Starting School
As a parent of a future Prep (Foundation) student, we understand that the process of selecting your child’s future school and their transition into this new phase of their life can sometimes seem overwhelming. Starting school is an important milestone in any child and family's life, and we understand that transition to school requires additional thought, time, planning and support to make the process as smooth and as positive as possible.
When to Enrol in Primary School
To start primary school your child will need to turn 5 years old by 30 April in the year that they start school. Your child must be at school in the year that they turn 6 years of age. This is the compulsory school starting age.
The first year of primary school is called Foundation or Prep. Read more about when and how to enrol your child in the first year of primary school at enrolling in Foundation (Prep).
If you need to enrol at a different time or year level, contact our enrolment officer Sharon Dymond in the school office on 98731551.
Foundation Enrolments
2027 Foundation (Prep) enrolments
All Victorian government primary schools follow the statewide Foundation (Prep) enrolment timeline. The timeline advises families when and how to enrol their child at a Victorian government primary school.
You can apply to enrol your child in Foundation (Prep) in 2027 from Monday 20 April 2026.
What you need to do:
1. Contact our school on 98731551 to book an optional school tour.
2. Download the Foundation (Prep) enrolment information pack from Enrolling in Foundation (Prep) (available by Monday 20 April 2026). This pack includes guidance on the application process.
3. Submit an enrolment application by Friday 31 July 2026.
Optional: Our school uses the Department of Education’s secure digital enrolment system called VicStudents. This means you can submit your Foundation (Prep) application online and receive updates through the system. If you have any questions about the online enrolment process, please contact our school. Paper enrolment application forms are also available on request.
4. You will be notified of the outcome of your application between Monday 3 August and Friday 14 August 2026.
5. If you receive an enrolment offer, you should accept the offer by Friday 28 August 2026.
6. Take part in school transition sessions during Term 3 & 4, 2026.
7. Prepare your child to start Foundation (Prep) from Thursday 28 January 2027.
Enrolment applications submitted after 31 July 2026 will be processed by our school as they are received, in accordance with the department’s Enrolment Policy.
For more information about the Foundation enrolment timeline, visit: Enrolling in Foundation (Prep).
Other Year Level Enrolments
We also accept enrolment applications for students in other year levels. You can submit a request at any time in the school year.
Eligible students who live within our school zone are guaranteed a place, while students outside the zone may be enrolled if there are available places.
If you are seeking enrolment at other year levels, please contact our school for more information.
An enrolment form is not required for students transferring between Victorian government schools. Refer to: Student transfers between schools.
Please call our enrolment officer Sharon Dymond on 98731551 or email mitcham.ps@education.vic.gov.au for further information.
Our School Zone
Our school zone is available on findmyschool.vic.gov.au which hosts the most up-to-date information on school zones in Victoria.
Students residing within our school zone are guaranteed a place at our school. Your school zone is determined based on your permanent residential address.
Our school manages enrolments using the Placement Policy to ensure that students have access to their local school. Students may enrol at another school if there are available places.
For more information about our school zone, please contact our school. For answers to frequently asked questions about school zones, visit School zones.
Further information is available on the Starting School page
Starting Prep is an important and exciting step in your child's educational journey.
Transition Program
When children first start school there is a lot for them to get used to. Some children will adapt more easily than others. There are many things you can do to help your child transition to school as smoothly as possible, to aid in this, Mitcham Primary School runs an extensive Transition Program for all future Prep students, beginning in Term 3 the year before the child is due to commence school.
Transition Sessions allow students to become familiar with some of the routines of school and meet our wonderful teachers. They might even meet a new friend! Children will participate in a variety of activities, and will also receive their own Mitcham Primary School Library bag, with the ability to borrow a book from our School Library.
During the Transition period, we also offer a number of Information Sessions for parents to learn more about the school, curriculum, daily routines, and how you can help at home.
