School catchments in Australia: a plain-English guide
People use a lot of terms interchangeably — catchment, school zone, local enrolment area,
priority enrolment area. They’re all pointing at the same idea: where you live can affect which
government school you’re eligible for.
What a catchment usually means
A catchment (or zone) is an area on a map that a school uses for local enrolments. If your address is inside it,
you may be in the school’s local intake area.
Why this is tricky
- Rules differ by state and can change year to year.
- Data availability differs: some states publish accessible zone datasets; others don’t.
- Boundaries matter: being 50m the wrong side of a line can change the answer.
- Capacity matters: being in-zone doesn’t always mean guaranteed placement (depending on policy and demand).
How to check an address responsibly
- Do a quick check with a tool (nearby schools + local area status).
- If it affects a major decision (moving, renting, buying), confirm with the school/department.
- Keep evidence in mind: schools often require specific proof of address.
Use Ideal Home
Ideal Home is built to be a practical first pass: it shows nearby schools and local enrolment area status for
government schools when official data is available.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information. Catchments and enrolment policies change and can be interpreted differently.
Always confirm with official sources.