Secondary School Overview

You have the freedom to choose your subjects, allowing you to create a personalised education plan. While English and Maths are compulsory for you in Year 9 and 10, and English for Year 11 and 12, the rest of your study plan is entirely up to you. This flexibility ensures that you can tailor your education to your specific interests and future goals, encouraging you to explore new subjects, broaden your perspectives, and discover your passions.

Our open learning environment promotes your academic success, personal growth, and career readiness. Victorian secondary schools emphasise social and cultural balance, providing you with a strong foundation for success. For more information about your secondary school subjects and qualifications, please see: School Qualifications.

Secondary school years

Secondary school students are aged between 12 and 20 years old. Years 7 to 12 form secondary school classes (total duration up to 6 years).

Secondary school international students must meet an upper age limit for each year level in accordance with Department of Home Affairs visa requirements.

Entry level and upper age limits:

• Less than 15 years of age when commencing Year 7
• Less than 16 years of age when commencing Year 8
• Less than 17 years of age when commencing Year 9
• Less than 18 years of age when commencing Year 10
• Less than 19 years of age when commencing Year 11
• Less than 20 years of age when commencing Year 12.

School timetable

Secondary school takes place five days per week (Monday to Friday), from around 8:30am to 3:15pm. On a typical school day, students tend to move from classroom to classroom rather than staying in one room, and even moving outside the classroom with our interactive teaching methods.

Term dates

There are 2 semesters broken up into 4 terms in the Victorian school year. School will start in late January or early February and ends mid-December. There are short holidays between terms and a long summer holiday in December and January.

Term dates​ for most international students in the upcoming Victorian school years are: