Schools & family · 13 May 2026 · 6 min read
The private school enrolment timeline, in the order it actually happens
When to register, when waitlists bite, and what to do if you are moving mid-year.
Register before you have an address
The most common and most expensive mistake is waiting until you have chosen a suburb. Registrations at the older independent schools are taken years ahead for Year 5 and Year 7 entry. Register at every school you would seriously consider, as early as you can.
How the year runs
Offers for the following year generally firm up through the first half of the year, with movement continuing as families relocate or decline places. Mid-year vacancies happen and are worth chasing directly by phone rather than by form.
If you are moving mid-year
Ask the registrar three questions: is there a current vacancy in the year level, is there a waitlist position you can hold, and would a sibling or relocation policy apply. Then keep a strong state high school catchment as your fallback and choose your suburb accordingly.