Performing Arts High Schools Secure 2026 Senior Enrolments
We are pleased to share that following sustained advocacy efforts from Ausdance VIC and the performing arts education sector, the Department of Education and Virtual School Victoria (VSV) have agreed to suspend the new VSV eligibility requirements for 2026 enrolments for students in Years 9 to 12.
In addition, a formal sector review will be conducted to inform policy changes for 2027, with a commitment to engage directly with affected schools and organisations.
This outcome is a major win for students, families and performing arts high schools across Victoria, and ensures that the 2026 intake for years 9-12 can proceed without disruption. But the exclusion of Year 7 and 8 students remains a concern.
We welcome this suspension and thank Virtual School Victoria and the Department of Education for their commitment to consult with the sector. It’s critical that future policies reflect the unique structure and needs of performing arts training and that they are developed through meaningful consultation.
Eilannin Harris-Black, Ausdance VIC RTO Manager
Along with excluding enrolments from years 7 and 8, the now-suspended 2026 changes required elite-level students to gain endorsement from a narrow list of “recognised organisations”. But when we contacted these “recognised organisations” to discuss the process, they were unaware of this policy and said they were not positioned to take on endorsement roles, effectively blocking students from enrolling.
The sector wholeheartedly supports the idea of independent validation and so following a formal meeting with VSV earlier this year, Ausdance VIC submitted a proposal that preserved the third-party validation process, retaining rigour while expanding access to endorsement. The proposal was widely supported by affected schools.
We are proud of the collaborative effort from across the sector—schools, parents, students and industry leaders—who raised their voices to ensure these vital programs could continue. This is a strong reminder of what’s possible when government and the arts community work together.
Eilannin Harris-Black
Ausdance VIC looks forward to working constructively with the Department and VSV on the review process and remains committed to safeguarding equitable and sustainable pathways for Victoria’s young performing artists.