Enrolments

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. Please find below information regarding enroling into Great Ryrie Primary School.

School Zone

Our school zone is available on find my school which hosts the most up-to-date information on school zones in Victoria.

Students residing within out shcool zone are guaranteed a place at our shcool, which is determined based on your residintial address.

Our school manages enrolments using the Placement Policy to ensure that students have access to thir designated neighbourhood school and may enrol at another school, if there ar availalbe places.

For more information, you can:

• visit School Zones for answers to frequently asked questions
• call the Vicotrian School Building Authority (VSBA) on 1800 896 950
• email the VSBA at vsba@education.vic.gov.au 

2026 Prep Enrolments

The Department of Education has released the statewide Prep enrolment timeline for the 2026 school year. The timeline advises families when and how to enrol your child into Prep at a Victorian government primary school, including Great Ryrie Primary School.

You can find information and resources about the timeline, including factsheets at Enrolling in Prep. You will be able to apply to enrol your child in Prep 2026 from 22 April 2025.

This year our school will again use the online system for Prep enrolments. The online system is available for famlies who are applying to enrol their hcild in prep. An online applicaton can be completed on laptops, PC's and mobile devices. The online system will also allow you to upload documentation required for child's enrolment. Please acess the online system here. All government primary schools will follow the state-wide timeline to support Prep enrolments for the 2026 school year. Please find useful information availalble here.

Tours

Prep 2026 - Coming Soon!
2026 Prep School Tours will be available to book early in Term 1, 2025. Watch this space!

Years 1-6
If you are in our school zone and looking to transfer your child to Great Ryrie Primary School in Years 1-6, please contact the office on 03 9870 6098 to book a school tour. 

At the conclusion of your tour, you will receive a comprehensive Information Pack.

Prep Transition

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, Great Ryrie Primary School runs an extensive Transition Program beginning in October, for all future Prep students.

Transition Sessions allow students to become familiar with some of the routines of school and meet our wonderful teachers. Children will participate in a variety of activities and they might even meet a new friend.

During the Transition period, we also offer a number of Information Sessions for families to learn more about the school, curriculum, daily routines, and how you can help at home. At the final session, the children will be introduced to their Prep class teacher and the children who will be in their class.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a designated neighbourhood school (referred to as your local school)?

Your designated neighbourhood school (local school) is generally the government school closest to your child’s permanent residential address. Each residential address has both a local government primary and secondary school. All children of compulsory school age have a right to be enrolled at their local school.

How can I find my local school?    

All government primary, secondary and specialist schools are presented on the Find my School website. Type in your home address and the website will then find your local school.

Which schools have a school zone?

All mainstream government primary and secondary schools have a zone. Some campuses of multi-campus schools also have their own school zone. Schools with different enrolment criteria, such as English Language Schools and Select Entry Schools, do not have a school zone. Specialist schools (for students with disabilities) do not have school zones but are included on the Find my School website to support parents and carers make informed decisions about school options.

What is a school zone and how are they determined?

A school zone defines an area’s designated neighbourhood government school (local school).

For children residing in metropolitan areas, and in Ballarat, Bendigo or Geelong, their local school is usually the nearest government school in a straight line from the child’s permanent address. In any other area of Victoria, it is usually the nearest school by the shortest practical route, recognising the additional travel distances often experienced in regional settings.

How does a school decide who gets a place?

All children have the right to attend their designated neighbourhood school (known as their local school). In some cases, a school may not have enough space to enrol all students from outside their zone. In these cases, schools must manage enrolments using the department’s Placement Policy and priority order of placement. This outlines how to prioritise out of zone applications when limited places are available. The priority order of placement for out of zone enrolments is:

• students with a sibling at the same permanent address who are attending the school at the same time.
• all other students in order of closeness of their home to the school.

In exceptional circumstances, a student may be enrolled on compassionate grounds. Applications on compassionate grounds are considered on a case-by-case basis. If your circumstances are challenging and your local school is not suitable you should talk to the principal or a Community Liaison Officer in the regional office. The department’s Placement Policy does not apply to schools with specific entry criteria, including Specialist Schools, English Language Schools, Select Entry Schools, or Community Schools.

Does my child have to attend their local school, or can I choose a different school?

You can seek enrolment at schools other than your local school. Applications are considered in line with the department’s Placement Policy.

Schools can only enrol students who do not live in the school zone if they have sufficient accommodation. How do I know if a school has enough space to accept my child?

Your child is guaranteed a place at their local school, regardless of the school’s capacity. If you are seeking enrolment at another school, you can reach out to the school directly and ask if they are accepting out of zone students. Schools should be able to indicate if they are under enrolment pressure and only able to enrol local students and siblings.