I am pleased to present our Strategic Plan for 2025–2029, which is guided by our vision for ‘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.’
The department is committed to enriching learning opportunities and giving all Victorian children and young people equitable access to a quality education. This strategy informs where we will focus our effort and attention.
We want all First Nations children, young people and their families and carers to be empowered by an education system that celebrates culture, supports choice and control, and upholds the rights of First Nations people.
This plan has been refreshed to better reflect our commitment to prioritise self-determination and strengthen cultural safety. This commitment is reflected in all our reforms. We are embedding First Nations history, culture and perspectives in teaching and learning, and driving change across our workforce, so that our early childhood education services, schools and workplaces are culturally responsive and inclusive.
We are transforming early childhood education through our Best Start, Best Life reforms, providing more access to high-quality early childhood education and care services.
Early Learning Victoria was established within the department to set up and operate 50 government-owned early learning and childcare centres by 2032. The first 4 centres opened in January 2025, providing childcare and Three- and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs.
Pre-Prep is expanding Four-Year-Old Kindergarten. Over the next 5 years, Pre-Prep will be available to children across almost all areas of regional and rural Victoria, as well as to those who are likely to benefit most, wherever they live across the state.
Free Kinder is offering more opportunities for 3- and 4-year-old children to learn and socialise through play.
Child safety is a key outcome of the department. We are committed to strengthening our child safety policy, guidance, training, regulatory approaches and support for schools and early childhood education and care services, to keep Victorian children safe.
The Education State – Excellence in Every Classroom sets out the key priorities for Victoria’s education system.
We are supporting excellence in teaching and learning by ensuring teachers have the resources and support they need so that every student can build knowledge across all areas of the curriculum.
We have refreshed the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0), providing schools with evidence-based practices and approaches to achieve strong learning outcomes for students. The VTLM 2.0’s teaching and learning practices will be in place in all Victorian government schools by 2028. Victoria’s new reading position will be implemented in all government schools by the start of 2027.
We will continue to deliver reforms in wellbeing, mental health and inclusion so that every student can participate fully at school. Our major senior secondary reforms are elevating vocational and applied learning through the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Vocational Major (VM), Victorian Pathways Certificate, Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools and School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Students now have more opportunities to complete a secondary school certificate and explore the pathways that match their aspirations.
Alongside this we are delivering excellent careers education, and more work-based learning opportunities for students before senior secondary school. We are strengthening support for student wellbeing, engagement, and learning, including exploring opportunities for students in years 7 to 9 to lift secondary school student engagement and achievement.
As Victoria’s population growth continues, the department will acquit the government’s commitment to deliver 100 new schools by 2026 and continue to deliver more new schools, and expand and upgrade existing ones. We will also continue to support principals and schools to undertake essential maintenance, so every community has a great local school.
Growth in early childhood infrastructure will continue to be a significant focus for the department. This includes building kindergarten and early childhood facilities on school sites, strengthening transitions and making drop-off easier for families.
Expanding, supporting and recognising our early childhood and schools workforce remains a top priority. We are focusing our efforts on recruiting, retaining and supporting the development of educators and teachers. This includes support for pre-service teachers and graduates, and expanding our First Nations workforce.
We are continuing to prioritise the wellbeing and safety of our schools workforce, including by reducing administrative burden and providing flexible working arrangements.
We all have an important role to play in delivering our strategic plan, so the next generation can grow and thrive. I thank everyone across the sector for your commitment to Victoria’s children and young people.
Tony Bates
Secretary
Department of Education
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