Moving from primary to secondary school

Information for parents and carers on how to enrol and support their child moving from primary to secondary school. In Victoria, students normally 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

For placement in Year 7 at secondary school for commencement in 2023, you will need to:

1. download the 'Placement Information Pack for Government School Parents and Carers'. Your child's government primary school may also give you a copy of the pack or form.
2. use Find my School to locate your local secondary school or preferred school, and read about how to Enrolling in a school.
3. complete the Application Form and return it to your child's primary schoolby Friday 13 May 2022.

If your secondary school preferences include a school or schools that are not your designated neighbourhood school, you should read about school zones and how they work and how applications are prioritised using the Department’s Placement Policy found on the Enrolling in school webpage.

Year 7 placement is decided by secondary schools. 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 20 July 2022.

All government secondary schools will host a Year 7 Orientation Day (for Year 6 students) on Tuesday 13 December 2022.

Moving to a non-government secondary school or registering for home schooling

Contact the secondary school to find out their enrolment process.

Visit Catholic Education Commission of Victoria and Independent Schools Victoria to find Catholic and independent schools.

For home schooling, find out about the requirements and how to register your child for home schooling.