Secondary 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 usually begin secondary (high) school at 12 years of age. It is a legal requirement that students attend school until they are 16 years old.

On this page:
Types of schools
Years 11 and 12
Course of study
Enrolment
Hours
Fees
Duration and holidays
How to find a secondary school

Types of schools

There are two major types of school in Victoria: public (state) schools and private schools. Government schools are usually co-educational, while some private schools offer single-sex education.

In Victoria, there are:

• 1594 state schools
• 484 Catholic schools
• 218 independent schools (Private non-denominational or religious association).

It is legal to home-school children in Victoria but you must register with the Victorian Registrations and Qualification Authority.

Years 11 and 12

In the final two years, students complete the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) to graduate from secondary school.

• The VCE covers a wide range of studies and is assessed by both external exams and school-based assessments. VCE results are used as selection criteria for entry to universities and colleges for further education.
• The VCAL and the Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools program are other options for Years 11 and 12 students, offering practical work-related experience and learning. Like the VCE, VCAL and VET are accredited for secondary certification and can lead to further education and training.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is also available for students who want to be eligible for admission to universities in 110 countries worldwide. This is offered by 10 schools in Melbourne and four in regional Victoria.

Course of study

Throughout secondary school students follow a program of core subjects including English, Maths and Science. In the middle to senior years of secondary school, students can also choose from about 50 elective subjects. Electives vary among schools. Religious education is also offered at religious private schools.

Languages other than English

Students who have recently arrived in Australia may be eligible for classes in English as a Second Language (ESL).

The majority of schools in Victoria teach one or more languages other than English. Also, some schools offer dedicated bilingual programs where students are taught some regular classes in a foreign language.

Enrolment

Parents of grade six students are asked to complete enrolment forms for the secondary school of their choice early in the year.

For more information on secondary school enrolment, visit the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development website.

Hours

Students attend school Monday to Friday - usually from 9.00am to 3.30pm.

Fees

All Victorian schools, whether public or private, receive government funding. Public secondary schools are 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.

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.

How to find a secondary school

Parents of grade six students are asked to complete enrolment forms for the secondary school of their choice early in the year. This choice may be a neighbouring State school or preferred private school. All schools usually hold information sessions and tours to help parents select a school for their child.