Applying to Berengarra School
Applying to Berengarra School
Many families and carers begin exploring Berengarra School when their child has struggled to feel comfortable or successful in a traditional school environment. The enrolment process at Berengarra School is designed to be supportive and responsive. Once we hear from you, our Enrolment Team will guide you through each step and help determine whether Berengarra School is the right setting for your child.
Enrolment Steps
Request a Tour / Initial Enquiry
The process begins with an enquiry via the Request a Tour / Enrolment Enquiry form or a phone call to 03 9898 9167. A member of the Enrolments Team will then contact you to arrange a tour or discuss your child’s needs and enrolment criteria to assess fit.
Request a TourExpression of Interest
After the tour, you will be given an Expression of Interest (EOI) form to complete. The EOI is a formal document that expresses your interest in applying for a place for your child at Berengarra School.
*Please note that completing the EOI does not guarantee you a place at Berengarra School.
Meetings & Information
Upon receiving the completed EOI, the Berengarra School Enrolment Team will gather information from parents, current and past schools, and professionals working with your young person.
*Please note, should you require assistance in completing the EOI, please let the Enrolments Team know and they will be happy to assist you.
Assessment & Review
We will conduct a pre-enrolment assessment to determine if the student meets our enrolment criteria.
Enrolment Pack
Upon acceptance, you will receive an enrolment pack and be invited to meet with our Business Manager to discuss the terms of enrolment.
20-Day Trial
Once all the documentation is complete, you and your young person will meet with the Head of Campus for a pre-start meeting and commence the trial period.
See below for further information on how the trial period works
P–12 Calculator
Enter the Year and Month of birth. We’ll show the projected year level for each calendar year from Prep to Year 12.
This calculator assumes students begin Prep in the year they turn 5. Students born after 30 April start Prep the following year. (Victorian Government: Starting primary school.)
Frequently asked questions
In Victoria, to start Prep in a given year a child must turn 5 by 30 April of that year. Children born after 30 April start in the following year. See the Victorian Government’s Starting primary school guidance.
No. Year 7 placement follows the Department’s statewide Year 6→7 placement process and School Age Requirements (compulsory age 6–17). There is no “12/13 by April” rule for Year 7.
Year 10 is typically 15–16 years old; Year 11 is typically 16–17, noting natural overlap by birthday timing and program choice.
Chat with us — we’ll confirm details and help you decide the right pathway. Book a Tour or call 03 9898 9167.
This tool provides general guidance. Final enrolment decisions are made by the school in line with the Department of Education’s Placement Policy and School Age Requirements, and relevant legislation.
Student Trial Process
20-Day Trial Period
All student enrolments begin with a 20-day trial period. This is usually a 4-week process in which the student’s school attendance gradually increases, starting at 9:30 AM, as outlined below:
Why we use a 20-day trial
For many young people, returning to school is a big step. The 20-day trial is a gentle reintegration back into an educational environment, designed to reduce overload and make attendance achievable.
- Manageable and predictable: Hours build gradually, so students can settle in without feeling flooded.
- Better attendance outcomes: We see greater success when we build up to full days, rather than expecting full-time attendance from day one.
- Trust and safety first: The trial shows students we are thoughtful, respectful and aware of the journey it takes to return to learning.
- Sets students up to succeed: Early wins build confidence, routine and readiness for longer days.
Days 1 – 5
Until First Break
9:30 – 10:45 AM
Days 6 – 10
Until Lunch
9:30 – 12:00 PM
Days 11 – 15
Until Second Break
9:30 – 1:25 PM
Days 16 – 20
Full Time
9:30 – 2:40 PM
The School Day
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Gates open / Supervision startsBox Hill | 9:00 AM |
| Gates open / Supervision startsChadstone | 9:15 AM |
| Beginning of school day | 9:30 AM |
| Home Group | 9:30 – 9:50 AM |
| Lesson 1 | 9:50 – 10:45 AM |
| First Break | 10:45 – 11:00 AM |
| Lesson 2 | 11:00 – 12:00 PM |
| Lunch | 12:00 – 12:30 PM |
| Lesson 3 | 12:30 – 1:25 PM |
| Second Break | 1:25 – 1:35 PM |
| Lesson 4 | 1:35 – 2:30 PM |
| Home Group | 2:30 – 2:40 PM |
| End of school day | 2:40 PM |
| Supervision ends* | 2:50 PM |
