Criteria for Selection

Princes Hill Secondary College is subject to enrolment restrictions, therefore as required by Department of Education and Training policy the following criteria, in priority order, will determine who is offered places:

1. Zone

Students who are permanently resident in the College’s designated zone. Click here for a map of this zone. In the majority of cases, this will mean Princes Hill Secondary College is the nearest Government Secondary School to the permanent place of residence of their parent(s) or carer(s), being also the residence of the student for the majority of the time when the application for enrolment is made. Proof of residential status may be required if requested.

2. Community member

This is defined as students who already have an older sibling enrolled at the school or the child of a staff member. For these purposes, sibling is defined as a blood relative who lives at the same residential address as the applicant for the majority of the time.

3. Curriculum Grounds

This category is available to students when a similar program is not available in a closer school. Generally this involves the study of French (prior study or family background), or two musical instruments (studied for at least 12 months) or sometimes ESL. Parent(s) or carer(s) applying to enrol their child on the basis of curriculum grounds must be able to demonstrate that access to a specific curriculum program available at Princes Hill Secondary College is vital to their child’s education, and is not available to them at a Secondary School closer to their home. Curriculum needs must be substantiated through letters from Primary School teachers, tutors or appropriate sources.

4. Proximity
Remaining places will be allocated on the basis of the following considerations:
• Proximity to the College's designated zone of the student’s permanent place of residence as measured in a straight line from the College.
• Compassionate grounds
From the experience of previous years, approximately one third of the Year 7 intake will be placed as a result of the designated zone criteria, and two thirds will gain places on the basis of sibling and curriculum needs.

From the experience of previous years, approximately one third of the Year 7 intake will be placed as a result of the designated zone criteria, and two thirds will gain places on the basis of curriculum needs.

Parent(s) or carer(s) applying to enrol their child on the basis of curriculum needs must be able to demonstrate that access to a specific curriculum program available at Princes Hill Secondary College is vital to their child’s education, and is not available to them at a Secondary School closer to their home. Curriculum needs must be substantiated through letters from Primary School teachers, tutors or appropriate sources.
From the experience of previous years, approximately one quarter of the Year 7 intake will be placed as a result of the designated zone criteria, and two thirds will gain places on the basis of curriculum needs.

How to Apply

Any family seeking a Year 7 enrolment at the College must complete the Department of Education and Training Application for Enrolment form made available from their Primary School in May each year. Families applying with designated zone or sibling claims must ensure that this information is recorded on that form and that the form is returned to their Primary School by the required date.
Families intending to list Princes Hill Secondary College as their preferred school and seek enrolment on the basis of curriculum needs, must apply in writing and submit their letter and any substantiation documents to Princes Hill Secondary College by the date published.
Following the closing date for application, the College Enrolment Committee will process all applications and assign places on the basis of the selection criteria outlined. Additional information may be sought from the applicants, or their Primary School if required. All families will be notified of the outcome of the placement process in September by their Primary School. Princes Hill Secondary College will also confirm the outcome by letter after that date. Successful applicants must indicate acceptance of their offer by returning the form provided in that letter by the due date. The College reserves the right to withdraw an offer of a place if the circumstances of the applicant, relevant to the selection criteria, change.

Appeal

Any family who applied for Princes Hill Secondary College on their Application for Enrolment form, but is not offered a place, is able to request a review of that decision. Advice regarding the appeal process will be forwarded to all unsuccessful applicants. Reviews will be undertaken by the College Principal and Regional Officers of the Department of Education and Training. Outcomes of the review will be reported to families in writing and the determination of the review will be final.

Consequent Offers

The College generally experiences some fluctuation in acceptance of offers and is usually able to offer further places during Terms 3 & 4. Families will be given the option of being considered for a later offer of a place. These will be allocated as they become available, on the basis of the above criteria. Except in exceptional circumstances, the College will not make further offers after the December Year 7 Orientation Day.