Both primary and secondary schooling is free in Australia. However, the structure of primary and secondary schooling in Australia varies between the different States and Territories. In most States children start school at around the age of five when they enrol in an optional preparatory kindergarten year. After this optional year, primary education lasts for six or seven years depending on the State concerned.
Secondary education is available for either five or six years.
Secondary schooling usually consists of years seven to 12. The number of secondary students continuing their secondary education to the year 12 level has been increasing in recent years and in 1993 reached 77 per cent. Australian Capital Territory 1180. In the Australian Capital Territory the Education Act 1937 mandates education between the ages of six and 15. However, applications may be made for an exemption certificate in certain defined circumstances.