School attendance

In Western Australia, children must attend school from Year 1 until the end of the year they turn 17 years of age.
Regular school attendance is important because it gives children the building blocks for future success. Students who regularly miss days of school are at risk of experiencing learning difficulties.

Children can be exempt from school if they are unwell, have an infectious disease or can give the principal a genuine and acceptable reason. You must let the school know within three days why your child is not attending.

Schools monitor attendance and will follow up with you if your child misses school. There are fines of up to $1000 for non-attendance.

If your child is reluctant or refuses to go to school, or is missing school without you knowing, you can get support and help from your school.

If your child does need to leave school for part of the day, they must have a leave pass which they can get from school. Passes are readily identifiable to authorities in monitoring attendance.

School uniforms

All schools have uniforms which students are required to wear. The dress requirements are developed by the school council in consultation with students, parents/carers and staff. They take into consideration the climate, diversity of students and the range of activities students undertake. Denim clothing is not allowed as part of any school uniform. 

To find out about the uniform of a specific school, contact the school directly.

Fees and charges

Find out about the fees and charges associated with sending your child to a public school.

Financial assistance, allowances, subsidies

Find out about financial assistance, allowances and subsidies you may be eligible for.

Physical activity

All students take part in a minimum of two hours a week of physical activity. Many schools also run sports programs such as hockey, netball and football teams to play in local association, club or interschool competitions. Schools also hold athletics and swimming carnivals.

School Sport WA provides competitive sporting opportunities for students across all secondary schools. Currently 42 interschool competitions and 27 interstate competitions are run. Each year up to seven international sports competitions are run with elite sports students representing WA around the world. The program involves more than 60,000 students and 6,000 teachers each year, and works closely with State sporting associations.

For children with sports talent a number of secondary schools run specialist sports programs including athletics, Australian football, baseball, basketball, cricket, equestrian, golf, hockey, netball, rugby union, soccer, surfing, swimming, tennis, triathlon and volleyball. These programs have specialist teachers and coaches to help children follow their passion and develop their talent. To find out more visit the website or telephone 9264 4307.

English language support

Students who have recently come to live in Australia may be able to attend an Intensive English Centre where they are taught English as a Second Language (ESL) before enrolling at their local school.

Some schools also have post-intensive programs to help ESL students to participate successfully in mainstream schooling. They attend ESL classes while also attending lessons in other curriculum areas with mainstream students.

Your school or district education office can help you identify these schools.

Students with a disability

Schools provide learning environments that welcome children of all abilities and promote inclusiveness. This means all children with disabilities and a diverse range of learning needs can go to school alongside their peers in mainstream classrooms with support as required to meet their individual needs.

Specialist centres and schools are also available for children with high support needs where parents are seeking an alternative to their local school. Other specialist centres include language development centres for children with specific speech and language impairments and difficulties (Kindergarten to Year 1).

The WA Institute for Deaf Education supports children who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families. The Vision Education Service supports children with vision impairment while Hospital School Services deliver educational programs for children in hospital and those unable to attend their local school due to significant health related issues.

Student reports

Clear and timely reporting of student achievements and progress at school is important. Schools and teachers do this in a number of ways throughout the year such as parent-teacher interviews, contacting parents directly by telephone and by writing comments in student daily diaries as well as through formal reports.

Twice a year report cards are sent home with information about your child’s achievements in each of the eight learning areas as well as attitude, behaviour and effort. They also include information about what the school and you can do to support your child’s future learning. There are also personalised teacher comments about strengths and areas for improvements as well as a request for a parent interview if necessary. The reports are particularly helpful if you have children at different schools or if you move your child from one school to another.

Community service program

All students in Year 10 and Year 11 have the opportunity to provide service to the community by completing a minimum of 20 hours during Years 10 and 11.

Schools provide opportunities for their students by linking with organisations and groups in their community. Students are able to receive recognition for service activities they do in their own time.

Some examples of community service programs schools have been involved in are:

• Lake Grace District High School students ran CPR training for community members
• Year 10 students at Melville Senior High School painted footwear for children in Africa as part of The Art Miles Mural Project
• Katanning District High School students helped a primary school with sporting and coaching activities
• Students at Padbury Senior High School taught 25 seniors in a computer skills program.