education - vic
home > info directory > education > vic
bub hub supporters
|
Children's education in Victoria is currently organised as follows:
- Kindergarten/Preschoolages 3-4 or 5
- Primary schoolages 5-12 Years Prep-6
- Secondary/High schoolages 12-15 Years 7-10
ages 15-17 Years 11-12
The school year runs from January to December.
School is compulsory, by law, between the ages of 5 and 15, ie from Prep to Year 10 (inclusive).
Kindergarten, pre-school, and the final two years of High School (Years 11-12) are optional.
Education in state schools is free. Non-state schools, pre-schools and kindergartens are generally
fee paying.
Further information on state schools, from prep onwards, is available from the organisations detailed in the
more info section at the bottom of the page.
kindergarten & pre-school
Attendance in kindergarten and pre-school is not compulsory, but provides an opportunity
for you to introduce your child to a school environment, usually on a two- or three-day-a-week
basis.
Kindergartens accept children from age 3. Usually
community based with fees payable, kindergartens offer education classes and
learning facilities. Some kindergartens operate upto
age 5 and others have pre-schools for 4-5 year olds on the same
premises. Kindergartens can get heavily booked and if you wish to
enrol your child you should register your interest as early as possible
(even from birth) by contacting your preferred facility directly.
Pre-school is for children from ages 4-5 and the following options are available:
- state pre-schools
- independent pre-schools
- community pre-schools
State pre-schools are run by local councils. Contact your local council or Information Victoria on 1300 366 356
for state pre-school locations and general information.
Your child can be added to the enrolment list for a state pre-school by calling your preferred school from March in the year that your child turns 3.
Independent pre-schools are usually attached to a main independent school. More information is available from
the organisations detailed in the more info section at the bottom of the page
Community pre-schools (called kindergartens) are not government controlled, but do receive some
grants from the state. Fees are still payable but are generally lower
than commercial and private facilities. Community pre-schools are non-profit
organisations and all fees go towards the running of the school and the
facilities provided. For a full list of community
pre-schools in your region, call your local council. Community pre-schools are very popular and you
should put your child on a waiting list as early as possible after birth.
For enrolment policy details, contact the individual facilities directly.
More detailed information on other facilities for children below pre-school age, such as
child care, family day care and community childcare centres is contained within
the child care page of this website and
nannies & babysitters page.
primary school
Primary schools provide the first seven years of compulsory education. A full
list of state primary schools is available via the Schools Online section of the
Victorian Department of Education & Training website.
Your child can be enroled at your local state school from late January in the year
that they turn 5 by contacting the school directly. Children must be 5 by April 30 to enrol in Prep.
For independent schools, view the organisations detailed in the
more info section at the bottom of the page.
secondary/high school
Secondary schools provide a further four years of compulsory education
(Years 7-10 or until 15 years of age) and two years of post-compulsory education (Years 11-12, VCE). Alternative VCAL, ACE and TAFE education is available after grade ten. A full list of state secondary
schools and alternative options are available via the Schools Online section of the Victorian Department of Education & Training website.
For independent schools, view the the organisations detailed in the
more info section at the bottom of the page.
special schools and/or special needs
If your child has special needs, the Schools Online section of the Victorian Department of Education & Training website
has details of special schools in your region.
back to top
more information
Victorian Department of Education & Training
- website
- ph: (03) 9637 2222 (Education Line) or 1800 809 834
Department of Human Services, Community Care Division
Association of Independent Schools of Victoria
- website
- ph: (03) 9825 7200
Victorian Catholic Education Commission
- website
- ph: (03) 9267 0228
