The Preparatory Year (Prep) program is for students who turn five by June 30 in the year they start school.
| Birthdate | Eligible for Prep Year in |
|---|---|
| Child born 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017 | 2022 |
| Child born 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 | 2023 |
| Child born 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 | 2024 |
| Child born 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020 | 2025 |
An amendment to the Education Act has allowed for the possibility of early entry for some students who will turn five by July 31st in the year they are in Prep, however that entry is conditional on the principal also being satisfied that they are ready for schooling in terms of:
- aptitude and ability; and
- social and emotional competence; and
- physical development; and
- level of knowledge and understanding
This is not a change for all children born in July and it is certainly not compulsory to send your child to Prep if he or she turns five during July.
Most children commence Prep in the year they become eligible (turning 5 by June 30th), however parents who are concerned their child is not ready to start Prep at that time can choose to start their child a year later – (by 6 years and 6 months).
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s readiness for Prep, speak with your child’s Kindergarten teacher or the school Principal.
Preparatory year was made compulsory by the Queensland Government in 2017 and is the first formal year of schooling. It is offered as full-time for five days per week.
Enrolment of Students in Catholic Schools pdf
