Name: WA School Catchment Zones (Local Intake Areas)
Creator: WA Department of Education
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Question 1

What is a school catchment area in Western Australia?

Accepted Answer

A school catchment — officially called a Local Intake Area (LIA) in WA — is the geographic boundary in which the WA Department of Education guarantees a place at the local government primary or secondary school. If your home falls inside the catchment polygon, your child has a right to enrol at that school. Outside the catchment, enrolment is at the principal’s discretion based on capacity.

Question 2

How do I find my school catchment in Perth?

Accepted Answer

Use the address search above the map — type your full street address and the map will highlight which primary and secondary catchment polygon your home sits inside, plus show the school name, NAPLAN score and ICSEA. Data is sourced directly from the WA Department of Education.

Question 3

Are private and Catholic schools shown on this map?

Accepted Answer

Yes — independent and Catholic schools are shown as markers but most do not have catchment polygons because enrolment is by application, sibling priority, religious affiliation or distance, not by geographic zone. Only WA government schools have official local intake areas.

Question 4

Can my child attend a school outside our catchment?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes — out-of-area enrolment depends on the school’s capacity. Apply directly to the school principal. Selective schools (e.g. Perth Modern, gifted and talented programs at Shenton, Rossmoyne, Willetton) accept students state-wide based on entrance test scores, not residential address.

Question 5

How often are catchment boundaries updated?

Accepted Answer

The WA Department of Education reviews local intake areas annually, with most changes taking effect at the start of each school year. Burb Score refreshes catchment polygons when the Department publishes updates — typically once per year.

Perth School Catchment Zones — Local Intake Area Map for WA Government Primary and Secondary Schools