Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Information on corporate governance standards.

Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic.)

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Yes.

Conditions of compliance

The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic.) came into effect 1 July 2007. This follows the Governor in Council's proclamation of the Act, along with the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2007 (Vic.).

The new Act updates and replaces twelve separate education and training Acts and includes a set of overarching principles upon which the practice of education and training is to be based.

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

The Act requires all providers, both government and non-government owned, to deliver their programs and teaching in a manner that supports Australian democratic practices, including a commitment to:

• elected Government
• the rule of law
• equal rights for all before the law
• freedom of religion
• freedom of speech and association
• the values of openness and tolerance.

In addition, the legislation is underpinned by a commitment to diversity, choice, innovation and access to education and training of the highest quality.

Key features of the Act include:

• The Education and Training Reform Amendment (School Age) Bill 2009 has increased the minimum school leaving age to 17. This came into effect from 1 January 2010.
• enshrining parents' rights to information about their child's education. For example all schools will be required to provide information regarding the school's performance to the school community at least once a year
• establishing a new statutory authority - the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) - responsible for the regulation and accreditation of government and non-government schools, training and higher education providers except universities
• guaranteeing a place in TAFE Institutions and participating adult education providers, to young people who have not completed Year 12 or its equivalent up to the age of 20
• affirming the principle of free instruction in government schools
• registering home schooling under the VRQA
• maintaining the concept of a secular school system.

Education and Training Reform Regulations 2007 (Vic.)

One overarching set of Education and Training Reform Regulations has been made to support provisions within the new Act. The regulations pertain to:

• registration of home schooling
• education
• registration of schools
• registration of education and training organisations.

The regulations also provide for and relate to the establishment and functions of the VRQA.

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

Breaches of the Act could result in fines and penalties, including the de-registration of your school.

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

Peter Roberts
Director, School Services
Ph. 03 9825 7211
peter.roberts@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Other links:

DEECD: Education and Training Reform Act (fact sheets; legislation; regulations; background information)

Submitted 11/22/2006, edited 12/19/2007.