What is a Priority Enrolment Area in the ACT?

A Priority Enrolment Area (PEA) is the geographic area around an ACT public school from which students have guaranteed enrolment. Every Canberra address falls within at least one primary and one high school PEA.

How do I find my Priority Enrolment Area in Canberra?

Use the ACT Education Directorate's school finder at education.act.gov.au or SchoolRank's catchment lookup tool at schoolrank.com.au/catchment. Enter your address to see your PEA primary and high school.

Can I attend a school outside my PEA in the ACT?

Yes, you can apply, but PEA students have priority. Given Canberra's compact size, out-of-PEA enrolment is relatively common, but popular inner-Canberra schools may have limited capacity.

Do ACT colleges have Priority Enrolment Areas?

No. ACT colleges (Year 11-12) do not use PEAs. Students can apply to any government college in the ACT regardless of where they live.

How many government schools are in the ACT?

The ACT has approximately 94 government schools, making it one of Australia's smallest state/territory school systems. SchoolRank covers 78 of these with catchment zone data.

ACT Catchment Zones Updated June 2026

School Catchment Zones in the ACT

The ACT uses a unique term for school catchment zones: Priority Enrolment Areas (PEAs). With approximately 94 government schools serving the Canberra region, the ACT operates one of Australia's most compact school systems. Whether you are moving to Canberra, buying in a new suburb like Molonglo Valley, or planning ahead for your child's education, understanding how PEAs work is essential. This guide explains the ACT system in detail and helps you find your local school.

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Free, no signup. Official ACT boundary data on an interactive map.

Primary PEA · High school PEA

Real Priority Enrolment Areas: Lyneham Primary School and Lyneham High School, Canberra.