High-ability students in Victorian government schools will have access to an expanded range of free enrichment programs from 2026, as part of a renewed push to support academic extension across the state.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll announced that around 30,000 students from Prep to Year 12 will be able to take part in additional learning activities designed to challenge and extend their skills. The programs will be delivered through the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series, a core element of the broader Student Excellence Program.
Under the expanded offering, the Victorian Government will partner with 34 education providers and not-for-profit organisations to deliver hands-on learning experiences across a wide range of subjects. These include philosophy, coding, entomology, writing, botany, sustainability, innovation, 3D printing, sports science, music and dance.
Activities will be delivered in different formats to suit schools and students across the state, including in-school incursions, masterclasses, excursions, design challenges, leadership summits and online tutorials. Participating organisations include Deakin University, Arts Centre Melbourne and the Mathematical Association of Victoria.
Schools will be able to register students or make referrals to the programs from the beginning of Term 1 in 2026. All activities offered through the series will be free, removing cost barriers for families and schools.
The expansion follows a $24.6 million investment earlier this year to continue the program through 2026, including $2.4 million allocated specifically to support student participation in the enrichment series. Since its launch, the Student Excellence Program has received a total investment of $155.4 million, with $11.9 million directed towards the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series.
More than 200,000 students across Victoria have taken part in enrichment opportunities since the program was established, reflecting sustained demand for academic extension alongside mainstream classroom learning.
Minister Carroll said the program recognises that academically advanced students come from a wide range of backgrounds and should have equal access to opportunities that stretch their learning. He said partnerships with expert education and not-for-profit organisations would give students exposure to specialised knowledge and experiences that may not be available in every school setting.
Education groups have previously noted that targeted enrichment can help maintain engagement among high-ability students, particularly when delivered alongside inclusive classroom teaching. As the expanded program rolls out, schools will play a central role in identifying students who may benefit and supporting their participation.
The government says the initiative forms part of a longer-term effort to lift student outcomes across the system, while ensuring that students with advanced learning needs are supported to reach their potential.
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