Support for children’s education

We recognise that some Defence children may experience disruption to the academic and social aspects of their schooling each time they move for a posting. We have a range of services and resources on offer which work to smooth the transition between schools and education systems, and provide support for the unique needs of Defence children.

This support includes:

• specialised staff, Regional Education Liaison Officers, in local Area Offices to advise families and schools on education issues and Defence student wellbeing,
• in-school support staff, Aides and Mentors, to help Defence students integrate into a new school and provide them with support,
• financial assistance for education costs incurred as a result of relocations, and
• regional eduction information to inform families about the major differences between the state and territory education systems.
  

To access any of these support services or to seek information or advice about Defence children’s education matters, contact the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.

 

Regional Education Liaison Officers

Regional Education Liaison Officers, or REDLOs, are experienced teachers who give education support to Defence families as they move around the country, providing information, advice, referral and specialised assistance.

This includes:

• informing families about local schools and education systems,working with parents, students and teachers to manage the transition to a new, location and school,
• linking families with special education providers, resources or support agencies according to their children’s individual needs (including special needs students),
• working with schools to ensure a supportive educational environment and to raise awareness of issues facing Defence children,
• informing families about Defence support services available, including financial assistance, and
• providing information about education for partners of ADF members.

Due to their understanding of both the Defence lifestyle and the different state and territory education systems, REDLOs also advise Defence and key education authorities on the current needs of Defence students.

To contact your nearest REDLO, call the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.

Education booklets

ACT_DCO_Education_Book_2011_Screen (PDF 1MB)
NSW_DCO_Education_Book_2011_Screen (PDF 1MB)
NT_DCO_Education_Book_2011_Screen (PDF 1MB)
QLD_DCO_Education_Book_2011_Screen (PDF 1MB)
SA_DCO_Education_Book_2011_Screen (PDF 1MB)
TAS_DCO_Education_Book_2011_Screen (PDF 1MB)
VIC_DCO_Education_Book_2011_Screen (PDF 1MB)
WA_DCO_Education_Book_2011_Screen (PDF 1MB)

Defence School Transition Aides and Mentors

The Defence School Transition Aides and Mentors are based within primary and secondary schools across Australia for the purpose of providing support to the children of mobile Defence families.

Aides and Mentors’ activities include:

• assisting children and families to integrate into the new school and local community,
• coordinating appropriate welcome and farewell activities,
  
• smoothing the transition from school to school and between different education systems (including minimising the impact of relocation on learning outcomes),
• monitoring the social, emotional and academic wellbeing of Defence students,
• helping students develop self-confidence, self-reliance and resilience,
• referring students to services, or school and community programs that meet their needs,
• enhancing awareness and appreciation of the unique Defence lifestyle in schools and communities, and
• providing support to children during times of parental absence.

Aides and Mentors are located in schools across Australia where there are a significant number of Defence families. Find out which primary schools have Aides and which secondary schools have Mentors in place in the tabs below, or contact the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 for more information.

Primary schools with Defence School Transition Aides

Find your nearest primary school with Aides in place by clicking on your state below

 

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Secondary schools with Defence Transition Mentors

Find your nearest secondary school with Mentors in place by clicking on your state below.

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Financial assistance for children’s education

A range of financial support is available to help minimise disruption to schooling caused by posting. The aim is to provide the student with educational stability or limited interim assistance to help avoid or overcome any immediate difficulties with education or emotional wellbeing as a result of relocating.

Tutoring

We may reimburse fees for tutoring required to fill any gaps in understanding or curriculum caused by changing schools. Students may be entitled to up to 14 weeks of tutoring in any subject that has been identified by the school as representing a gap in learning. This applies to primary and secondary students, within the first 18 months of enrolment at the new school.

Boarding school allowance

You may choose to have your child attend boarding school, so they do not have to relocate with you and disrupt their education. In this instance, where the child is in the critical years of schooling (years 9‑12), you can access financial assistance for the compulsory tuition fees and accommodation costs of the school.

Tertiary accommodation

If your dependant is studying at a tertiary institution, and their chosen course in not available in the new posting location, financial assistance is available for accommodation costs for the dependant to live near or at the tertiary institution. This applies only to full‑time undergraduate students and is capped at a maximum of three years’ assistance.

Students with special needs

Practical assistance is available for special needs students. This includes assessment, therapy, tuition and additional support where students had received these services in

their old location and aren’t able to access them at their new posting. See the section on special needs dependants for more information. Special needs dependants may also be entitled to reimbursement of private schooling costs, if a necessary special program is only available at a non‑government school.

Scholarship loss

If a student has to give up an education scholarship or bursary due to changing schools, we may pay their educational costs to the value of that scholarship.

Reunion travel

If your child is studying at a location distant from your posting, you may access funds towards the child’s travel expenses to come to your location for a reunion. The child must already be receiving education assistance, and will be entitled to one return journey each calendar year.

To apply

To apply, complete the relevant application form, attaching all necessary documentation, and forward it to Headquarters DCO.

For more information about this program, contact the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608, or consult your local REDLO.

You can also find the details and eligibility criteria in the guidelines.

 

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Regional education information

As they relocate around Australia, mobile Defence families may encounter differences in the way states and territories and individual schools deliver education.

Our educational advisory service can provide you with advice and information to help you make informed decisions about education options for your children.

Education advice

Our Regional Education Liaison Officers or REDLO's have detailed knowledge of the local school systems and will be able to give you tailored information and advice about what’s available in your area. Call the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 to connect with the REDLO for your region.

State and territory differences

To help get you started, we have illustrated some of the major differences between state and territory schooling systems and important contact details in a handy table:

State and Territory Education Spreadsheet

Further information

For advice about any education issues, contact your local REDLO by calling the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.

The My School website is a government-run website which allows you to search and compare almost 10 000 schools across Australia, and includes a find-a-school function, school performance ratings and profiles, and links to school websites.

You can source other information from the state or territory department of education (Click on the State and Territory Education Spreadhseet link about for contact information), including details of:

• local schools (including specialist schools),
• government school term dates and public holidays,
• support for students with special needs,
• compulsory schooling and school entry ages,
• state or territory curriculum (note that the Australian Curriculum is being progressively developed and implemented nation-wide), and
• education and training policies.

However, you should contact individual schools for details of:

• enrolments,
• courses and programs on offer,
• uniform requirements,
• school fees or levies payable,
• programs and opportunities for high-achieving students,
• private school term dates,
• special needs facilities and programs,
• distance education options (for students in isolated areas or with special circumstances), and course selection for secondary students, including vocational options and prerequisite subjects for university admission.

 

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