School Enrolments in Queensland

Summary
Posting to a new location can present many challenges, including school enrolment. In Queensland, public schools generally require families to provide 2 documents that satisfy proof of residency requirements before a student can be enrolled. For military families, posting orders are often issued several months before relocation, but confirmation of housing arrangements may not occur until much closer to the move date.
 
As a result, families may be unable to complete enrolment processes in their new location before arriving, often just prior to the start of the school year. This can create additional stress for families and students during an already challenging transition period, including reduced access to preferred subject selections and school planning opportunities. It can also make it more difficult for schools to accurately forecast enrolment numbers and resource requirements for the following year.
 
Defence Kidz were instrumental with their advocacy for children of Defence families to be recognised at the time of each school enrolment. DFA and Defence Kidz continue the advocacy to encourage other states to adopt the same enrolment requirements for national consistency, and the support and acknowledgement that our families deserve.
 


 
Outcome

In circumstances where parents of a prospective student are unable to provide a residential address at the time of enrolment, schools are encouraged to allow families reasonable time to obtain documentation confirming their new temporary or permanent residential address, while continuing to facilitate the enrolment process.

In the case of defence personnel, where defence housing may not be available until after the commencement of the school term, families should contact the school principal to discuss their situation. While the principal may seek additional information, such as a sworn statutory declaration and/or a letter of confirmation from a support organisation, they may proceed with enrolment without full documentation, based on the evidence available.

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