The state government is introducing a new process providing standardised dates and forms for all government schools, including those across Hume and Whittlesea.
Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said the new approach to enrolling children into Prep will streamline the process for families, with applications now accepted from the start of Term 2 until July 28.
Parents and carers will receive offer letters back by August 11, while applications received after July 28 will be considered by schools as they are received.
As in previous years, families with children in Year 6 will receive a Placement Information Pack at the start of Term 2 which includes an Application for Year 7 Placement Form. These will need to be submitted by May 12, with students across Victoria receiving offer letters on July 19.
Families applying for places at their local government school from the start of Term 2 can now also access the freshly updated Find my School website, which gives parents and carers the latest information on school zones.
First launched four years ago, the Find my School website allows families to find their designated neighbourhood government school and other nearby government schools, giving them clarity on what their government school options are for their children.
It now includes 14 new schools and campuses set to open in 2024, along with small changes to existing school zones to reflect changes in school provision and adjustments to improve accessibility for all students.
Schools can be found by typing in a residential address or searching by school name or categories such as primary, secondary, or specialist school.
Every child has the right to enrol at their designated neighbourhood government school or, if there are sufficient places, at another government school of their choice.
Families can search their school zone by visiting findmyschool.vic.gov.au, and more information on the enrolment process is available at vic.gov.au/starting-school.
