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Department of Education & Training

The Department leads the delivery of education and development services to children, young people and adults both directly through government schools and indirectly through the regulation and funding of early childhood services, non-government schools and training programs. 

The Department implements Victorian Government policy on early childhood services, school education and training and higher education services. The Department manages Victorian government schools and drives improvement in primary and secondary government education.

Our vision

"Together we give every Victorian the best learning and development experience, making our state a smarter, fairer and more prosperous place"

Education is both fundamental to the development of individuals and families and to building a strong society that has better health outcomes, greater social mobility, and strong economic growth, productivity and employment.

The Department of Education and Training has a key role in shaping the lives of Victorians and the future of the state.

We support Victorians to reach their potential, regardless of their background, postcode or circumstance, and to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to participate and thrive in a complex economy and society.

We do this by:

  • Ensuring Victorians have equitable access to quality education and training
  • Working with providers and partners to build an integrated birth to adulthood education and development system
  • Supporting children, young people and adults with well-coordinated universal and targeted services close to where they live
  • Promoting excellence, innovation and economic growth.

The goals we set, the changes we implement, the systems we support, and the services we offer are all focused on improving outcomes and opportunities for Victorians and supporting them to build happy, healthy and rewarding lives.

Our principles

We use the following principles to guide how we work, build relationships, make decisions, support staff and serve the public:

  • We are accountable
  • We work with integrity, transparency and impartiality
  • We use evidence to make decisions
  • We are responsive to the needs of Victorians
  • We deliver high quality advice and services
  • We have the capabilities and skills to achieve our priorities

Our values

Education is a critical public service.  As public sector employees, Department staff in schools and offices uphold the Victorian Public Sector Values.

  • Integrity
  • Responsiveness
  • Impartiality
  • Accountability
  • Respect
  • Leadership
  • A commitment to Human Rights

Department employees are required to demonstrate the values in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees

Our leaders' commitment to Victorians

Our leaders are committed to working with our staff and partners to deliver our vision for Victorians.

In 2015, Department executives signed up to leadership charter to demonstrate their shared commitment to strong, ethical and authentic leadership for DET. The charter makes clear to Victorians that our leaders will:

  • Work as one.
  • Be accountable – and work with integrity.
  • Invest in and empower staff.
  • Always focus on the well-being and outcomes of the children, young people and families they serve.

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