School and Childcare Arrangements After Separation: 2027 QLD Guide

Practical legal guidance for the 2027 school year. Reviewed and updated by our family lawyers 3 November 2026

Separation or divorce brings significant shifts to family dynamics, particularly during the “back to school” period. In Queensland, getting school and childcare arrangements after separation right for the 2027 school year requires a proactive approach centred on parental responsibility and the best interests of the child.

Important date: Term 1 for the 2027 Queensland state school year begins on Wednesday 27 January 2027.

Need help agreeing school arrangements? Send us an enquiry and one of our family lawyers will be in touch.

Who decides which school or childcare the child attends?

In Australia, education is classified as a “major long-term issue.” From 6 May 2024, the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility was removed from the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The court still prioritises joint decision-making where it is safe and in the child’s best interests.

Key factors for 2027 planning:

1. Proximity: Distance between the school and both parents’ residences.
2. Primary care: The current living arrangements and daily routines.
3. Best interests: The child’s social circles, sibling locations, and any particular educational needs.
4. Court context: You generally need to attempt Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) before applying for a court order, unless an exemption applies (for example, urgency, family violence or child abuse).

What happens if one parent wants to change schools?

A school change for the 2027 academic year often stems from a parent relocating or a belief that a different environment would better suit the child.

1. Shared consent: You cannot unilaterally move a child to a new school if parental responsibility is shared.
2. Unilateral actions: If one parent enrols a child at a new school without the other parent’s agreement, the other parent may be able to apply to the court for urgent orders.
3. How the court decides: The court decides what is in the child’s best interests, which can include the importance of stability and an established routine.

Logistics: handling drop-offs, pick-ups and after-school care

The 2027 school week relies on clear logistics. These should be documented in your parenting plan:

1. Responsibilities: Explicitly state which parent manages the commute on specific days.
2. Events: Determine who handles transport for after-school sports and extracurriculars.
3. Right of first refusal: Many agreements include a clause where, if the “on-duty” parent is unavailable, the other parent is offered the time before the child is sent to after-school care.

Who pays for school fees and 2027 back-to-school costs?

Financial disputes peak in January. To avoid conflict, negotiate a fair split based on financial capacity for:

1. Enrolment and tuition: Private school fees can be covered in a child support agreement, or dealt with separately in a parenting plan.
2. The 2027 essentials: Uniforms, booklists, and mandatory digital devices (laptops/tablets).
3. Incidental costs: Excursions, camps, and sports registrations.

Legal tip: Discussing and documenting these expenses in late 2026 prevents legal friction once the 2027 term begins.

How are school events handled?

School events such as parent-teacher interviews, concerts, or sports days can become tricky if they fall on a week when the child is with the other parent. To navigate this:

1. Both parents have a right to attend school events unless a court order states otherwise.
2. It’s essential to notify the school of the separation and provide both parents’ contact details to ensure equal access to event information.
3. If attending events together is not feasible, consider alternating attendance or requesting separate appointments, such as for parent-teacher interviews.

Can a child attend after-school care when the other parent is available?

Conflicts sometimes arise when one parent wants the child to attend after-school care, but the other parent is available to care for them. Legally, this depends on the terms of your parenting agreement:

1. If your agreement specifies after-school care as part of the routine, it should be followed.
2. If not, you may need to negotiate or amend the agreement to reflect the current situation.

The court’s primary focus in these cases will be whether the arrangement benefits the child.

Talking to your child about the new arrangements

Children can find the changes that come with separation overwhelming, especially when they are spending time in two homes. Here are some tips to help them understand:

1. Be honest but reassuring: Use age-appropriate language to explain the situation and emphasise that both parents love them.
2. Provide predictability: Share the parenting schedule with your child so they know what to expect.
3. Stay positive: Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of the child.
4. Encourage questions: Let your child ask questions and address their concerns openly and calmly.

Working with schools: a 2027 checklist

1. Update the school: Provide the administration with copies of your court orders or parenting plans.
2. Dual communication: Ensure both parents are registered for school apps (e.g. Compass, QParents) and newsletters.
3. Boundary respect: Keep teachers out of personal disputes. The school’s focus must remain on your child’s learning.
4. Shared calendars: Use digital tools to coordinate parent-teacher interviews and school concerts.

Managing the holiday to classroom transition

The shift from the long summer break to the first day of Term 1, 2027, can be jarring for children.

Helpful resource: For a smoother start, read our guide to Christmas and school holiday arrangements after separation. Agreeing holiday handovers early is the first step to a successful 2027 school year.

Frequently asked questions

Can I access my child’s school records?

Yes. Unless a specific court order states otherwise, both parents have a legal right to access academic and medical records.

What if my ex-partner refuses to cooperate on the 2027 enrolment?

You should seek Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) immediately. If mediation fails, you may need to apply to the court for a parenting order about the school issue.

Can I prevent my ex-partner from attending school events?

No. Both parents generally have a right to participate in their child’s school life (concerts, sports) unless an Domestic Violence/Protection Order or specific court order prohibits it.

How do I handle disputes about extracurricular activities?

Try to negotiate an agreement that reflects your child’s interests and schedule. If this isn’t possible, mediation may help.

Talk to our family law team

Preparation for the 2027 school year starts now. Bennett Carroll Solicitors is a Queensland law firm, established in 1974, helping families across Queensland. We have offices across South East Queensland, in Brisbane North (Stafford), Brisbane South (Upper Mount Gravatt), the Gold Coast (Mermaid Beach) and the Sunshine Coast (Birtinya), with Brisbane CBD and Ipswich by appointment. Most clients speak with us by phone or video, wherever they are in Queensland.

We can help you agree school and childcare arrangements that put your child’s best interests first, and put them in writing. Call us on 1300 334 566, email info@bcglaw.com.au, or visit our family law page. You can also send us an enquiry using the form below.

Send us an enquiry

Tell us a little about your situation and we will get back to you.

Next steps: essential reading

Managing school is just one piece of the puzzle. To make sure you are fully prepared for the year ahead, we recommend these related guides:

1. Holiday planning: Plan Christmas and the summer break with our guide to Christmas and school holiday arrangements after separation.
2. Legal rights: Understand the foundation of your case in our article on parental responsibilities and child support.
3. Mediation: If communication has broken down, learn how Family Relationships Online can help you find a mediator and reach an agreement for 2027 without the cost of court.

General information only. This article is general information about Queensland and Australian family law and is not legal advice. Please contact us about your own circumstances.