School attendance
Children in Australia are legally required to attend school from age 6, except Tasmania, where
attendance is compulsory from 5 years of age. Children are also required to remain at school until
they complete Year 10 and then be engaged in full-time education, training or employment until
age 17 (ACARA 2013).
School provides the opportunities for children to learn and grow academically and socially, and
lays critical foundations for a productive and healthy adult life. As such, maintaining regular school
attendance and participation is essential. School attendance also contributes to the development of
social skills and healthy self-esteem (AIFS 2013).
School attendance is reported for children who are enrolled in and attending school. Attendance
data are collected for students in all states and territories from Year 1 to Year 10. Attendance rates
have to be reported in rate ranges, however, because the data are not directly comparable across
states and territories and the government, Catholic and independent sectors.
While most children regularly attend school in Years 1 to 6, some children are enrolled but have
different patterns of attendance, including those who are home-schooled or participate in Schools
of the Air. Children who are not enrolled in education, for example due to restrictive health
conditions, are not included in attendance data.