Government schools
Your child will usually go to the government school closest to where you live. This is referred to as a designated neighbourhood school, or a local (zoned) school.
These schools can be a:
- primary school, which is Prep (Foundation) to year 6. Generally, children between 5 and 11 years old will go to primary school.
- secondary school, which is years 7 to 10. Most secondary schools also include years 11 and 12 to prepare for tertiary study.
- P–12 school, which combines primary and secondary at the same location. Students spend their whole school life in one familiar place.
Designated purpose schools
Government designated purpose schools specialise in a specific subject or activity. They may support a particular group of students, for example, high achieving students or students with diverse learning needs.
Students must meet specific criteria to be considered for entry. Some designated purpose school categories are below.
Non-government schools
These schools are sometimes called private schools, independent schools or Catholic schools. They are not part of the government system and have their own enrolment process and costs.
You can learn more from the Victorian Catholic Education Authority and Independent Schools Victoria.
Home schooling
Home schooling is where you take on responsibility for teaching your child. It's an alternative to your child going to a school. There are certain requirements if you choose to home school. Read what you need to do to home school.
Find and enrol in a school
- Learn how to choose and enrol in a government school.
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