Clich HERE to view the Department of Education's requirements for enrolment in Victorian government schools.
Statewide timeline for Foundation (Prep) enrolments
The first year of primary school is called Foundation or Prep.
The statewide timeline for enrolling in Foundation (Prep) for the 2025 school year has been released.
The timeline advises families when and how to enrol their child into Foundation (Prep) at a Victorian government school. The timeline seeks to make the enrolment process simpler, clearer and fairer for families.
The timeline applies to children starting Foundation (Prep) in 2025. All government primary schools, including P-9 and P-12 schools, will follow the timeline.
Steps to enrol your child in Foundation (Prep) for the 2025 school year
To start primary school in 2025, your child will need to turn 5 years old by 30 April 2025. Schooling is compulsory for children who have turned 6 years old.
If your child is starting Foundation (Prep) in 2025, you will be able to apply to enrol your child in a Victorian government primary school from the start of Term 2, 2024 (Monday 15 April 2024).
What you need to do:
- Use Find my School to locate your designated neighbourhood school (referred to as your local school) and other nearby government schools.
- Contact a government primary school to book a school tour or to learn more about the school and the enrolment application process.
- Download the Foundation (Prep) Enrolment Information Pack for Parents and Carers (PDF, 1.5 MB) This pack includes an application form. The school may also provide you with a copy of the form to complete.
- Submit an enrolment application for Foundation (Prep) by Friday 26 July 2024.
- You will be notified of the outcome of your application between Monday 29 July and Friday 9 August 2024. If you receive an enrolment offer, you should accept the offer by Friday 23 August 2024.
- Take part in information and transition sessions during Term 4, 2024.
- Your child will start Foundation (Prep) from Wednesday 29 January 2025.
Enrolment applications submitted after 26 July 2024 will be processed by the school as they are received, in accordance with the Department of Education's Placement Policy.
Your child has a right to enrol at their local school. Your child’s local school is determined on the basis of their permanent residential address. Visit Find my School to locate your child’s local school. The enrolling in a school page can also help you to confirm your child’s address for enrolment.
If you are seeking to apply to enrol your child in a school that is not their local school, you should read about school zones and how they work. You should also read about how applications are prioritised using the Department of Education’s Placement Policy found on the enrolling in a school page.
Enrolment information pack for parents and carers
The Enrolment Information Pack for Parents and Carers (PDF, 1.5 MB) provides families with information about when and how to enrol into Foundation (Prep) at a Victorian government primary school for the 2025 school year.
This pack includes a copy of the enrolment timeline and Frequently Asked Questions. It also includes an application form. Families can use the application form in this pack to apply for enrolment.
Please contact the office for an application form.
Supporting documentation for enrolment
An enrolment form must be completed if you are enrolling your child for the first time in the Victorian government school system. Most commonly this would occur at Foundation (Prep).
This form seeks personal and health information that should only be provided to the school your child will attend.
You will be required to provide the following information and documentation:
- evidence of identity and date of birth (for example, a birth certificate or passport)
- Immunisation History Statement
- your contact details
- emergency contact details
- health information about your child (such as allergies or illnesses they need to manage)
- other legal orders relating to your child and their welfare.
CLICK HERE for Parent Payment Arrangements for Prep 2025.