This guide sets out what the Queensland Department of Education’s pages say about when a child is eligible, how to enrol, what a school may ask for and how the move from primary is described. Each rule is attributed to a named page and its date. Catchment rules are only summarised here; the full explanation is in Queensland State School Catchments and Enrolment Management Plans Explained.
When Year 7 starts
At 10 November 2026, the choosing-a-school page (last updated 21 January 2026) says primary schools offer education from Prep to Year 6 and secondary schools offer education from Years 7 to 12. At 10 November 2026, the enrolling-your-child page (last updated 22 January 2026) says students are eligible to enter the first year of secondary school, Year 7, after completing 6 years of primary education (Prep to Year 6). For Prep age rules, see Starting Prep in Queensland: Enrolment Basics.
Choosing and contacting a school
At 10 November 2026, the enrolling-your-child page (last updated 22 January 2026) says you may enrol your child in the local secondary school by contacting the school directly. The page (last updated 22 January 2026) says that for many students their secondary school will be the closest to their homes, while some parents choose to send their child to a different secondary school, and that this may be because of the curriculum that is available or because the school has a specific focus.
On timing, the page (last updated 22 January 2026) says it is a good idea to consider your preferences early in the previous year and see if your child is eligible to attend the school of your preference. The same page (last updated 22 January 2026) says parents are encouraged to attend information sessions at local schools to assist them to choose a school for their child. At 10 November 2026, the enrolment page (last updated 21 January 2026) says usually a child can be enrolled a year ahead.
Catchments and Year 7
At 10 November 2026, the choosing-a-school page (last updated 21 January 2026) says some schools have a School Enrolment Management Plan that means students may not be able to enrol unless they live within the designated catchment zone. At 10 November 2026, the enrolment procedure (version 7.12, effective 19 March 2024) says eligible children may apply to enrol in any state primary and secondary school, unless there is an enrolment management plan or enrolment eligibility plan in place.
At 10 November 2026, the School EMP procedure (version 7.5, effective 9 September 2024) tells principals to limit out-of-catchment enrolments in the entry year level, which it gives as Prep or Year 7. The School Enrolment Management Plans page (last updated 1 October 2026) offers a list of schools with a plan, and at 10 November 2026 that list includes secondary schools such as Albany Creek State High School. For one school’s example of timing, Brisbane State High School’s plan page (last updated 22 January 2026) asks families to check the school’s catchment in the year prior to the proposed commencement date to determine which residences are located within the catchment area.
The enrolment steps and documents
At 10 November 2026, the enrolment page (last updated 21 January 2026) lists the first step for a Queensland state school as checking to see if the school has a School Enrolment Management Plan or an Enrolment Eligibility Plan, noting that eligibility to enrol could depend on the school catchment area or other specific criteria. The page (last updated 21 January 2026) then says to contact the school and check the school website for any specific enrolment information and procedures, and to complete the school’s application for student enrolment form from the school website. The same page (last updated 21 January 2026) ends with ensuring you have the documents required for an enrolment interview. The page (last updated 21 January 2026) also says enrolment forms and details of school enrolment processes are generally published on school websites.
On documents, the enrolment page (last updated 21 January 2026) says schools may require: to see the child’s birth certificate or passport, information about the child’s medical conditions, medication (if applicable) and doctor, and details of the child’s previous education and care providers. At 10 November 2026, the enrolment procedure (version 7.12, effective 19 March 2024) says the birth certificate or passport is sighted, and copies are not to be made or kept on file. The procedure (version 7.12) says the number is recorded on the enrolment form if this is the first time the child has enrolled in a state school, and that the requirement to sight the birth certificate does not apply where OneSchool indicates that a birth certificate has been previously sighted. The procedure (version 7.12) says that if the student has a medical condition, details of symptoms and any associated health management plans are provided. For a school with a plan, the procedure (version 7.12) lists proof of residency documents among the evidence of entitlement.
Where the principal determines the student is entitled to enrol, the procedure (version 7.12) says the principal discusses the enrolment agreement with parents/carers and seeks signature from parents/carers and students (if appropriate) as acknowledgement of expectations of enrolment agreement. It also says that where the principal determines the student is not entitled to enrol, the principal advises the applicant in writing as soon as practicable, including the reasons.
Moving from primary, another school or another state
At 10 November 2026, the enrolling-your-child page (last updated 22 January 2026) says a transfer note is not required for students transferring their enrolment from one Queensland state school to another, including primary to secondary. For a move between a non-state school and a state school in Queensland, the page (last updated 22 January 2026) says the new school can request a transfer note from the previous school, with no need for parents or carers to complete any additional forms. If a child has moved to Queensland from interstate, the page (last updated 22 January 2026) says the new school can request consent from you to obtain your child’s information from the previous school using the interstate student data transfer note. For families moving from another state, the page (last updated 22 January 2026) says to be aware that Year 6 is the final year of primary school in Queensland. It also lists collecting documentation outlining student achievement levels, education history and supports that are being provided, after discussing the forthcoming move with your current school.
How the department describes the transition
At 10 November 2026, the enrolling-your-child page (last updated 22 January 2026) says secondary schools have different ways of introducing primary students to their school, that most students settle in quickly in response to the carefully designed transition programs initiated by schools, and that primary and secondary schools cooperate to ease students through this transition. The starting-at-a-new-school page (last updated 22 January 2026) lists, among things families can do, taking their child to the school to meet the teachers and to find out where things are.
For students with disability, the choosing-a-school page (last updated 21 January 2026) says all students with disability can attend their local state school. For students with disability, the starting-at-a-new-school page (last updated 22 January 2026) says to talk to the new school well ahead of the first day, and also to your child’s current school or early childhood service. The enrolling-your-child page (last updated 22 January 2026) says school leadership teams, in conjunction with the parents and citizens’ association, decide on a student dress code. For uniform and other costs, see Back-to-School Costs in Queensland: Textbook and Resource Allowance, Uniforms and Other Help.
Frequently asked questions
When can a child start Year 7 in Queensland?
At 10 November 2026, the enrolling-your-child page (last updated 22 January 2026) says students are eligible to enter the first year of secondary school, Year 7, after completing 6 years of primary education (Prep to Year 6).
How do I enrol my child in a state high school?
At 10 November 2026, the enrolling-your-child page (last updated 22 January 2026) says you may enrol your child in the local secondary school by contacting the school directly, and the enrolment page (last updated 21 January 2026) says usually a child can be enrolled a year ahead.
Do I need a transfer note to move from a state primary to a state secondary school?
At 10 November 2026, the enrolling-your-child page (last updated 22 January 2026) says a transfer note is not required for students transferring their enrolment from one Queensland state school to another, including primary to secondary.
Can a high school limit out-of-catchment Year 7 places?
At 10 November 2026, the School EMP procedure (version 7.5, effective 9 September 2024) tells principals to limit out-of-catchment enrolments in the entry year level, which it gives as Prep or Year 7.
