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Priority Enrolment Areas

1. Definition

Each public school gives priority to the enrolment of children living in its Priority Enrolment Area (PEA). This may be one suburb, part of a suburb, or a group of suburbs. In some instances, certain suburbs may be included within the PEA of two public schools.

ACT public schools are non-selective. If a school has room available after accepting students from its PEA, it may offer places to students who live outside the area. This decision is made at the school level and is consistent with the Department’s Enrolment in ACT Government Schools – Preschool to Year 12 policy. Enrolment at a primary school that is located in a high school’s Priority Enrolment Area does not guarantee enrolment at that high school. Principals make every effort to accept siblings but this cannot be guaranteed.

2. Policy

The schedule of PEAs has been based on the Enrolment in ACT Government Schools - Preschool to Year 12 policy.

ACT residents have priority for enrolment in ACT public schools. NSW resident students are welcome to apply for enrolment in ACT schools, however, given the demand for places in some areas parents/carers may not achieve their first preference.

The Early Childhood Schools at Isabella Plains, Lyons, Narrabundah, O’Connor and Southern Cross (Scullin) do not have PEA boundaries. The relevant Early Childhood School boards will determine their own priorities for accepting students as required. Parents/carers need to discuss enrolment directly with the school.

For any out-of-area enrolments, families will need to contact the school of their choice for enrolment details and to discuss the availability of placement with the school principal.

Primary School PEAs apply to Preschool to Year 6 enrolments.

Under the Enrolment Policy, school boards determine their own priorities for accepting out of area enrolments.

The College enrolment policy (Clause 8.3) includes specific criteria for the prioritisation of student placements.

PEA boundaries are reviewed annually to ensure there is an acceptable balance between expected student enrolments and school capacities. Most boundaries will remain unchanged from year to year, while others may vary.