Starting School in WA: What Relocating Families Need to Know for 2026
Every year around this time, I find myself having the same conversations with families preparing to relocate to Western Australia—excited, yes, but understandably a little anxious about school enrolments. If you’re arriving in WA for the 2026 school year, here are a few key things to keep in mind to help you feel more prepared and confident navigating the system.
Costs for Families
First, a big question many families ask: school fees. As of March, there hasn’t been a confirmed decision on whether international school fees will be waived again for 482 visa holders, as has happened in previous years. If fees do apply, you can expect to pay AUD $4,000 per family per year in WA (note that this varies across other states). Click here to learn more.
Age Cut-off
Kindergarten (Kindy) is another area that often catches families off guard. While it’s a popular entry point into the school system, it’s not compulsory. This means schools aren’t obligated to offer your child a place if their Kindy program is already full—something to plan for, especially if you’re relying on it to support your work schedule.
It’s also important to understand school entry requirements. In Western Australia, children must turn four by 30 June to begin Kindy. Each state has its own cut-off dates, so if you’re moving interstate later, the rules may differ.
Click here to open the Calculator page.
Location (sometimes) Matters!
When it comes to enrolling in public schools, proof of address is essential. Schools typically require a signed lease or similar documentation before they can process your application. Public schools are also tied to strict catchment areas, meaning you’ll generally need to live within the designated zone.
Private schools, on the other hand, don’t have zoning restrictions, giving you more flexibility in where you live.
Bonus! *After School Care
If you’ll need before- or after-school care, don’t assume it’s automatically available. These services are often run by external providers and aren’t offered at every school. It’s worth checking availability early, particularly if both parents will be working.
Start researching schools as early as possible, as some (especially private schools) have waitlists. It’s also helpful to review the official guidelines from the WA Department of Education for the most accurate and up-to-date information on enrolment processes and requirements.
Relocating comes with a lot of moving parts, and schooling is often one of the biggest. The more you understand ahead of time, the smoother the transition will be—not just for you, but for your children as well.
At the end of the day, a little preparation goes a long way. If you’d like everything in one place, check out our FREE GUIDE, a handy PDF checklist with all the key steps to get started with school enrolments!
