Enrolment Policy
Help for non-English speakers
If you need help to understand the information in this policy please contact Alfredton Primary School on 5334 1572
Purpose
To ensure that Alfredton Primary School enrols eligible students in accordance with the Victorian Department of Education’s Enrolment and Placement Policy and provides fair and equitable access to enrolment for all students.
Policy Statement
Alfredton Primary School follows the Victorian Department of Education’s Enrolment Policy and Placement Policy.
Every child of compulsory school age has the right to enrol at their designated neighbourhood government school. Students residing within Alfredton Primary School’s designated neighbourhood boundary are guaranteed a place at the school.
The school’s designated neighbourhood area is determined by the Victorian Department of Education. Families can identify their designated neighbourhood school using the Find My School website.
Scope
This policy applies to all enrolments at Alfredton Primary School, including:
- Foundation (Prep) enrolments
- Enrolments in other year levels
- Transfers from other schools
- Students residing both within and outside the school’s designated neighbourhood boundary
Guidelines
Eligibility for Enrolment
To enrol in Foundation (Prep), a child must turn five years of age by 30 April in the year they commence school.
Children enrolling in Victorian government schools must meet the age requirements outlined in the Department of Education’s Enrolment Policy, including any approved exemptions.
School Zone
Alfredton Primary School’s designated neighbourhood boundary is determined by the Department of Education.
Students who reside within the school’s designated neighbourhood boundary are eligible to enrol at Alfredton Primary School.
Families can check school zones through the Victorian Government’s Find My School website.
Enrolment Process
Parents and carers seeking enrolment at Alfredton Primary School are encouraged to:
- Contact the school office to obtain enrolment information.
- Complete the Department of Education Enrolment Form.
- Provide all required supporting documentation.
- Submit enrolment applications within published timelines.
The school will provide families with information regarding enrolment requirements and processes.
Placement and Priority Order
Where the number of enrolment applications exceeds available places, Alfredton Primary School will apply the Victorian Department of Education’s Priority Order of Placement.
Students will be enrolled in the following order:
- Students for whom Alfredton Primary School is the designated neighbourhood school.
- Students with a sibling living at the same permanent address who are attending the school at the same time.
- Students seeking enrolment on specific curriculum grounds where approved by the Department.
- All other students, in order of closeness of their permanent residence to the school.
In exceptional circumstances, compassionate grounds may also be considered in accordance with Department guidelines.
The Principal is responsible for implementing the Department’s Placement Policy.
Determining Permanent Residence
Where enrolment demand exceeds available places, Alfredton Primary School may be required to verify a student’s permanent residence.
Meaning of Permanent Residence
A student’s permanent residence is the address at which they permanently reside when seeking enrolment.
Where a student lives at more than one address, their permanent residence is generally the address where they spend the majority of school nights.
If a child spends equal time at two addresses, both addresses may be considered permanent residences. Families may choose which designated neighbourhood school the child will attend.
Evidence of Permanent Residence
To support enrolment applications, Alfredton Primary School may request documentation that demonstrates permanent residence.
Examples of acceptable documentation include:
Primary Evidence
One of the following:
- Council rates notice
- Unconditional contract of sale
- Rental agreement or lease agreement
- Building contract
Supporting Evidence
One or more of the following:
- Driver licence
- Utility bill (electricity, gas, water)
- Home or contents insurance documentation
- Electoral enrolment confirmation
- Other official government correspondence
Documents should:
- Show the same address as listed on the enrolment application.
- Include the name of the parent or carer completing the application.
The school may request additional documentation where necessary.
A Residential Address Check may be required to verify eligibility for enrolment.
The school may also request a Statutory Declaration confirming that the student permanently resides at the nominated address.
Providing false or misleading information may result in the withdrawal of an enrolment offer in accordance with Department policy.
Verification of Permanent Residence
To ensure compliance with Department policy, Alfredton Primary School may undertake reasonable enquiries to verify information provided by families.
These enquiries may include:
- Verifying documentation provided by families.
- Contacting relevant agencies or organisations where appropriate.
- Seeking clarification regarding residency arrangements.
The school will comply with privacy obligations when conducting any verification processes.
The Department does not support home inspections or surveillance as methods of verifying residency.
Enrolment Applications from Outside the School Zone
Students residing outside Alfredton Primary School’s designated neighbourhood boundary may apply for enrolment.
Applications from outside the school zone will be considered in accordance with the Department’s Placement Policy and subject to available places.
Where places are not available, families may be referred to their designated neighbourhood government school.
Changes to Address After an Offer of Enrolment
If a student’s permanent residence changes after an enrolment offer has been made, or if it is determined that incorrect residency information was provided, the school may review the enrolment offer.
An enrolment offer may be withdrawn prior to commencement where:
- The student’s permanent residence is no longer within the school zone.
- A place would not have been available had the correct address been provided.
- The enrolment offer advised families that residency information may be verified.
Any decision to withdraw an offer of enrolment will occur in consultation with the Department’s regional office and will consider the student’s wellbeing and individual circumstances.
Appeals
Parents and carers may appeal enrolment decisions in accordance with the Victorian Department of Education’s Enrolment and Placement Policy.
Information regarding appeals processes will be provided upon request.
Related Policies and Resources
This policy should be read in conjunction with:
- Department of Education Enrolment Policy
- Department of Education Placement Policy
- School Attendance Policy
- Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy
- Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
Families can access further information through the Victorian Government’s Find My School website and Department of Education enrolment resources.
POLICY REVIEW AND APPROVAL
This policy was approved by the Principal of Alfredton Primary School and will be reviewed as part of the school’s regular policy review cycle or earlier if required by changes to Department of Education policy.
| Approved By | Principal |
| Responsible Person | Principal |
| Last Review Date | June 2026 |
| Next Scheduled Review Date | June 2028 |
| Version | 1.0 |