Types of schools in Tasmania
There are schools in three different system/sectors in Tasmania:
- government schools, administered by the Department of Education
- independent schools, represented by Independent Schools Tasmania (IST)
- Catholic schools, administered by the Catholic Education Office
Secondary school structure in Tasmania
Students enter secondary education in Year 7.
Generally government secondary schools provide secondary education for students in Years 7 to 10. An increasing number of Tasmanian secondary schools provide Years 11 and 12 studies. Of the high schools, 26 are district schools or district high schools in rural areas, where the primary and high schools are located on a single campus.
Catholic and independent schools generally provide for Years 7 to 12 with some providing solely for Years 11 and 12.
From the age of 16, all young people are required to participate in a full-time eligible education or training option for at least one year (Youth Participation in Education and Training Act 2005 (Guaranteeing Futures), Section 3). NB: This requirement is currently under review.
Transfer to a school in Tasmania
In April 2007, Education Ministers agreed that state and territory policies and practices would ensure no child moving interstate would be disadvantaged in his/her progress through the school system by different state and territory school starting ages.
Students should obtain copies of school reports and other evidence of achievement, and details of study undertaken in their previous school. This information should be presented to the principal of the receiving school.
Parents/guardians will need to supply the new school with current information on legal and medical matters related to the student, and a current residential address.
See more information for school enrolment procedures on the Department of Education website.
