Compulsory School Attendance

Education for your child is important and regular attendance at school is essential for your child to achieve their educational best and increase their career and life options. NSW public schools work in partnership with parents to encourage and support regular attendance of children and young people. When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier and your child will build and maintain friendships with other children.

What are my legal responsibilities?

Education in New South Wales is compulsory for all children between the ages of six years and below the minimum school leaving age of 17 years. The Education Act 1990 requires that parents ensure their children of compulsory school age are enrolled at, and regularly attend school, or, are registered with the NSW Education Standards Authority for home schooling.

Once enrolled, children are required to attend school each day it is open for students.

Please follow the link below to access this information in alternative languages:

https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/going-to-a-public-school/translated-documents/compulsory-school-attendance-information-for-parents