Why do we build more primary than secondary schools?

There are more Victorian primary schools because there are more primary-age children. In 2025, there were approximately 100,000 more primary school-age students in Victoria than secondary school-age students.

Primary school students are generally less able to travel independently. Due to this, the government builds more schools to service local communities. This makes drop-off and pick-up easier for parents and reduces congestion on our roads. Secondary school students can generally commute further to attend school, particularly in metropolitan areas.

Additionally, secondary schools generally have higher student enrolments than primary schools. This means fewer secondary schools are needed compared to primary schools. Having higher student enrolments supports the delivery of a broader secondary school curriculum. This supports a wider range of educational pathways for students. Secondary school sites are also generally larger than primary school sites. This allows them to accommodate the facilities and services to meet the needs of secondary aged students.

Building a school requires significant community investment and expert planning. We use detailed demographic modelling to make sure the right schools are being built in the right places.

In recent years we've opened these schools:

• Mernda Central P–12 College (2017)
• Featherbrook P–9 College (2017)
• Bannockburn P–12 College (2018)
• Edgars Creek Secondary College (2018)
• Beaumaris Secondary College (2018)
• Springside West Secondary College (2019)
• Richmond High School (2019)
• Prahran High School (2019)
• Dohertys Creek P–9 College (2019)
• Preston High School (2019)
• Saltwater P–9 College (2019)
• Elevation Secondary College (2020)
• Homestead Senior Secondary College (2020)
• Cranbourne West Secondary College (2021)
• Edenbrook Secondary College (2021)
• Footscray High School Pilgrim Year 7–9 Campus (2021)
• Bass Coast College – San Remo Campus (2022)
• Clyde Secondary College (2022)
• Greater Shepparton Secondary College (2022)
• Greenvale Secondary College (2022)
• McKinnon Secondary College – East Campus (2022)
• Port Melbourne Secondary College (2022)
• Wurun Senior Campus (2022)
• Mickleham Secondary College (2023)
• Wollert Secondary College (2023)
• Bemin Secondary College (2024)
• Brinbeal Secondary College (2024)
• Walcom Ngarrwa Secondary College (2024)
• Yarrabing Secondary College (2024)
• Wulerrp Secondary College (2025)
• Birranga College (2026)
• Ngayuk College (2026)

We'll also be opening in the future:

• Wollahra Secondary School (interim name) in 2028

Of course, new schools are just part of the picture. We’re also modernising and expanding existing secondary schools. This gives them better facilities and more places to meet the needs of current and future students.

Explore more about schools