Types of schools
An overview of the different types of schools in Victoria.
On this page
- Government schools
- Designated purpose schools
- Non-government schools
- Home schooling
- Find and enrol in a school
Government schools
Your child will usually go to the government school closest to where you live. This is referred to as a designated neighbourhood school, or a local (zoned) school.
These schools can be a:
- primary school, which is Prep (Foundation) to year 6. Generally, children between 5 and 11 years old will go to primary school.
- secondary school, which is years 7 to 10. Most secondary schools also include years 11 and 12 to prepare for tertiary study.
- P–12 school, which combines primary and secondary at the same location. Students spend their whole school life in one familiar place.
Designated purpose schools
Government designated purpose schools specialise in a specific subject or activity. They may support a particular group of students, for example, high achieving students or students with diverse learning needs.
Students must meet specific criteria to be considered for entry. Some designated purpose school categories are below.
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- Language schools
English language schools teach students who are learning English as an additional language.
Community language schools teach languages outside normal school hours. Programs are available to students from prep to year 12, depending on language. These schools allow students to maintain their heritage language.
- Specialist schools
These schools specialise in teaching students with disability who have high needs. They have specific eligibility criteria, depending on their specialisation. Read more about specialist schools, eligibility and how to apply.
- Selective entry high schools
These are schools for high-achieving students in years 9 to 12. They accept students through a competitive entrance exam. Read about how to apply to a selective entry high school.
- Virtual School Victoria
Virtual School Victoria teaches Victorian students who cannot access full-time mainstream schooling due to their circumstances. This may be because of:
- illness
- distance to the nearest school
- physical or social-emotional health difficulties
- travel. Students participate in online classes run by teachers, as well as forums and interactive online activities.
There are certain eligibility requirements to enrol. Contact the Virtual School Victoria for more information.
Non-government schools
These schools are sometimes called private schools, independent schools or Catholic schools. They are not part of the government system and have their own enrolment process and costs.
You can learn more from the Victorian Catholic Education Authority and Independent Schools Victoria.
Home schooling
Home schooling is where you take on responsibility for teaching your child. It’s an alternative to your child going to a school. There are certain requirements if you choose to home school. Read what you need to do to home school.
Find and enrol in a school
- Learn how to choose and enrol in a government school.
Education & trainingParents & carers
Updated 26 March 2026
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