Enrolling in primary school for 2024

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 a new Foundation enrolment timeline for all Victorian government primary schools to follow (see page 3). The timeline aims to help you understand when and how to enrol your child into Foundation for the 2024 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 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 2024 school year, submit an enrolment application to the school by 28 July 2023.

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 24 April 2023).

4. Submit an enrolment application for Foundation by Friday 28 July 2023.

5. You will be notified of the outcome of your application by Friday 11 August 2023. If you receive an offer of placement, you should accept the offer by Friday 25 August 2023.

6. Take part in enrolment information and transition sessions during Term 4 2023.

7. Your child will start Foundation from Tuesday 30 January 2024.

How do I find my local school?

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

1. Enter findmyschool.vic.gov.au into your browser.

2. Enter your permanent residential address under ‘Enter your address to get started’.

3. Select 2024 under ‘Enrolment year’. Note: 2024 school zones will be available late Term 1, 2023.

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 2024 school year at any time from Term 2, 2023.

While you are asked to submit an enrolment application by Friday 28 July 2023, 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 28 July 2023 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, 2023 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 2024:

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-and-training

Dates to remember

DIARY DATES FOR 2023

December

January 2024

February 2024