What is compulsory schooling age?

The compulsory schooling age in Australia is the range of years during which a child must by law be enrolled in school or an approved alternative form of education. Education is a state and territory responsibility under section 51 of the Australian Constitution, so the specific ages and rules vary slightly between jurisdictions, although they have been broadly aligned through the National Education Agreement.

The starting age is typically the year a child turns six. New South Wales and Victoria require children to be enrolled in school by the year they turn six, although most parents enrol their child in the first year of formal school (called Kindy, Prep, or Reception, depending on the state) when the child is five, after the year of preschool or kindergarten. Children must be at school by their sixth birthday in NSW, by 1 January of the year they turn six in Victoria, and by similar dates in other states.

The leaving age sits at 17 in most states, with some scope for earlier leaving subject to alternative engagement. Under the National Youth Participation Requirement adopted from 2010, young people who have completed Year 10 must remain in education, training, or employment until they turn 17. Most jurisdictions require students to remain in full-time education until the end of Year 10 or age 16 (whichever is later) and then either continue in school, TAFE, or other registered training, or be in approved employment of at least 25 hours a week, until age 17.

Compulsory schooling can be met through public (government) schools, Catholic and independent schools, or registered home schooling. Each state regulates home schooling separately, with registration usually requiring an approved education plan, periodic reviews, and compliance with the Australian Curriculum or an equivalent. Children with disabilities have specific rights to reasonable adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005. Truancy (unjustified absence) is treated seriously, with parents potentially fined for failing to ensure attendance, although prosecution is uncommon and is usually preceded by warnings, support plans, and home visits.