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

If your child is seeking a place in Year 7 at a secondary school next year, you will need to:

1. download the Year 6 to 7 Placement Information Pack 2025-26. The pack will be available from Term 2, 2025 and will include the application form. Mentone Primary School will also give you a copy of the pack.
2. use Find my School to locate your local secondary school or preferred school, and read about School zones and Enrolling in school.
3. complete the application form and return it to your child's primary school by Friday 9 May 2025.

Year 7 placement is decided by secondary schools using the Department’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 Tuesday 1 July 2025.

All government secondary schools will host a Year 7 Orientation Day (for Year 6 students) on Tuesday 9 December 2025.

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.

For more information, visit the department's Moving from Primary to Secondary School website.