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Prep 2026

The transition from Pre-School to school is an important one for all children.

The Department of Education (DE) has a statewide Prep enrolment timeline. The timeline advises families when and how to enrol their child into Prep at a Victorian government primary school.

The timeline will apply for children starting Prep in 2026. All government primary schools will follow the timeline in 2025 to support Prep enrolments for the 2026 school year.

Steps to enrol your child in Prep for the 2026 school year

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, Tuesday 22nd April 2025.

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.
  • Contact a government primary school to book a school tour or to learn more about the school and the enrolment application process (please see School Tours below for further information).
  • Download the Foundation (Prep) Enrolment Information Pack for Parents and Carers (PDF, 308KB). Please note, Hartwell Primary School accepts online enrolments, therefore you should submit your 2026 Prep enrolment, via the VicStudents portal (Digital Enrolment Parent Guide).
  • Submit an enrolment application for Foundation (Prep) by Friday 25 July 2025. You will also need to provide the following documents:
    • Birth Certificate
    • Immunisation History
    • VISA / Passport - if both parents or student born overseas
  • 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 enrolment information and transition sessions during Term 4, 2025.
  • Your child can 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.

School Tours

School Tours for Prep 2026 are held most Tuesdays at 9.30am (during the school term) and last approximately one hour.

If you have a child/children commencing Prep in 2026, and you would like to arrange a tour of our school, please complete the following form:

Prep 2026 School Tour Booking Form

Parent Information Session

Join us to learn about the Prep curriculum, discover the learning spaces, meet the teachers and hear all the activities that make Prep such a special year.

This will be held on Wednesday 7th May at 7pm. To book your place, please complete the form: Information Evening.

In the meantime, please enjoy this virtual tour Prep at Hartwell Primary School.