|
Year/Grade |
Age range |
|
Year 0 (known as Preparatory or Kindergarten) |
5-6 |
|
Year 1 |
6-7 |
|
Year 2 |
7-8 |
|
Year 3 |
8-9 |
|
Year 4 |
9-10 |
|
Year 5 |
10-11 |
|
Year 6 |
11-12 |
|
Year 7 |
12-13 |
|
Year 8 |
13-14 |
|
Year 9 |
14-15 |
|
Year 10 |
15-16 |
|
Year 11 |
16-17 |
|
Year 12 |
17-18 |
Individual State/Territory legislation determines the age of compulsory education.
In most States/Territories, education is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 15.
However, in Tasmania, the Preparatory Year (5- to 6-year-olds) is also compulsory and the school leaving age is 16. Legislation introduced in January 2008 introduced additional requirements which mean that, after leaving Year 10 (at around age 16), young people must continue in education or training for two years or until they turn 17.
Similarly, in Queensland, where the compulsory school starting age is 6, since 2006, it has been compulsory for young people to remain at school until they finish Year 10 (ages 15-16) or reach their 16th birthday, whichever comes first. Thereafter, unless they are in full-time work, young people who have finished Year 10 or reached the age of 16 are required to participate in education and training for a further two years; or until they have gained a Senior Certificate (see 6.4.4.); or until they have gained a specific level of vocational qualification; or until they have turned 17.