ACT Public School Enrolments for 2027 Open from 4 May

Families across the ACT will be able to begin enrolling students for the 2027 school year from Monday 4 May, with applications opening for children entering preschool through to year 12 at a new school.

The ACT Government has confirmed that every child from kindergarten to year 12 remains guaranteed a place at their local public school within their Priority Enrolment Area (PEA).

Parents and carers are encouraged to submit applications by 5 June 2026 to receive enrolment offers from 3 August 2026, helping families prepare ahead of the new school year.

Minister for Education Yvette Berry said enrolments would also open for the new Whitlam primary school, which is being designed to accommodate up to 780 students from preschool to year 6.

Strathnairn School, which welcomed its first students this year for preschool to year 2, will expand enrolments up to year 6 in 2027.

The Priority Enrolment Area for Strathnairn School includes Macnamara, Strathnairn and selected parts of Holt, including Chester Close, Fullston Way, Lionel Rose Street and Lorraway Street. Whitlam School's enrolment area covers the suburb of Whitlam.

The ACT Education Directorate will determine which year levels will operate at both schools in 2027 after enrolment applications have been assessed. The decision will depend on student demand to ensure appropriate class sizes and strong learning and social opportunities across each year level.

Minister Berry said that if enrolment numbers are not sufficient to support every year level at both schools, students would instead be placed in nearby PEA schools. Whitlam students would attend Evelyn Scott School, while Strathnairn students would attend Kingsford Smith School. Students applying from outside the designated suburbs would also be directed to their local PEA school.

Changes are also being introduced for college students living in Florey, who will now fall within a shared enrolment zone for either Melba Copland Secondary School or Hawker College.

Minister Berry said ACT public schools continued to provide welcoming and supportive learning environments for students across the Territory.

"Your local public school has a place for your child to learn, develop and reach their potential," she said.

"A public education leads to great things. Our schools are welcoming and committed to ensuring children feel safe, valued and have the chance to excel in their learning."

While formal offers will begin from 3 August, some schools may notify families earlier where students are enrolling in their local Priority Enrolment Area school, as these placements are guaranteed. Applications submitted after 6 June will receive offers later in the year.