Moving from primary to secondary school is an important step in a child’s education. In Victoria, students start secondary school when they reach Year 7.
Steps to enrol your child in secondary school
Moving from a government primary school to a government secondary school
If your child is in Grade 6 in 2026 and attends a Victorian government primary school, you will need to:
- Read the Year 6 to 7 Placement Information Pack for Parents and Carers, which will be provided by your child's primary school by Wednesday 22 April 2026.
- Use the Find my School website to locate your local secondary school or preferred government school, and read about School zones and Enrolling in school.
- Complete the application form and return it to your child's primary school by Friday 8 May 2026.
Year 7 placement is decided by secondary schools using the Department of Education's Placement Policy. However, all communication about your child's placement must be with the Year 6 Coordinator or Transition Coordinator at your child's primary school until the placement is confirmed.
You will receive notification of your child's Year 7 placement offer on Wednesday 24 June 2026.
All government secondary schools will host a Year 7 Orientation Day (for Year 6 students) on Tuesday 8 December 2026.
Moving from a non-government primary school or home schooling to a government secondary school
If your child is in Grade 6 in 2026 and attends a non-government primary school or is home-schooled, you will need to:
- Use the Find my School website to locate your local secondary school or preferred government school, and read about School zones and Enrolling in school.
- Contact a government secondary school to learn more about the school. By Wednesday 22 April 2026, schools will provide a copy of the Year 6 to 7 Placement Information Packs.
The pack will include the Year 7 application form. - Complete the application form and submit it to your preferred secondary school by Friday 8 May 2026.
You will receive notification of your child's Year 7 placement in a government secondary school on Wednesday 24 June 2026.
All government secondary schools will host a Year 7 Orientation Day (for Year 6 students) on Tuesday 8 December 2026.
Moving to a non-government secondary school or registering for home schooling
If your child is enrolling in a non-government secondary school, contact the secondary school directly to find out about their enrolment process.
Visit Catholic Education Commission of Victoria(opens in a new window) and Independent Schools Victoria(opens in a new window) to find Catholic and independent schools.
For home schooling, find out about the requirements and how to register your child for home schooling.
Additional supporting materials
Factsheet
A factsheet summarising the Year 7 placement process will be available to complement the Information Pack (available from Term 2, 2026).
The factsheet will include key dates in the 2026-27 enrolment process and Frequently Asked Questions.
Once your child is enrolled
Read our tips for starting secondary school to learn how you can support your child through the move.
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