Primary school

In Western Australia, primary school runs from from kindergarten to Year 6.    

Primary school teachers are trained to inspire, motivate and build confidence in students. They work closely with parents to ensure each child thrives at school. Teachers keep parents updated on their children’s progress both informally and formally through school reporting processes. 

In primary school, students have the same teacher for most of the day. Some schools may also have specialist teachers for subjects such as music, art, physical education and languages other than English. 

Class sizes are generally between 25 to 32 children, depending on the type of school and its location. 

You can apply to enrol your child in WA Government schools that are approved to accept overseas fee paying students.

To view the school enrolment conditions, application process and tuition fees for your child, select a page below:
For children holding a student visa
For children who are dependants of a visa holder 

Primary school levels 

Classes may consist of split year levels, with students from different year levels in the same class. 

• Pre-primary is for children turning five years old by 30 June of the year they start pre-primary. 
• Year 1 is for children turning six years old by 30 June of the year they start Year 1. 
• Year 2 is for children turning seven years old by 30 June of the year they start Year 2. 
• Year 3 is for children turning eight years old by 30 June of the year they start Year 3. 
• Year 4 is for children turning nine years old by 30 June of the year they start Year 4.  
• Year 5 is for children turning 10 years old by 30 June of the year they start Year 5. 
• Year 6 is for children turning 11 years old by 30 June of the year they start Year 6. 

Students are taught across across the learning areas of English, mathematics, science, humanities and social sciences, the arts, technologies, health and physical education and languages. The Australian Curriculum is progressively being implemented. 

The Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline(opens in a new tab) sets out the knowledge, understandings, skills, values and attitudes that all students from Kindergarten to Year 10 are expected to acquire. It also includes the curriculum, guiding principles for teaching, learning and assessment and support for teachers in their assessment and reporting of student achievement. 

Primary schools are designed and built to provide students with safe and stimulating learning environments. 

The design of schools takes into account the needs of each year group and phases of learning. In some schools, designs have been changed to meet special needs and enable more flexible arrangement of classes and activities. 

Students from kindergarten to Year 2 often have large purpose designed spaces equipped with their own toilets, sinks and sheltered play areas. Older students may have activity areas close to their classrooms.  

Many schools have purpose designed music and art rooms and large undercover areas for assemblies and school performances.

English language requirements and programs  

For students who require additional English language support on arrival at a WA Government school, please view our English language requirements page(opens in a new tab). 

Students with disability 

Students with disability may need specialist disability provision or support to participate in education. The Department of Education assesses the need for specialist disability provision or support on a case by case basis by prior to placement.