Most metropolitan public high schools and some primary schools are zoned.
On this page:
How school zoning works
What school zone do I live in?
Brothers and sisters
Proof of residence
Gifted and talented
How school zoning works
School zones are determined by a student's primary and permanent place of residence. If a student lives in a particular school zone, a place is reserved for them at that school.
Students may apply for enrolment at any school in the state and acceptance to schools outside of their zone will depend on whether there are places available at the school. If there are places available, selection for entry to the school will be based on:
- distance
- curriculum
- social and family links
- transport and location convenience
- disability
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What school zone do I live in?
Find out if the schools in your area are zoned using the:
Students living outside of the metropolitan area may find themselves in an unzoned area. In this case you can enrol at your closest school or one serviced by a school bus that passes near your home.
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Sibling rights rule
Where a student's brother or sister currently attends an out-of-zone school, they also have the right to attend that school.
If no one in their family has attended the school for a year or more then the sibling rights rule no longer applies.
Students must live at the same primary permanent address and provide proof of residence to be eligible for the sibling rights rule if they are:
- step brothers or sisters who are not blood relatives
- from a blended family living in a de facto relationship.
If students are claiming sibling rights on their enrolment form, they must attach a photocopy of the current school ID card of their brother or sister who attends the out-of-zone school.
Check with the school to make sure it accepts siblings because some have different enrolment criteria.
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Proof of residence
Be careful to provide your correct address when filling in an enrolment form. You may be asked for documents showing proof of residence - eg:
- gas or electricity bill
- copy of the property’s contract of sale
- rental agreement or bond receipt
- parenting order from the Family Court with the address of a full-time carer.
Blended families living in a de facto relationship will need to provide proof of residence that proves both parties reside at that address.
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More information
On this site
Enrolling in a primary school
Enrolling in high school