This year, 19 Victorian government schools will open their doors for the first time in 2026. This will bring the total number of new government schools opened since 2017 to 121.
The 19 new schools include:
- 13 primary schools (including 4 supported inclusion schools)
- 3 secondary schools (including 1 supported inclusion school)
- one P-9 school
- 2 specialist schools.
The design process included talking with local Koori communities. Because of this each school includes Koori plants, stories, art and language, including the schools' Koori name.
This helps students learn about Aboriginal culture and history. It also helps create a shared and inclusive future. These changes make schools more culturally safe and welcoming for Koorie students, staff and families.
Lindsey Delooze is the principal of Marra School in Kalkallo. Marra School is one of the two new specialist schools opening in 2026. Marra (pronounced mah-rah) is a Wurundjeri Woi wurrung language word meaning community.
'Being a principal has been a lifelong dream and building a school has been the biggest accomplishment I could have ever imagined,' Lindsey says.
Lindsey says everything the school is doing is a deliberate choice to support their students, staff and families.
The school’s vision is to provide aspirational education, ensuring wellbeing and learning growth for all students.
'Special touches like the height-adjustable workstations in our school café for any students who use a wheelchair will support all students to access the curriculum effectively,' Lindsey says.
'We can’t wait to throw open the doors to our new school.'
Anthony Oldmeadow is proud to be the founding principal of Ngayuk College, also in Kalkallo. Ngayuk (pronounced ngah-yook) is a Wurundjeri Woi wurrung language word meaning white cockatoo.
'I’m passionate about building a school where each young person feels like they belong, challenged to learn and inspired to succeed,' Anthony says.
'I’m focused on building a learning environment where every student feels known, supported and inspired to do their best. Everything we do is about creating the best possible start for our students.'
Anthony says the new school is more than just new classrooms. 'We’re becoming part of the growing and vibrant community in Kalkallo.'
A kinder next door for a smoother transition to Prep
Since 2021, every new Victorian government school primary school has had a kindergarten located on site or next door. Building kinders so close to schools helps make drop-off and pick-up easier for families. It can also help ease a child’s transition into primary school.
Eleven of the new primary schools will have kindergartens either on site (3 opening in 2027) or next door (one opening in 2027).
The remaining primary and P - 12 schools will each have an Early Learning Victoria centre (long day care and kindergarten) on site.
For information about Victorian government schools opening in 2026, visit the new schools page.
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