Full-time Kindergarten pilot

The full-time Kindergarten pilot will start in 2026, one year earlier than previously planned, to support young learners and their families in Western Australia.

The trial will start at 5 public schools, 3 in metropolitan Perth and 2 in regional WA. 

Children at pilot schools will benefit from full-time play-based early learning. Play is one of the most effective ways young children learn. 

Full-time Kindergarten will provide the opportunity for children to build confidence, resilience, language skills and social-emotional skills to help ease their transition into full-time school. 

The pilot seeks to improve learning outcomes for children by providing access to play-based Kindergarten 5 days a week.  

Kindergarten will remain non-compulsory, and schools will work with families on the best transition to full-time school for their child. 

The 2026 pilot is being coordinated by the Office of Early Childhood in consultation with the Department of Education, schools and communities.  

The pilot will expand to more schools in 2027.  

For more information, refer to the Office of Early Childhood’s website.  

Participating schools  

The 5 schools participating in 2026 are: 

• Banksia Grove Primary School 
• Dalyellup Primary School 
• Halidon Primary School 
• Roleystone Community College 
• South Kalgoorlie Primary School.  

For information about what to expect when your child goes to school for the first time, refer to Starting school.