Student Excellence Program Funding (Reference 120)
The Student Excellence Program (SEP) funding will support schools to implement the Student Excellence Program reform package.
The SEP provides supports and programs for Victoria’s high-ability students to reach their full potential through:
- structured learning extension programs for high-ability students
- upskilling classroom teachers to better support their high-ability students
- more resources for government schools to build their programs for high-ability students.
Schools can decide how to use the funding allocation to best meet the needs of their high-ability students – where relevant, schools can pool funds, for example in collaborative delivery of masterclasses. Many schools are already running programs for high-ability students, and this funding can be used to support these programs.
Accountability
Schools are responsible for using the funds within the guidelines provided by the department – refer to the Resources tab.
Schools must code any expenditure of SEP funding to the sub-program code 8502 in CASES21.
Where a school uses SEP funding to either employ a high-ability practice leader, make a special payment or support the release of a teacher, this expense will be managed through eduPay and will not appear in the CASES21 ledger.
Eligibility
Schools do not have to apply for funding. All eligible schools will receive a SEP funding allocation through the Student Resource Package (SRP) to support the implementation of the initiative in their school.
Selective entry high schools, English language schools, camp/outdoor schools,the Victorian School of Languages and the Centre for Higher Education Studies are not eligible for SEP funding. Specialist schools will not automatically receive funding but can submit a request to the Student Excellence Unit for consideration.
Funding is calculated at the Indicative, Confirmed and Revised cycles. Funding is allocated through credit and cash funding.
Funding
SEP funding is allocated based on the number of student enrolments in Victorian government primary and secondary schools.
Schools will receive a per school allocation related to their cohort size categorisation.
Use of SEP funding
Schools will make local decisions as to how the SEP funding allocation will be used to best meet the needs of their high-ability students. For example, the funding may be used for:
- appointment of a High-Ability Practice
- Casual Relief Teachers
- delivery of masterclasses for students in the Victorian High-Ability Program
- other programs for high-ability students
- co-ordination time for high-ability programs
- parent information evenings
- guest speakers for high-ability students
- classroom resources for extension activities.
| School cohort (as per student enrolments) | Per school cash allocation |
|---|---|
| 1 – 39 | $1,700.00 |
| 40 – 79 | $1,750.00 |
| 80 – 99 | $2,200.00 |
| 100 – 149 | $3,095.00 |
| 150 – 199 | $4,260.00 |
| 200 – 249 | $5,510.00 |
| 250 – 299 | $6,815.00 |
| 300 – 399 | $8,640.00 |
| 400 – 499 | $11,055.00 |
| 500 – 699 | $14,695.00 |
| 700 – 899 | $19,435.00 |
| 900 – 1199 | $25,670.00 |
| 1200 – 1499 | $32,975.00 |
| 1500 + | $38,570.00 |
Targeted SEP funding operates within a capped budget. This means that cohort allocations may be adjusted up or down depending on both changes in total enrolments from all schools and the spread of these enrolments across cohorts.
Further information
Reviewed 04 April 2023