I am pleased to present our Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, which outlines how we will work towards our vision of 'A great education for every child and young person – so they can thrive now, and in the future, for a fairer, smarter and more prosperous state.'
It is a privilege to work for a department that makes a difference every day to Victorian families, children and young people.
In this time of rapid social, economic and technological change, the role of education is more important than ever. How we prepare for the future will help us to continue delivering strong outcomes for Victorian families.
The Strategic Plan is our roadmap. It builds on what we have already achieved and reflects current government priorities. Key among these is our delivery of the Statewide Treaty commitments. This plan ensures that self-determination and cultural safety for First Nations people are at the centre of everything we do.
This plan also guides our goal to deliver excellence in every classroom and expand high-quality early learning. It furthers our mission to give children and young people access to world-class learning in safe and inclusive environments. It sets out our priorities to focus our efforts as a department, so that every young Victorian can achieve their potential.
Over the past year, we have funded more hours of free, quality early learning for children and strengthened child safety across the early childhood education and care sector. We have upgraded existing government schools and opened new schools and early learning centres. We have also laid the foundations for major digital infrastructure renewal. We have supported the rollout of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 and developed lesson plans to support best practice across the state.
We have continued to help ease the cost of living for families so every student can reach their full potential.
The Strategic Plan builds on these achievements and reaffirms our commitment to expand early learning, prioritise Treaty and self-determination, support excellence in learning, address disadvantage and vulnerability, strengthen safety, wellbeing and engagement and support our teachers and education workforce.
Our people are central to our success. I want to acknowledge the efforts of all department staff and thank you for your contribution to education at all levels, from early learning to senior secondary.
The 2026–2030 Strategic Plan sets a clear direction and reflects our shared responsibility to support every child and young person to learn, thrive and succeed. I look forward to working together with you and all our partners to see this plan realised.
David Howes
Acting Secretary
Department of Education
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