VSV Performing Arts: Dwindling Stage?

Virtual School Entry Changes Threaten Performing Arts Students’ Education

A popular virtual school in Victoria is facing criticism over proposed changes to its enrolment criteria, potentially jeopardising the education of talented young performers. Virtual School Victoria (VSV), formerly known as Distance Education Centre Victoria, is a lifeline for many students pursuing intensive training in singing, acting, and dance at private performing arts colleges. However, upcoming changes slated for 2026 could make it virtually impossible for these students to gain admission.

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Ausdance VIC, the peak industry body for dance in Victoria, has voiced serious concerns about the impact of these changes. They estimate that over 100 high school students could be affected, facing an uncertain academic future.

The Core of the Issue: References and Recognised Organisations

The crux of the problem lies in the new requirement for performance students enrolling in VSV from 2026 onwards: they will need support from specific, pre-approved creative organisations. Ausdance VIC argues that the organisations currently listed are simply not equipped to provide the necessary references.

According to Ausdance VIC spokesperson Eilannin Harris-Black, the listed organisations were not consulted about this new requirement. As a result, they lack the policies, insurance, procedures, and even the basic understanding needed to provide adequate references. “None of the organisations on that list knew they were going to be required to give these references,” Harris-Black stated. “Accordingly they’ve got no policies in place, and they are just generally unable to provide these [references] through lack of remit, lack of insurance, lack of procedures and no communication at all from the Department of Education.”

Furthermore, Harris-Black claims that no parent or student has successfully obtained a reference under the proposed system. Ausdance VIC has been attempting to negotiate with VSV and the Department of Education since April to find a viable solution. Their primary request is for VSV to “urgently suspend” the new criteria until a workable solution can be developed through genuine consultation with the performing arts sector. Currently, only students re-enrolling for Years 11 and 12 are eligible to apply under the existing, less stringent requirements.

Department of Education’s Rationale

The Department of Education maintains that the enrolment criteria have been strengthened to ensure that the program remains focused on elite students with extraordinary commitments, aligning with the original intent of the category. A spokesperson stated that the changes aim to support students in engaging meaningfully with their education and meeting minimum instructional hours.

The Department also claims that VSV is offering support to students and parents to explore alternative educational options if they are no longer eligible and that special consideration can be given on a case-by-case basis. However, following inquiries from the media and stakeholders, the Department is reportedly reviewing the VSV enrolment requirements for 2026 and plans to update the school community in Term 3.

Concerns About the Future of Performance Schools

The potential consequences of these changes extend beyond individual students. Jayden Hicks, Artistic Director of Transit Dance and a board member of Ausdance VIC, believes that the new criteria could trigger an “enrolment crisis” and potentially lead to the closure of performance arts schools. Transit Dance, for example, trains approximately 30 high school students each year.

Hicks fears that if the proposed criteria are implemented in 2026, students below Year 10 would be unable to continue their studies at VSV, and the school would be unable to accept new students, regardless of their talent. He urges VSV and the Department of Education to gain a better understanding of how performance arts high schools operate before making any changes. “We have classroom set-ups, we have high school teachers — we are a great alternative to mainstream school for creative students,” Hicks said.

While Hicks welcomes independent oversight of incoming students, he believes that the current list of “recognised organisations” is impractical. He suggests that Ausdance VIC, as the sector’s governance body, should be able to assess students’ elite status or advise on appropriate referees.

A Parent’s Perspective

Imogen Premraj, a 14-year-old aspiring musical theatre performer, exemplifies the type of student who could be affected by these changes. Since being accepted into the Ministry of Performing Arts College (MOPAC), she has thrived both academically and artistically. Imogen’s mother, Bridie Premraj, finds the planned enrolment changes for 2026 illogical. She emphasizes the importance of VSV in enabling communities like MOPAC to exist, providing access to both high-quality performance training and education.

“Having access to VSV means communities like MOPAC can exist, accessing really high-quality [performance] training while also accessing high quality education,” Ms Premraj explained. “Since starting at MOPAC we have seen a huge growth in her confidence and skills, far beyond what we would have imagined. It would be disappointing if Imogen couldn’t continue with VSV.”

Understanding VSV: A Growing Virtual School

VSV describes itself as “the state’s leading virtual school.” Enrolments have surged in recent years, from 3,530 students in 2018 to 6,673 in 2025. While many students are school-based, using VSV to complete VCE subjects not offered at their home schools, others attend full-time due to various circumstances, including elite sports or performing arts commitments, mental or physical health conditions, travel, or remote living.

Notably, the largest category of non-school-based students appears to be those with medical or mental health needs. According to VSV’s 2022 annual report, there were 1,431 students enrolled in this category, including 895 referred by medical practitioners due to school refusal.

Concerns About Enrolment Caps and Motivations

Some have speculated whether the changes to the sports/performance category are an attempt to reduce overall enrolments and encourage students to return to mainstream schools. This is despite the fact that the sports/performance category represents only a small fraction (3%) of VSV’s total enrolments in 2025. VSV and the Department of Education have not commented on whether the new criteria are designed to reduce enrolments.

The Specific Changes in Detail

In October 2024, VSV announced an update to the sports/performance enrolment category, aiming to “clarify and standardise the requirements for elite athletes and performers seeking enrolment at VSV.”

Previously, students needed a letter from their current school stating that they had left for performing arts commitments and that VSV was considered an appropriate alternative educational experience. The student’s sporting or performing arts organisation then had to confirm that the student was elite, that their training schedule prevented them from attending mainstream school, and that VSV would be a suitable alternative.

The new criteria, set to take effect in 2026, stipulate that only Victorian residents entering Years 9-12 with exceptional abilities will be eligible. Crucially, applicants will also require support from a recognised sports or performing arts organisation.

The core problem for performing arts schools is that even if students are demonstrably “exceptional,” the artistic companies listed are not in a position to provide the required references, according to Ausdance VIC. Several of the listed organisations have confirmed that they were not notified of the change and cannot provide the detailed endorsement outlined in the guidelines.