Victorian Certificate of Education examinations will start in early November and results will be available by the end of the year, giving certainty to thousands of students whose studies have been interrupted by coronavirus.

Minister for Education James Merlino announced today that VCE exams will begin in the week commencing 9 November – a month earlier than expected when learning from home was first announced.

The bring-forward of exams is a result of the earlier than expected return of on-site learning, which will begin for Year 11 and 12 students – and Year 10 students doing VCE subjects – next Tuesday 26 May. This earlier return to school is based on the advice of Victoria’s Chief Health Officer.

The November date will give sufficient time for teachers and students to complete adjusted VCE Unit 4 learning and school-based assessments and prepare for VCE examinations.

Exams will be completed by 2 December, allowing ATAR scores to be calculated and VCE, VCAL students to get their results before the end of 2020.

Importantly, the change means university offers can be made to Victorian students like their peers around Australia.

The General Achievement Test will also be held towards the end of Term 3, on Wednesday, 9 September 2020.

The Victorian Government has invested $14.9 billion to make Victoria the Education State — ensuring every student access to a great local school and the best learning opportunities – whatever their background, wherever they live.