Primary Schools
School is compulsory for all Victorian children aged between six and 15. Primary school is from grade prep (preparatory year) to grade six. Secondary school is from year seven to year 12.
Children attending government schools must be 5 years of age by 30 April of the year they start school.
On this page:
Types of schools
Duration and holidays
Course of study
Fees
Hours
How to find a primary school
Enrolment
Special needs
Types of schools
There are two major types of school in Victoria: public (state) schools and private schools.
In Victoria, there are:
- 1594 state schools
- 484 Catholic schools
- 218 independent schools (Private non-denominational or religious association).
Duration and holidays
The school year runs on the calendar year, beginning in late January and ending in December for the summer holidays. Students attend school for about 40 weeks per year, divided into four school terms. Holidays between each term typically last for two weeks, while the summer holiday break is significantly longer at six weeks. See school term dates in Victoria.
Course of study
Eight themes form the basis of learning in primary school - English, Health and Physical Education, Language other than English, Maths, Science, Society and Environment, Technology, and the Arts. Religious education is also offered at relevant schools.
Languages other than English
Children who have recently arrived in Australia may be eligible for classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) within their school.
Fees
Public primary schools are fully government-funded and free to attend but a voluntary school levy per student per year usually applies. Parents will also need to pay for uniforms, some books and extra-curricular subjects.
Fees for private schooling vary widely. Check fees and other costs with individual education providers.
Hours
Students attend school Monday to Friday - usually from 9.00am to 3.30pm.
Outside school hours care
Many Victorian government schools also provide childcare through before-school care, after-school care and vacation care.
How to find a primary school
Most children attend primary school close to home. For state primary schools, a child is allocated a school in the neighbourhood zone where they live. Neighbourhood schools have an obligation to accept any student who lives in their zone.
If you wish to send your child to a school in a different zone, you have to contact the school directly.
For more information download the Parent's Guide to Victorian Government Primary Schools. To find schools in a particular area, visit the Schools Online website.
Enrolment
School staff will provide you with the appropriate enrolment forms. Several documents are required to enrol your child, including:
- evidence of your child's date of birth
- name and contact details of parents, guardians and emergency contacts
- Immunisation Status Certification
- health and welfare information (for example, if your child has asthma, diabetes, allergies, poor eyesight or hearing, specific custody arrangements)
- information about the language(s) your child speaks and hears (to help the school build on your child's knowledge)
Special needs
The Victorian education system follows a policy of integration, meaning students with special needs attend regular schools and receive assistance. There are also some Government schools that are for students with specific disabilities.
For more information about primary schools and to find schools in a particular area, visit the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development website.
Further information
Victoria
Eoghan Brownen's Story
Secondary School Teacher
Immigrated from Ireland
"It’s a magnificent country and its worth spending as much time as you can outside."
Read MoreMigration tools
Last updated: 22 July 2009
State Government of Victoria