A new year of learning

Information and resources for parents and carers to help their children unlock their potential for a new year of learning in 2026. Find out more about:

Getting ready for kindergarten
Early childhood supports
Getting ready for primary school
Getting ready for secondary school
Getting ready for the final years of secondary school
What to expect at school
Help with school costs and fees
Health, wellbeing and inclusion

Stories from the new year

Kick off the new school year with stories straight from the classroom! Hear from staff, little learners, and students of all ages as they share their new adventures going into a new year learning.

Getting ready for kindergarten

Tips for starting kindergarten

There are lots of things you can do to prepare your child for kindergarten.

Sending your child to kinder

Learn about how your child can access Free Kinder, the benefits of kinder, and enrol in a kinder program that suits your family’s needs.

Kinder Kits

Kinder Kits are back again for 2026 and will be available for eligible children enrolled in Three-Year-Old Kindergarten.

Early childhood supports

Kinder Supports for all Victorian children

There are a range of supports for Victorian Government funded kinder services to enable all children to access and participate in kinder programs.

Help for children with additional needs at kindergarten

Learn more about programs your kindergarten can use to give your child additional support.

Information about kindergarten in your language

Learn more about kindergarten in Victoria in 30 languages.

Getting ready for primary school

Tips for starting school

Find tips on how you can help your child have a positive start to school.

Starting primary school in Victoria

Learn about finding a school, enrolling, and preparing your child to start primary school in Victoria.

Children who have a disability or additional needs

Your child’s kindergarten teacher will set up a plan with you before they start Prep.

Prep bags

Each Prep student starting at a Victorian government school in 2026 will receive a Prep bag to celebrate this milestone in their learning journey.

Transition Learning and Development Statements

If your child is moving from kindergarten to primary school, the educator will write a statement about your child’s abilities and approaches to learning.

Getting ready for secondary school

Tips to prepare during the school holidays

Checklist to support children prepare for a new year of learning.

Tips to support neurodivergent students starting secondary school

An infographic created by autistic students and I CAN Network.

Getting ready for the final years of secondary school

Final years of secondary school

Tips for you to support your teenager during this time.

Career and course exploration with your child

There are key moments in years 7-12 when you can support your child to make important decisions about the future.

Study options in Year 11 and 12

The study options available to students now include the new VCE Vocational Major and the Victorian Pathways Certificate.

What to expect at school

Attending school

Information on the importance of attending school every day, school costs, uniforms and how to get involved with your child’s learning.

Building a positive relationship with your child’s school

Getting involved gives your child confidence and helps them feel in control of their education.

Mobile phones in schools

Mobile phones brought to school must be switched off and stored securely during the school day.

Safe Socials

Learn about what is available for schools, parents and students to support safe and positive online experiences for children and young people.

Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-2026

The plan outlines priority actions for the department and schools to support Koorie learners to thrive.

Help with school costs and fees

Support for families

Support is available to help with school costs.

Affordable school uniforms

Get help with the cost of school uniforms.

Student scholarships

Scholarships are available to support eligible students from years 4-12.

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund

Provides payments for eligible students to attend school camps, excursions, and sports and outdoor education programs.

Glasses for kids

Free vision screening and, if needed, further testing and free glasses for Prep to Year 3 students at participating schools.

Smile Squad

Free dental check-ups and treatment for all Victorian government school students.

Free period products

Free pads and tampons are available in all Victorian government schools.

Health, wellbeing and inclusion

Health and wellbeing staff in schools

Information about the health and wellbeing staff in Victorian government schools.

Mental health and wellbeing toolkit

Guidance to help strengthen your child’s mental health and wellbeing at home, and how to work with your school and seek help if you have concerns.

Healthy Eating Advisory Service

Healthy lunch ideas from the Healthy Eating Advisory Service.

Disability and inclusive education

Information and services for families of children living with disability and additional needs.

Foundation House Early Years Program

Watch the kindergarten to school transition video series, available in 7 languages.

The Education State

Education is the key to empowering young people to reach their potential

Across Victoria, our Education State vision is to deliver excellence in every classroom in every corner of the state.

Find out more

Settling into a new class

6 tips for parents, carers and families to support your child to settle into a new class from the Academy

Education & training

Updated 19 January 2026

Economic Growth Statement