Western Australian (WA) Government schools provide high quality education to help your child reach their potential.
- Our teachers are world class – Encouraging your child to perform at their best, in environments where they are understood, cared for and appreciated.
- Engaging curriculum – Our schools offer a full curriculum and a range of programs designed to excite, stimulate and inspire your child to learn.
- Modern facilities – Our schools are equipped to enable students to receive the best education possible.
- Helping your child to succeed – Our schools aim to develop well rounded students who succeed at school, are happy and well adjusted, and show concern and respect for others.
Some WA Government schools are approved to accept international students. The school must have available places to enrol your child.
Primary school
Primary school runs from kindergarten to Year 6.
Primary schools provide students with safe, stimulating learning environments. Teachers are trained to inspire, motivate and build confidence in your child.
View our Primary school page
Secondary school
Secondary school runs from Year 7 to Year 12.
Secondary schools are built to international standards with high quality facilities. Your child studies in safe, inclusive and welcoming environments.
View our Secondary school page
English language support
Students that require additional English language programs on arrival at a WA Government school can participate in an Intensive English Centre (IEC) program; or an English as an Additional Language or Dialect (ESL) program.
View our English language support page
Children holding a student visa (500)
The minimum enrolment period for a child student visa holder is two school terms.
You must nominate four schools from our list of available WA Government schools.
View our Children holding a student visa page
Children who are dependants of visa holders
Application processes, tuition fees and enrolment conditions vary based on your child's visa situation.
Read if your child is a dependant of your visa as a Masters/PHD student; 457/82 visa holder; or other visa.
View our Children who are dependants of visa holders page
Short term enrolments and student exchange
Short term visitors can apply for placement at a WA Government school for a maximum of 10 weeks.
Student exchange allows your child to study full time in a secondary school for three months to one year.
View our Short term enrolments and students exchange
WA Government school term dates
| | 2023** | 2024** |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 1 February – 6April |
31 January – 28 March |
| Term 2 | 24 April – 30 June |
15 April – 28 June |
| Term 3 | 17 July – 22 September |
15 July – 20 September |
| Term 4 | 9 October – 14 December |
7 October – 12 December |
* These dates do not include three school development days that are scheduled by schools and students do not attend.
** Preliminary dates only, still to be confirmed.
Independent WA Government schools
Some WA Government schools have more control over staffing, budgets and operations – these are known as Independent WA Government Schools.
These schools, in collaboration with their school communities set their own strategic directions; have authority for day to day decision making; and are in an ideal position to make decisions that best cater for their students. Although they are called Independent WA Government Schools, these schools remain part of the WA Government school system and continue to work within policy, legislation and industrial agreements.
Pastoral care
The pastoral care provided by teachers helps your child to feel they belong, develop a positive self image, and manage the ups and downs in their life.
Effective pastoral care in WA Government schools is underpinned by a positive school environment where:
- teacher–student relationships are based on trust and mutual respect;
- each student's physical, social, intellectual and emotional development is promoted; and
- there are strong partnerships between the school, parents and community.
Reporting on student achievement
Student achievement and progress is monitored and reported throughout the school year.
Parents receive a formal report on their children's progress twice a year, at the end of each semester. This report includes details of academic achievement.
Teachers also update parents on progress at parent-teacher interviews, by contacting them directly or communicating via student diaries.
The national assessment program
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an assessment of all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Australia. All WA Government schools are required to conduct the NAPLAN tests to assess reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
The test scores help teachers to identify students’ strengths and areas where they may require extra help. They also provide a snapshot of student achievement in comparison to all students in the same year level across Australia. Parents can use individual test results to discuss their children’s achievements and progress with teachers.
Specialist programs and support
English language support
Students that require additional English language programs on arrival at a WA Government school can participate in:
- an Intensive English Centre (IEC) program; or
- an English as an Additional Language or Dialect (ESL) program.
For more information about these options please view our English language requirements.
Students with disability
If your child has disability, they may require specialist provision or support to participate in education. You may need to pay an extra fee for placement in a mainstream school or disability provision.
Prior to placement, the WA Department of Education determines eligibility for placement in specialist disability provision, on a case by case basis.
Additional fees may apply – please view our School fees page for more information.
School fees and charges
View our School fees and charges page for more information on tuition fees, costs for English language or disability support, and other expenses.