2026 Foundation Enrolments (Prep)

To start primary school in 2026, your child will need to turn 5 years old by 30 April 2026. Schooling is compulsory for children who have turned 6 years old.

If your child is starting Foundation (Prep) in 2026, you will be able to apply to enrol your child in a Victorian government primary school from the start of Term 2, 2025 (Tuesday 22 April 2025).

The first year of primary school is called Foundation or Prep. The statewide timeline for enrolling in Foundation (Prep) for the 2026 school year has been released.

The timeline advises families when and how to enrol their child into Foundation (Prep) at Government schools. The timeline seeks to make the enrolment process simpler, clearer and fairer for families.

The timeline applies to children starting Foundation (Prep) in 2026. Ripponlea Primary School follows this timeline. 

You can find information and resources about the new timeline, including factsheets and the ‘Foundation (Prep) Enrolment Information Pack for Parents/Carers’, at: Enrolling in Foundation (Prep).

What you need to do:

• Use Find my School to locate your designated neighbourhood school (referred to as your local school) and other nearby government schools.

NB: Ripponlea Primary School is able to offer enrolment to out of zone families based on year to year circumstances and school capacity. Please make a time to speak to the school principal. 

• Contact Ripponlea Primary School on 0395275728 or see our school tour bookings online to learn more about the school and the enrolment application process.

• Download the Foundation (Prep) Enrolment Information Pack for Parents and Carers (available on this website by Tuesday 22 April 2025). This pack will include an application form. Our school may also provide you with a copy of the form to complete.

• Submit an enrolment application for Foundation (Prep) by Friday 25 July 2025.

• You will be notified of the outcome of your application between Monday 28 July and Friday 8 August 2025. If you receive an enrolment offer, you should accept the offer by Friday 22 August 2025

• Take part in information and transition sessions during Term 4, 2025. These ususally begin in November. 

• Your child will start Foundation (Prep) from Wednesday 28 January 2026.

Enrolment applications submitted after 25 July 2025 will be processed by the school as they are received, in accordance with the Department of Education's Placement Policy.

Your child has a right to enrol at their local school. Your child’s local school is determined on the basis of their permanent residential address. Visit Find my School to locate your child’s local school. The enrolling in a school page can also help you to confirm your child’s address for enrolment.