Almost 4400 children started reception this week at more than 420 public schools across the state, as the first intake of mid-year students in more than a decade began school.

The option to start reception in the middle of the year is open to children turning five between 1 May and 31 October.

These students will complete six terms of reception, while children who start school in January undertake four terms in reception.

About 385 government preschools have this week welcomed their second mid-year intake of children.

Allowing students to start school midyear is aimed at giving families the choice to have earlier access to high-quality educational programs for their children.

All children, regardless of whether they start school in January or July, will have the same types of learning experiences.

Ascot Park Primary School Principal Sam Kennedy said it was an exciting week for the students joining the school.

“These students will join our two existing reception classes, and I know their classmates are eager to welcome them in,” Mr Kennedy said.

“In the lead up to Term 3, we have been building connections between our school and the local preschools, along with the students and their families to help the children prepare for the move to school.”

Families who haven’t registered for reception in 2025, either for the start of the year or midyear intake, are encouraged to complete a registration of interest form online.