Budget builds capacity for schools

In the 2025-26 State Budget, the Victorian Government is investing $1.5 billion to build, expand, modernise and maintain schools across the state.

This investment includes:

• $771 million in capital funding to accommodate enrolment growth and deliver new schools across the state, as well as to plan for growth in the future, including:
  • 2 new schools in Aintree and Officer to open in 2027, and additional stages and expansions at 7 recently completed schools in Aintree, Cranbourne, Tarneit, Truganina and Werribee
  • funding to acquire land for up to 10 future new schools and new campuses of existing schools in Casey, Darebin, Melbourne and Melton.
  • planning for a future expansion at South Melbourne Primary School
  • a feasibility study for a maths and science school in the northwest of Melbourne
• $1 million to identify sites for future new schools and campuses across Melbourne, through the Precincts and Activity Centres Planning Fund
• $321.7 million to upgrade and modernise 35 schools
• $10 million for a further 20 schools to begin planning and design for their future upgrades
• $25 million for priority works such as leaking roofs or toilet upgrades though the Capital Works Fund.

The Budget also includes funding to maintain our schools, ensuring they’re safe, modern and accessible. This includes:

• $115.5 million to help schools carry out high-priority maintenance works through the Planned Maintenance Program.
• $140 million over 4 years for the Student Resource Package to help schools maintain their buildings and grounds.
• $10.7 million to continue the Small Schools Program, to help small regional and rural schools with maintenance compliance and OHS.

This latest investment in great local schools will support more than 4,300 new jobs in construction and associated industries, and create places for over 13,300 extra students in Victorian schools.

In addition to this, the Budget invests $15 million to improve kindergarten buildings, playgrounds and equipment (including IT).

This includes $4.5 million to make our kinders more accessible and inclusive for children of all abilities. Grants will be available for building and playground upgrades and new mobility and sensory equipment.