Moving from primary to secondary school: information for parents and carers

In Victoria, students normally start secondary school when they reach Year 7.

This page describes the steps for students moving from primary to secondary school.

Steps to enrol

Moving from a government primary school to a government secondary school

For placement in Year 7 at Secondary School for commencement in 2022

  1. Download the Year 6 To Year 7 Transition Information Pack 2021-22: Guidance for Parents and Carers with Year 6 Children at Government Schools (docx - 801.54kb). Your child's government primary school may also give you a copy. Alternatively, you can download the Application Form in landscape orientation as a standalone document here – Year 6 to Year 7 Application Form 2021-22 for Parents and Carers with Year 6 Children at Government Schools (docx - 461.02kb).
  2. Find your local secondary school or preferred schools at findmyschool.vic.gov.au. You can also read about how to choose a school that's right for your family.
  3. Complete the form and return it to your child's primary school by Friday 14 May 2021.

If your secondary school preferences includes a school, or schools, that is not your designated neighbourhood school, you should read about school zones and how they work.

Year 7 placement is decided by secondary schools. 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 on Wednesday 4 August 2021.

All government schools will host a Year 7 Orientation Day (for Year 6 students) on Tuesday 7 December 2021.

Moving from a non-government primary school or home schooling to a government secondary school

For placement in Year 7 at Secondary School for commencement in 2022

  1. Download the Year 6 To Year 7 Transition Information Pack 2021-22: Guidance for Parents and Carers with Year 6 Children at Non-Government Schools (docx - 482 (docx - 481.29kb). Alternatively, you can download the Application Form in landscape orientation as a standalone document here – Year 6 to Year 7 Application Form 2021-22 for Parents and Carers with Year 6 Children at Non-Government Schools (docx - 440.93kb).
  2. Find your local secondary school or preferred schools at findmyschool.vic.gov.au. You can also read about how to choose a school that's right for your family.
  3. Complete the form and return it to your preferred secondary school by Friday 14 May 2021.

If your secondary school preferences includes a school, or schools, that is not your designated neighbourhood school, you should read about school zones and how they work.

You will receive notification of your child's Year 7 placement in a government secondary school on Wednesday 4 August 2021.

All government schools will host a Year 7 Orientation Day (for Year 6 students) on Tuesday 7 December 2021. 


Your child is at a government Prep-Year 9 or Prep-Year 12 school

If your child is staying on at the same school, you do not need to make an application.

Contact your school for information about year 7 orientation.

Moving to a non-government secondary school

Contact the secondary school to find out their enrolment process.

Visit Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd and Independent Schools Victoria to find Catholic and independent schools.


Once your child is enrolled

Read our tips for starting secondary school to learn how you can support your child through the move.

Appealing a Year 7 enrolment

If a school decides not to accept your enrolment, you can appeal. This situation can happen if you request to enrol at a school outside of your designated neighbourhood zone, and the school does not have enough places.

You can lodge a written appeal to the school. The timeline for appeals is detailed in the Transition Information Pack.

Appeals are considered by the school's placement committee and principal. They will check the priority order of placement and confirm your address. They will also consider appeals on compassionate grounds on a case-by-case basis.

If your appeal is unsuccessful and you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can escalate the appeal to your local regional office. The school will let you know the deadline to do this.

Appeals to the regional office are considered by a panel of senior department staff.