19th Jul 23
Starting school is an exciting time for children, parents and carers. The Department of Education has released a new state-wide timeline for enrolling in Foundation (Prep) for the 2024 school year. Below we share information which could be useful to our sector.
If a child is turning five years old by 30 April 2024 and is eligible to start school next year, it is time to decide where they will go to school.
The first year of primary school is called Foundation or Prep. The Department of Education has released a statewide Foundation enrolment timeline for all Victorian government primary schools to follow. The timeline communicates when and how to enrol a child in Foundation at a Victorian government school.
To download a state-wide timeline for enrolling in Foundation (Prep) for the 2024 school year, please click here >>
The Foundation enrolment timeline will only apply to government primary school enrolment. If you wish for your child to attend a non-government school (Catholic or Independent school), please contact individual non-government schools for their enrolment processes.
Applications to government schools for the 2024 school year open from the start of Term 2, 2023 (Monday 24 April 2023). You should apply to the school by Friday 28 July 2023.
Information for enrolling in specialist schoolsImportant to note, the timeline does not apply to government specialist schools. For information about how to apply to enrol your child in a government specialist school, please read enrolling in a school.
Every Victorian government school has established programs and practices to support a wide variety of student needs, including students with disability and additional needs.
More information about disability support at school and disability rights and adjustments is ailable on the department’s website here >>
What you need to do Read about when and how to enrol your child in Foundation here >> Use findmyschool.vic.gov.au to locate your child’s designated neighbourhood school and other nearby government schools. Contact a school to book a tour and to learn more about the school and the enrolment application process. Submit an enrolment application to a government primary school by Friday 28 July 2023. You will be notified of the outcome of your application by Friday 11 August 2023. If you receive an enrolment offer, you should accept the offer by Friday 25 August 2023. Take part in enrolment information and transition sessions during Term 4, 2023Your child will start Foundation from Tuesday 30 January 2024. In Victoria, your child has a right to enrol in their designated neighbourhood government school. Your designated neighbourhood school is determined on the basis of your child’s permanent residential address.
You can also apply for a place at a school that is not your designated neighbourhood school. The school will consider your application in line with the Department of Education’s Placement Policy.
You can contact a government primary school if you he any questions about enrolling in school. Information and resources are also ailable on the Victorian Government website here >>
This is one important part of the transition to school process. Further information on transition to primary school, including Transition Learning and Development Statements, will be provided to parents and carers later this year.
For further information or help to deliver quality early childhood intervention supports, please don't hesitate to contact your peak body. We’re here to help!