 July); AND
• is considered ready for education in the year of schooling considering the child’s attributes;

OR

• had started education in another country, Australian state or territory that is equivalent to Prep; AND
• is considered ready for education in the year of schooling considering the child’s attributes.

A July birthday or previous school enrolment in another state or country does not guarantee early entry to Prep in Queensland.

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.

How to ‘Be Prepped 4 Prep’

For tips and information on how you and your child can ‘Be Prepped 4 Prep’, like and follow Catholic Education’s Be Prepped 4 Prep Facebook page.