Information for parents and carers

Helpful links

Schooling guide for parents and carers

Whether your child is beginning school or transitioning into high school, navigating the NSW school system needn’t be a daunting experience. Read about what’s involved with your child attending school, as well as NESA's roles and responsibilities.

Starting school

Starting school can be a big transition for children. Find resources to help, whether your child is starting or returning to preschool, primary or high school.

Public school term dates

Dates throughout the year for NSW public school terms, holidays and school development days. For private school term dates, contact your school.

NSW Curriculum

NESA provides the curriculum for Kindergarten to Year 12. Take a look at the syllabuses for each subject, and view resources on the NSW Curriculum website.

NAPLAN key dates

The NAPLAN test assesses the literacy and numeracy skills of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Read about test window and preparation dates and contact details for enquiries.

Supporting students with disability

All students are entitled to progress through the NSW curriculum. Read about adjustments to teaching, learning and assessment activities for some students with disability.

Engaging with parents and carers

Parents and carers can share their ideas and concerns with us through school and parent groups across all school sectors.

Higher School Certificate (HSC)

School students in NSW generally work towards the HSC in Year 11 and Year 12. Find out about the HSC, subjects, dates and timetables.

Student in a classroom speaking with another student while holding a pen and open book.

About the HSC

The HSC is the highest level of attainment students can reach at school. Find out about courses, eligibility and achievement pathways, including the HSC minimum standard.

A teacher speaks with a student in a school uniform and the student’s parent at a desk in a classroom.

HSC subject selection

Explore the content for each HSC course. Find out more about how to choose your HSC subjects, course outcomes and how each subject is assessed.

Hand drawn illustration of school supplies.

Key dates and exam timetable

Find the dates and timetables for HSC written exams, languages oral exams, and important dates for practical and performance exams.

Schooling in NSW

The NSW Department of Education provides teaching at over 2,200 schools across the state. Find out more about the diverse range of schools available to students in NSW on the Department of Education.

Visit the Department of Education

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Complaints handling

If you have feedback about a school, you may need to contact the school, the NSW Department of Education or NESA, depending on the issue and school type.

Find out who to contact