Enrolling in Prep 2026

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 the 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 2026 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 2026 school year, submit an enrolment application to the school by 25 July 2025.

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).
The pack will be available by Tuesday 22 April 2025 and will include an application form. The
school may also provide you with a copy of the form to complete.
4. Submit an enrolment application for Foundation by Friday 25 July 2025.
5. You will be notified of the outcome of your application between Monday 28 July and Friday 8 August 2025. If you receive an offer, you should accept the offer by Friday 22 August 2025.
6. Take part in enrolment information and transition sessions during Term 4 2025.
7. Your child will start Foundation from Wednesday 28 January 2026.

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 2026 under ‘Enrolment year’. Note: 2026 school zones will be available late Term 1, 2025.
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’.