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Specialist school eligibility review

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The Victorian Government has completed a review of specialist school eligibility as part of its Fighting for Students with Disability and their Families package. This page explains what families need to know right now – including that there are no immediate changes to eligibility or enrolment – and outlines what may change over time, with updates expected to be phased in by the end of 2027 and new criteria applying from 2028. It also highlights why Autistic lived experience is central to creating fair, clear and workable eligibility processes for families and schools.

What families need to know

Key points

  • There are no immediate changes to specialist school eligibility
  • Families can continue using current eligibility and enrolment processes
  • Changes will be introduced gradually and completed by the end of 2027
  • Updated eligibility criteria are expected to apply for enrolments from 2028
  • Autistic lived experience remains essential in shaping fair processes

The Victorian Government has completed a review of specialist school eligibility as part of its Fighting for Students with Disability and their Families package.

The review examined whether current eligibility criteria and enrolment processes for specialist schools are practical, fair and aligned with contemporary best practice. It also explored where students and families may face barriers when trying to enrol in a specialist school that meets their child’s needs.

This page explains what the review considered, what is staying the same, and what may change over time.

What the review looked at

The review focused on:

  • How specialist school eligibility criteria are applied
  • How enrolment processes work for families and schools
  • Whether current processes support appropriate placement decisions
  • Where processes may be complex, stressful or difficult to navigate

The review was informed by expert advice and lived experience, including input from people with disability, specialist school principals and independent disability experts.

What this means right now

There are no immediate changes to specialist school eligibility.

Families can continue to use the current eligibility criteria and enrolment processes while improvements are being planned and developed.

What families can expect

  • Existing pathways remain in place
  • Current eligibility decisions are not affected
  • Families do not need to take action at this time

What will change over time

The Victorian Government has committed to acting on the review’s recommendations. Changes will be introduced gradually, with implementation expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Updated specialist school eligibility criteria are planned to apply for students seeking enrolment from 2028.

Purpose of the changes

The intent of these changes is to:

  • Make eligibility processes clearer, more consistent and more practical, in line with
    contemporary clinical guidelines
  • Reduce unnecessary stress for families
  • Support better decision-making for students and schools

Why Autistic perspectives matter

Eligibility decisions can have a long-term impact on Autistic students and their families.

Autistic lived experience is essential in shaping systems that:

  • Recognise diverse and changing support needs
  • Allow flexibility where appropriate
  • Prioritise wellbeing, learning and participation

Amaze will continue to advocate for eligibility processes that are fair, transparent and responsive to Autistic children and young people.

Find out more

You can read the full review report on the Victorian Government website:


www.vic.gov.au/fighting-students-disability-and-their-families

We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available, so families have time to understand what these changes may mean and plan ahead.

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