Enrolling at McKinnon Secondary College

More detailed information about McKinnon Secondary College can be found here.

McKinnon Secondary College has a reputation for excellence in academic achievement, instrumental music, technology, teaching programs and student welfare.

There are consistently more applications for entry to Year 7, and other year levels, than there are places available in the college.

Typically, we have to reluctantly turn down 100 year seven applications each year because there are no places available.

See the Class of 2008 brochure (500K PDF)

Please note: because of the huge number of enquiries about enrolment - many of them asking about issues directly addressed on this page - the college will no longer answer questions that are discussed below.

If you have queries that are not addressed below, please email

Head of Junior School (years 7-9), Mr McLeod, or

Head of Senior School (years 10-12) Mr Thompson

Please read the following FAQ carefully. Any of the following questions will not be answered again by phone or email.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTIONS ON YEAR 7 ENROLMENT

Question:	Answer:
Is there a waiting list at McKinnon?	No. Only students currently in grade 6 may apply for entry into year 7.
Will the zone be altered in future years?	It is impossible to know for certain. In 2006 School Council asked for a small zone reduction and this was refused. The zone is unlikely to change in the next few years, but the State or the school cannot guarantee that the zone will continue in its current form. The state of the current zone is shown below. Only houses on the inside of boundary roads are in-zone.
My husband is an ex-student. Does this guarantee a place at McKinnon?	No.
We have a child in grade 3. How can we find out more about the school?	The website contains considerable information, including the current criteria for selection to Year 7. Future prospective parents are welcome to attend the annual Year 7 Information Evening (held in March or April each year - phone the school for the exact date). Parents can also obtain an Information Package for Year 7 given to Grade 6 parents/students who attend the Information Evening.
Can prospective parents expect to have an interview with the Head of Junior School?	No. Individual parent interviews are not part of the normal selection process for Year 7.
If we live out-of-zone, but in the “nearest school ” category, will we be likely to gain entry?	It is impossible to tell in advance for a particular year. The trend is for IN-ZONE (1st) and SIBLINGS (2nd) to take up an increasing number of positions. Sometimes there are still some positions for the NEAREST SCHOOL (3rd) category but not all of this group will gain entry.
I have a business within the zone. Does that mean I gain entrance to the school?	No. A student must be a resident in zone.
Is a lease (rental agreement) adequate for an in-zone or nearest applicant?	The lease must be current and for a minimum of 12 months from the time of gaining a position at the school (positions announced in mid-September each year). Documentary proof of residence is required, and applicants may be personally visited without warning to verify habitation claims.
I live just one street outside the zone. Is that close enough to qualify as "in zone"?	No.

The criteria for successful application are outlined below. Please note: unless you live within the McKinnon Zone, you are not guaranteed a place for your child even if you meet all or some of the the selection criteria listed below.

Before applying, please take a virtual tour of the college.

Information on ELMS
(Enhanced Learning in Maths and Science)

The McKinnon zone.

And before you ask: yes, that IS the zone!
Please remember that only houses on the inside of boundary roads are in-zone.
If the zone ever changes, it will be announced here and in the local press - please don't contact us on the off-chance.

Click the map to see McKinnon in the Melways.
Copyright Melway Publishing 2000. Reproduced from Melway Edition 28 with permission.

See McKinnon Secondary College from the air courtesy of Google Maps

Year 7 Enrolment Applications

Our college application form must be completed by ALL students applying to McKinnon Secondary College.

If you attend a State primary school, you must ALSO complete the white forms issued by them. Return these forms to your primary school. Your State primary school will advise the closing date for both the white and the pink forms.

All applicants must include a COPY of the student’s latest School Report available (eg Grade 5 end of year).

Only copies of documents should be sent, except for original energy bills. Documents will NOT be returned to applicants.

Evidence of Residence

Those claiming “in zone” or “closest school” status also need to provide…

current Rates Notice or Lease/Rent Agreement in the name of the custodial parent/guardian. Lease/rent agreements must be current and continuing at least 12 months into the future.
original (not a copy) of a recent Gas/Electricity bill in the name of the applying parent/guardian showing the address used on the pink application form. Telephone bills are not acceptable.
a legible photocopy of a current Victorian Drivers Licence in the name of the custodial parent/guardian.
a photocopy of the Melways map showing your residence clearly marked with an X.

ELIGIBILITY SECTION A

You may claim eligibility to enrol if…

1. You currently live in the McKinnon Secondary College zone.

2. The child has a SIBLING who currently attends McKinnon Secondary College. You need to give the name and year level of the sibling. This criterion ensures eligibility if there are spaces after in-zone applicants have been accepted.

ELIGIBILITY SECTION B

You can apply for enrolment if you currently do not live in zone but McKinnon Secondary College is the NEAREST Government Secondary College to my residence (measured as the crow flies from your home to school front gate on McKinnon Road)

Those selecting “Nearest school” status must also complete the “Exceptional Circumstances” section because “Nearest” applicants are not guaranteed a position and other evidence may need to be considered.

EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES

These conditions may be considered for entry to McKinnon Secondary College. These criteria do not apply if you choose “in zone” or “sibling” eligibility. There are very limited numbers available in this category.

Evidence should be provided for any claims made using these criteria.

Musical aptitude (evidence eg copy of AMEB exam results, music teacher references, awards etc).
Outstanding Academic Achievement (evidence of most recent Primary School Report (one only), copy of Statewide or National Academic Competition results).
Competence in languages taught at McKinnon (French, German).
Outstanding Leadership Qualities (evidence eg School Captain, House Captain, etc).
Compassionate Grounds (evidence of special circumstances eg medical, past connection to McKinnon Secondary College).

NOTES:

By signing a McKinnon application you agree to home visits at the discretion of the College.
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate all those who apply. Every application will be considered and a decision made, on the basis of evidence supplied.
State primary schools will notify parents of results of placement applications in late Term 3.
Private primary school applicants will be notified by McKinnon Secondary College in late Term 3.
LATE APPLICATIONS MAY BE DISADVANTAGED.

Years 7 to 9

For entrance to the Junior School (years 7-9) please telephone the college for an application form on
+613 8520 9000.

For queries not already addressed on this page you may telephone the number above to speak to Mr Les McLeod, Head of Junior School.

If you email him at
mcl
be sure to include a contact telephone number.

Years 10 to 12

For entrance to the senior school (years 10-12) contact the general office for an application form.

Telephone +613 8520 9000

Or you may direct queries to the Head of Senior School, Mr Peter Thompson.

You can email for general information at
mailbox

For other enquiries, please contact the Principal,
Mrs Pitsa Binnion

Mrs Pitsa Binnion, cheerful principal of McKinnon Secondary College.

Email Mrs Binnion at
mailbox
or phone +613 8520 9000,
fax to +613 95789253
or write to:

McKinnon Secondary College
McKinnon Rd
McKinnon 3204
Victoria
Australia