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Student information about public school life

A guide to what you need to know about ACT public school life.

Term dates and calendars

Find term starting dates and holiday information at ACT public school term dates and public holidays

Find your school

The public school you can attend is determined by where you live. It’s called your Priority Enrolment Area. Find your school pathway from kindergarten to college and visit the school’s website for more information.

Curriculum and learning

Explore what is taught in ACT public schools, including the Australian Curriculum and other learning programs, based on your year of study.

Your school’s website will provide more detail about subject information. College websites will have a handbook outlining their subject and study options.

Find out about:

You can also learn how teachers assess your school work.

Career education and pathways

Public schools give you access to a range of programs, pathways and tools to help learn important skills for the future. Opportunities include:

  • Access to the free Careers Tools platform
  • Vocational Learning Programs
  • Work experience
  • Australian School-based Apprenticeships
  • HeadStart.

Competitions, challenges and showcases

ACT public schools offer programs to showcase your passion and talent. Some of these include:

There are also learning programs such as:

  • Pre-learner driver license course (years 10-12)
  • Science Mentors
  • Water safety program (year 2)
  • Work experience (high school and college years).

Financial and other supports

As a student at an ACT public school, you may be able to access financial and other supports.

  • The Future of Education Equity Fund helps some families with an annual payment to help cover the costs of education expenses.
  • High school and college students are given a free Chromebook to use at school and at home.
  • At 5 of schools students receive breakfast and lunch 3 times a week as part of the Meals in Schools program.
  • Period products are free and accessible at public schools. Some have dispensing machine in bathrooms.
  • If your family needs extra help, your school can help with everyday essentials such as meals, uniforms, book packs, excursion and camp costs. If you do need help, let your teacher or principal know.
  • Legal Aid lawyers visit colleges so that students can access free legal advice on a range of topics. Your college will share the schedule.

Mental health and wellbeing support

Your school has a whole team to help you with your mental health and wellbeing.

If you do feel you need help, reach out to a trusted teacher, support services team member, counsellor or your year advisor. A school friend can also do this for you.

School psychologists are trained to understand how you’re feeling and can help if you’re anxious, stressed, or having problems at school. Some work at your school, others visit on specific days or as needed.

Youth workers and school health nurses are available in many high schools and colleges. They help with emotional and social support.

Some schools have wellbeing officers to help students with personal or emotional issues.

MindMap is a portal for students under 25 that can help you find mental health services in the ACT.

Anti-bullying

You should feel safe and respected at school. Everyone has the right to be free from bullying, harassment, and violence. Bullying can be in person or online (cyberbullying).

Read more about what public schools are doing and the programs they are offering to reduce bullying.

Help is available. You can tell a family member, a teacher, school counsellor, or principal if you see or experience bullying. For support, resources or videos, you can visit:

Online safety

Schools follow the eSafety Commissioner’s Best Practice Framework to teach you online safety.

Schools follow rules that help keep you safe online. They teach online safety from preschool to Year 10, with extra focus in Years 6 and 7 in preparation for using Chromebooks. Students also sign agreements on how to use school devices carefully.

Online filters are used to block harmful websites when using school accounts at school and at home. Find out more about online safety the use of technology in public schools.