Enrolment

Enrolling in Primary School for 2027

Foundation (also known as Prep) is the first year of primary school in Victoria. Your child can start school if they turn 5 years old before 30 April 2027. School is compulsory once your child turns 6 years old.

When can I apply?

Applications to enrol in a Victorian government primary school for 2027:

  • Open from Monday 20 April 2026

  • Are due by Friday 31 July 2026.

What are my child's enrolment rights?

In Victoria, your child has the right to attend their designated neighbourhood school (your 'local school') under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006. Your local school is determined by the school zone for your permanent residential address. To learn more about how enrolment decisions are made, visit Enrolling in school.

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

Here's how to enrol your child in their first year of primary school:

  1. Find your local school — Visit www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au to find your local government primary school or nearby schools.

  2. Contact the school — Contact the primary school to book an optional tour. Confirm whether the school will be using the online (VicStudents) or paper-based enrolment process. This information will be available through the school's website.

  3. Download an information pack — Download the Foundation (Prep) enrolment information pack from Enrolling in Foundation (Prep). The pack will be available by Thursday 2 April 2026.

  4. Submit your enrolment application — Submit an enrolment application by Friday 31 July 2026 either online (VicStudents) or using the paper form based on the school's process described on their website.

  5. Receive an outcome — You will be notified of the outcome of your enrolment application between Monday 3 August and Friday 14 August 2026. If you receive an offer, you should accept the offer by Friday 28 August 2026.

  6. Prepare for your child's transition to school — Take part in student transition sessions during Term 4, 2026. Your child will start Foundation from Thursday 28 January 2027.

How do I find my local school?

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

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

  2. Enter your permanent residential address under 'Enter your address to get started'.

  3. Select 2027 under 'Enrolment year'. School zones for 2027 will be available by Thursday 2 April 2026.

  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'.

What if my enrolment application is unsuccessful?

If your application is not successful, you can:

  • Apply to another school. Your child is guaranteed a place at their local school. Visit Find my School to locate your child's local school.

  • 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 2027 school year at any time from Monday 20 April 2026. While you are asked to submit an enrolment application by Friday 31 July 2026, late applications will still be accepted from families who may have missed the enrolment timeframe, moved permanent residence or have newly arrived to Victoria. Enrolment applications submitted after 31 July 2026 will be managed by the primary school as they are received, in accordance with the department's Enrolment 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. From Monday 20 April 2026 you can also find an information pack on the Foundation enrolment process on the Enrolling in Foundation (Prep) page. 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

  • 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

Timeline for 2027 Foundation (Prep) enrolments

Terms 1 and 2, 2026 — Attend school tours organised by primary schools (optional).

 A school tour is a perfect opportunity to learn more about our extensive teaching and learning programs, excellent facilities and our vision for your children. We welcome all prospective parents and carers. Please contact the school office on Ph: 9336 7098 if you would like to book a school tour.

Tour dates:

  • Thursday 7th May 2026 @ 9:30am

  • Tuesday 19th May 2026 @ 5:00pm

  • Wednesday 17th June 2026 @ 2:30pm

By Thursday 2 April 2026 — School zones for the 2027 school year are available. You can find your local school at www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au.

From Monday 20 April 2026 — From the start of Term 2, complete and submit your child's application — either online or using the Application Form in the Enrolment Information Pack, depending on what your school advises. You can download the Enrolment Information Pack from Enrolling in Foundation (Prep) for more details.

By Friday 31 July 2026 — Submit your completed application to the primary school by this date.

Between Monday 3 August and Friday 14 August 2026 — Primary schools will notify you in writing of enrolment outcomes during this period. If your application is not successful, you may lodge an appeal with the primary school.

By Friday 28 August 2026 — Confirm acceptance of your child's place by completing the Enrolment Form provided with the enrolment offer. If you intend to appeal, submit a written appeal to your primary school by Friday 28 August.

By Friday 11 September 2026 — Primary schools will notify you in writing of appeal outcomes.

By Friday 18 September 2026 — If you have unsuccessfully appealed to your primary school, you may submit a written appeal to the relevant Regional Director.

Term 4, 2026 — Attend transition sessions hosted by primary schools.

By Friday 6 November 2026 — If you have lodged an appeal with the Regional Director, the region will notify you in writing of the outcome by this date. This only applies to appeals received by the closing date of Friday 18 September.