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Enrolling in Primary School for 2025

INFORMATION SHEET: Enrolling in Primary School for 2025 – PDF

Starting school is an exciting time for children, parents, and carers. We want to help make the enrolment process as easy as possible for you.

In Victoria, your child has the right to attend their designated neighbourhood school (your ‘local school’) under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006. You can also apply for a place at a school that is not your local school. The school will consider your application in line with the Placement Policy. For more information on the Placement Policy, visit the Enrolling in school page.

New Statewide Timeline for Foundation (Prep)

The first year of primary school is called Foundation or Prep. We have released the Foundation enrolment timeline for all Victorian government primary schools to follow. The timeline aims to help you understand when and how to enrol your child into Foundation for the 2025 school year.

When Should I Enrol My Child in Their First Year of Primary School?

Your child must be 5 years old by 30 April in the year they start school. Schooling is compulsory for children who have turned 6 years old. To enrol your child in a Victorian government primary school for the 2025 school year, submit an enrolment application to the school by 26 July 2024.

How Do I Enrol My Child in Their First Year of Primary School?

  1. Find your local school on the Find my School website.
  2. Contact a government primary school to book a school tour or to learn more about the school and the enrolment application process.
  3. Download the Foundation (Prep) enrolment information pack from Enrolling in Foundation (Prep). The pack will be available from Monday 15 April 2024 and will include an application form. The school may also provide you with a copy of the form to complete.
  4. Submit an enrolment application for Foundation by Friday 26 July 2024.
  5. You will be notified of the outcome of your application between Monday 29 July and Friday 9 August 2024. If you receive an offer, you should accept the offer by Friday 23 August 2024.
  6. Take part in enrolment information and transition sessions during Term 4 2024.
  7. Your child will start Foundation from Wednesday 29 January 2025.

How Do I Find My Local School?

Find your local school on the Find my School website by following these steps:

  1. Enter findmyschool.vic.gov.au into your browser.
  2. Enter your permanent residential address under ‘Enter your address to get started’.
  3. Select 2025 under ‘Enrolment year’.
  4. Select Primary under ‘School type’.

The map will then show your address, your local school, and on the left, the contact details for the school. If you scroll down, it will also show you the five closest schools to your address. You can also search by school name under ‘Search for school’.

Can My Child Apply to a Government Primary School That Is Not Our Local School?

Yes, you can apply to schools other than your local school. The school will consider your application in line with the Placement Policy and available space. You can find information on how applications are prioritised on the Enrolling in school page.

What Happens if I Receive a Letter Saying My Enrolment Application Was Unsuccessful?

You should apply to enrol your child in another school. Your child is guaranteed a place at their local school, determined on the basis of their permanent residential address. Visit Find my School to locate your child’s local school. The Enrolling in school page can also help you to confirm your child’s address for enrolment. You can also appeal the decision. The Enrolling in Foundation (Prep) page has information on the process to appeal an enrolment application outcome.

What Happens if I Miss the Enrolment Timeframes?

You can apply to enrol your child into Foundation for the 2025 school year at any time from Term 2, 2024. While you are asked to submit an enrolment application by Friday 26 July 2024, applications after this date will still be accepted from those families who miss enrolment timelines, move permanent residence, or newly arrive in Victoria. Enrolment applications submitted after 26 July 2024 will be processed by the school as they are received, in accordance with the department’s Placement Policy.

For further information, please contact your local primary school. The Transition Coordinator, Enrolment Officer, or Principal of the primary school you want to apply to can help you with any questions you may have about the enrolment process.

Useful links:

  • Find my School – findmyschool.vic.gov.au
  • Information on school zones – vic.gov.au/school-zones
  • Enrolling in Foundation (Prep) – vic.gov.au/enrolling-foundation-prep
  • Enrolling in school – vic.gov.au/how-choose-school-and-enrol
  • Disability and inclusive education – vic.gov.au/disability-and-inclusive-education
  • Regional office contacts – vic.gov.au/office-locations-department-education

For more details, please refer to the Information Sheet:
INFORMATION SHEET: Enrolling in Primary School for 2025 – PDF

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