Starting primary school is an exciting time for children, parents and carers. In Victoria, the first year of primary school is called Foundation or Prep.
To start Foundation (Prep) in 2026, your child will need to turn 5 years old by 30 April 2026. School is compulsory for children who have turned 6 years old.
Victorian government primary schools follow the same timeline to enrol children starting Foundation (Prep) in 2026.
The timeline does not apply to government specialist schools. For information about enrolling in a government specialist school, you should read enrolling in a school.
If you are seeking to enrol your child for the 2025 school year, you should also read enrolling in a school and contact a government primary school directly.
Steps to enrol your child for the 2026 school year
If your child is starting Foundation (Prep) in 2026, you will be able to apply for enrolment at a Victorian government primary school from the start of Term 2, 2025 (Tuesday 22 April 2025).
What you need to do:
- Visit Find my School to find your designated neighbourhood school (referred to as your local school) for 2026 and other nearby government schools.
- Contact a government primary school to book a school tour and learn more about the school and the enrolment application process.
- Download the Foundation (Prep) Enrolment Information Pack for Parents and Carers (PDF, 308KB). This pack includes an application form. The school may also provide you with a copy of the form to complete or advise if they are using online enrolment.
- Submit your enrolment application to the school by Friday 25 July 2025.
- You will be notified of the outcome of your application between Monday 28 July and Friday 8 August 2025. The letter from the school will include the next steps. If you receive an enrolment offer, you should respond to the offer by Friday 22 August 2025.
Enrolment applications submitted after 25 July 2025 will be processed by the school as they are received.
Your child has a right to enrol at their local school. Your child’s local school is determined by their permanent residential address. The enrolling in a school page can help you to confirm your child’s address for enrolment.
If you are applying to a school that is not your child's local school, you should read about school zones and how they work. You should also read about how applications are prioritised using the Department of Education’s Placement Policy found on the enrolling in a school page.
Enrolment information pack and application form
The Enrolment Information Pack for Parents and Carers provides detailed information about enrolling your child into Foundation (Prep) for the 2026 school year.
This pack includes a copy of the enrolment and appeals timeline and Frequently Asked Questions. It also includes an application form.
Before applying, make sure you contact the school to learn about their enrolment application process. The school will tell you whether to complete this application form or provide you with a link if they are using online enrolment.
- Foundation (Prep) Enrolment Information Pack for Parents and Carers (PDF, 308KB)
- Foundation (Prep) Enrolment Information Pack for Parents and Carers (DOCX, 294KB)
- Application form (PDF, 193KB)
- Application form (DOCX, 80.5KB)
Additional supporting materials
A factsheet and poster, providing a summary of the Foundation (Prep) enrolment process for the 2026 school year, are available.
The factsheet includes key dates in the 2026 enrolment and appeals process.
The poster provides a step-by-step guide of the enrolment process (without any specific dates for 2026 enrolment).
Factsheet
Poster
Information in your language
Once your child is enrolled
Read our tips for starting primary school to learn how you can support your child.
Further advice
If you have questions, contact a government primary school or a Community Liaison Officer in the Department of Education.
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