How Australian Schools Work

AUSTRALIAN children usually begin pre-school at age four. Then they move into what is termed "transition" before beginning primary school.The primary grades are one through seven. Students then enter secondary schools for at least three years (for School of the Air graduates - see main story - this means boarding school). They can legally leave school at age 15, but with jobs scarce, most students are now continuing to grade 12. To enter a university, students receive scores for their final year of school. The scores - often published in the newspapers - are usually a combination of grades and exams. The students then apply to schools, such as law or medical, within the universities. The universities publish the points needed to be accepted. Most students attend universities in their home towns. The education system is governed by each state, which determines curriculum and standards. The federal government mainly provides funding.