Transition to Prep

Steps to enrol your child in Foundation (Prep) for the 2027 school year  

To start primary school in 2027, your child will need to turn 5 years old by 30 April 2027. Schooling is compulsory for children who have turned 6 years old.  

If your child is starting Foundation (Prep) in 2027, you will be able to apply to enrol your child in a Victorian government primary school from the start of Term 2, 2025 (Monday 20 April 2026).  

 What you need to do:  

1. Contact Doncaster Primary School to book an optional school tour on (03) 9848 1122 

1. Download the Prep enrolment information pack from Enrolling in Foundation (Prep)  which is (available by Monday 20 April 2026). This pack includes guidance on the application process.   

1. Submit an enrolment application by Friday 31 July 2026.   

 *Doncaster Primary School uses the Department of Education’s secure digital enrolment system called VicStudents. 

This means you can submit your Prep application online and receive updates through the system. If you have any questions about the online enrolment process, please contact Doncaster Primary School on (03) 9848 1122. 

*Paper enrolment application forms are also available on request.  

1. You will be notified of the outcome of your application between Monday 3 August and Friday 14 August 2026.   

1. If you receive an enrolment offer, you should accept the offer by Friday 28 August 2026.  

1. Take part in school transition sessions during Term 4, 2026.  

1. Prepare your child to start Prep from Thursday 28 January 2027.  

 Enrolment applications submitted after 31 July 2026 will be processed by Doncaster Primary School as they are received, in accordance with the department’s Enrolment 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.  

If you are seeking to apply to enrol your child in a school that is not their local school, you should read about  school zones  and how they work. You should also read about how applications are prioritised using the Department of Education’s Placement Policy found on the  enrolling in a school  page.    

Enrolment information pack for parents and carers

The Enrolment Information Pack for Parents and Carers will be available on the website by Monday 20 April 2026.  

This pack will include a copy of the enrolment timeline and Frequently Asked Questions.   

It will also include an application form. Families can use the application form in this pack to apply for enrolment.