Department overview

What we do

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.

The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education.

Early childhood (birth to 8)	School education (5 to 18)
Early childhood education and care services, with a focus on kindergarten programs	Primary education Secondary education Special education Language
More than 145,000 children funded to kindergarten programs over 67,000 children attend a 3-Year-Old Kindergarten program over 78,000 children attend a 4-Year-Old Kindergarten program	More than 1,049,000 students approximately 661,000 students in government schools approximately 216,000 students in Catholic schools approximately 172,000 students in Independent schools
More than 5,000 regulated education and care services of all types Approximately 3,000 funded kindergarten services	1,570 government schools 724 non-government schools

Who we work with

The department and its portfolio entities work collaboratively with a diverse range of public, private and not-for-profit providers serving Victorian children and young people.

Education portfolio partners and authorities include:	Key stakeholder groups include:
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority	Early childhood and school education peak bodies
Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority	Industry associations and unions
Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership	Advocacy and special interest groups
Victorian Institute of Teaching	Government department and agencies
Merit Protection Boards and Disciplinary Appeals Boards	Early childhood and school education experts Parents and students

The department proudly acknowledges Victoria’s First Nations communities and their rich and enduring cultures. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s first peoples and as the Traditional Owners of the unceded lands, waters and skies, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise First Nations people as Victoria’s first educators, artists and scientists, and we value the ongoing contribution of First Nations people and communities to Victorian life and how this enriches us all. We also commit to work together to deliver the Victorian Government’s commitment to self-determination, Truth and Treaty

Updated 30 August 2024

Department overview

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What we do

Who we work with