The Andrews Labor Government is making it easier, clearer and fairer for young families enrolling kids into Prep, with a new process providing standardised dates and forms for all government schools.
Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said the new approach to enrolling children into Prep will streamline the process for families, with applications now accepted from the start of Term 2 until July 28.
Parents and carers will receive offer letters back by August 11, while applications received after July 28 will be considered by schools as they are received.
As in previous years, families with children in Year 6 will receive a Placement Information Pack at the start of Term 2 which includes an Application for Year 7 Placement Form. These will need to be submitted by May 12, with students across Victoria receiving offer letters on July 19.
Families applying for places at their local government school from the start of Term 2 can now also access the freshly updated Find my School website, which gives parents and carers the latest information on school zones.
First launched four years ago, the Find my School website allows families to find their designated neighbourhood government school and other nearby government schools, giving them clarity on what their government school options are for their children.
It now includes 14 new schools and campuses set to open in 2024, along with small changes to existing school zones to reflect changes in school provision and adjustments to improve accessibility for all students.
Schools can be found by typing in a residential address or searching by school name or categories such as primary, secondary, or specialist school.
Every child has the right to enrol at their designated neighbourhood government school or, if there are sufficient places, at another government school of their choice.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested $12.8 billion in building new schools and more than 1,850 school upgrades, creating around 17,400 jobs in construction and associated industries.
The Labor Government is ahead of schedule in opening 100 new schools by 2026, with 75 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024, ensuring every student can access a great local school and a quality education.
Families can search their school zone by visiting findmyschool.vic.gov.auExternal Link, and more information on the enrolment process is available at vic.gov.au/starting-schoolExternal Link.
As stated by Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins
"Starting school is an exciting and important milestone for any family, that's why we're making the process simpler, easier and fairer with standardised dates and forms for enrolment in all government primary schools."
"We're well on target to open 100 new government schools by 2026, with this year's update to Find My School showcasing more local school options and providing all the information parents and carers need at their fingertips."
