Statewide timeline for Foundation (Prep) enrolments

The first year of primary school is called Foundation or Prep.

The statewide timeline for enrolling in Foundation (Prep) for the 2025 school year has been released.

The timeline advises families when and how to enrol their child into Foundation (Prep) at a Victorian government school. The timeline seeks to make the enrolment process simpler, clearer and fairer for families.

The timeline applies to children starting Foundation (Prep) in 2025. All government primary schools, including P-9 and P-12 schools, will follow the timeline.

The timeline does not apply to government specialist schools. For information about how to apply to enrol your child in a government specialist school, you should read enrolling in a school.

The timeline does not apply to non-government schools (Catholic or Independent schools). If you wish for your child to attend a non-government school, please contact individual non-government schools for their enrolment processes.

If you are seeking to enrol your child in Foundation (Prep) for the 2024 school year, you should read about enrolling in a school and contact a primary school directly.

Steps to enrol your child in Foundation (Prep) for the 2025 school year

To start primary school in 2025, your child will need to turn 5 years old by 30 April 2025. Schooling is compulsory for children who have turned 6 years old.

If your child is starting Foundation (Prep) in 2025, you will be able to apply to enrol your child in a Victorian government primary school from the start of Term 2, 2024 (Monday 15 April 2024).

What you need to do:

1. Use Find my School to locate your designated neighbourhood school (referred to as your local school) and other nearby government schools.
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 for Parents and Carers.' The pack will be available from Monday 15 April 2024 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 (Prep) by Friday 26 July 2024.
5. You will be notified of the outcome of your application between Monday 29 July and Friday 9 August 2024. If you receive an enrolment offer, you should accept the offer by Friday 23 August 2024.
6. Take part in enrolment information and transition sessions during Term 4, 2024.
7. Your child will start Foundation (Prep) from Tuesday 4^th February 2025

Enrolment applications submitted after 26 July 2024 will be processed by the school as they are received, in accordance with the Department of Education's Placement Policy.

Your child has a right to enrol 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 a school page can also help you to confirm your child’s address for enrolment.

If you are seeking to apply to enrol your child in a school that is not their local school, you should read about school zones and how they work and how applications are prioritised using the Department of Education’s Placement Policy found on the enrolling in a school page.

Enrolment information pack for parents and carers

The pack will be available from Monday 15 April 2024.