When should I enrol my child in their first year of primary school?

Your child must be 5 years old by 30th April in the year that 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 26th July 2024.

How do I enrol my child in their first year of primary school?

Take these steps to enrol your child in their first year of primary school:

1. Find your local school on the Find my School website (see below).
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) (available from Term 1 2024).
4. Submit an enrolment application for Foundation by Friday 26th July 2024.
5. You will be notified of the outcome of your application between Monday 29th July and Firday 9th August 2024. If you receive an offer of placement, you should accept the offer by Friday 23th August 2024.
6. Take part in enrolment information and transition sessions during Term 4 2024.
7. Your child will start Foundation from Tuesday 29th January 2025.

How do I find my local school?

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

1. Enter 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’. Note: 2025 school zones will be available late Term 1,
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. 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 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 26th July 2024, applications after this date will still be accepted from those families who miss enrolment timelines, move permanent residence or newly arrive to Victoria.

Enrolment applications submitted after 26th July 2024 will be processed by the school as they are received, in accordance with the department’s Placement Policy.

Where can I find further information on enrolling in primary school?

You can ask your local primary school for further information on the Foundation enrolment process.

At the start of Term 2, 2024 you can also find an information pack on the Foundation enrolment process on the Enrolling in Foundation (Prep) page of the Starting School webpage.

If you require help translating the information pack, please talk to your local primary school for assistance.

Who do I contact for help?

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

Please find some useful links below that may be helpful for you as your child starts primary school in 2025: