What is a local school
Your designated neighbourhood Government school (referred to as your local school) is generally the government school closest to your child’s permanent residential address.
If your child lives in metropolitan Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo or Geelong, their local school is usually the nearest government school in a straight line from their permanent address.
In any other area of Victoria, it is usually the nearest school by the shortest practical route by road.
Find your local government school
To find your local school and other government schools in your area:
- Enter into your browser
- Enter your address under ‘Enter your address to get started’
- Select the school year you are looking to enrol your child in under ‘Enrolment year’
- Select primary, secondary or specialist under ‘School type’
- The map will then show your address, your local school, and on the left the contact details for the school
- If you scroll down, it will also show you the five closest schools.
The Find my website is the official and most up to date source of school zone maps in Victoria. All government primary, secondary and specialist schools are on Find my School.
Visit Catholic Education Commission of and Independent Schools to find Catholic and independent schools located across the state.
Right to enrol at your local school
Your child has a right to enrol at their local school. This right is set out in the Education and Training Reform Act . This means, if your child lives within the school zone, they must be offered a place when seeking enrolment.
Going to a school outside your zone
You have the choice to seek enrolment at a school that is not your local school.
If the school has sufficient space for all students who apply, then your child should be offered placement.
If the school has limited spaces available, applications are considered using the ‘priority order of placement’ outlined in the Placement . The priority order of placement prioritises students who live within the school zone and out of zone siblings. For more information on the Placement Policy, learn about enrolling in school.
School zone changes
The Find my website shows zones for the current and following school years.
Each year, a small number of school zones may change. Changes may be due to the opening of new schools, changing provision at existing schools (e.g. relocating a campus or changing year levels offered), improving school accessibility, or managing enrolment demand.
Always use the Find my website to check school zones. The Department of Education does not endorse advice from real estate agents or other websites.
Other school types
Specialist schools for students with disability
Specialist schools for students with disability do not have school zones. They do have designated transport areas. If you live in these areas, you may be able to get help with transporting your child to and from school.
Single sex schools
Single sex schools have school zones to ensure they can cater for local children. If you are within the school zone for a single sex school, you will also be within the school zone for a co-ed school. You can seek enrolment at a single sex school, even if your child does not live within the school zone. Applications are considered in line with the Placement Policy or, where applicable, the school’s individual enrolment criteria.
Flexible learning government schools and English language schools
Flexible learning government schools and English language schools do not have school zones, as they support more than just their local area.
Selective entry schools
Selective entry schools do not have school zones, but they have other enrolment criteria.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
For answers to frequently asked questions about school zones and enrolment at Victorian government schools, including specialist schools, refer to the enrolment frequently asked questions:
Reviewed 05 July 2023