Education in Queensland is the responsibility of the Department of Education. The Queensland school system is based around Queensland state schools, independent schools and catholic schools. Schooling in Queensland begins with a preparatory year (Prep) followed by 12 years of study. Primary schools teach Prep through to Year 6, while high school or secondary school is from Year 7 to 12. Prep became compulsory in 2017, and is a full-time program.