Information-sharing requirements for schools

From 2 January 2024, new rules apply to schools for sharing information about students.

This is a requirement under the recent changes to the Education Act 2015.

Student enrolments and attendance data for non-government schools

Under the changes to the Act, the Department of Education’s chief executive officer can request enrolment and attendance data from non-government schools.

Having access to data will provide important details that will enable the department to support children and young people to better engage with schooling.

To find out more, read section 161 of the Act.

Students transferring between schools (both government and non-government schools)

Under the changes to the Act, a school principal may share information with another principal of a school where a student has transferred or is transferring to.

This applies across government and non-government schools.

The information must be related to:

• the student’s transfer
• safety and wellbeing of the student or other students attending the other school.

Related information may include:

• advice of academic history
• advice of any aids used by the student
• positive behaviour support plans
• strategies applied to:
  • assist with the student’s learning
  • manage the student’s behaviour.

This will assist the new school to best support the student in their new learning environment to:

• keep them engaged in education
• achieve academic success.

Getting consent

It's best practice to get consent before sharing personal information about a student. But there may be cases where it’s not possible.

The changes allow sharing of personal information without needing consent from a parent, caregiver or student.

A principal who discloses information in good faith:

• will not face criminal or civil charges
• doesn’t violate professional standards
• can’t be subject to disciplinary actions.

To find out more, read section 170A of the Act.