The boy had just been dropped off by his father at the front gate of Tate Street Primary School in East Geelong when a man jumped out from behind a cluster of bushes and punched him in the throat.

The young boy was reportedly knocked to the ground, landing on the back of his head, before the attacker ran away.

The boy reported the attack to his teacher and was later treated for bruising and other minor injuries at Geelong Hospital.

His father Brendan Toohey described his son's attacker as a "coward" and appealed for information from the public.

"I can't believe it," Mr Toohey said.

Geelong Inspector Gary Bruce said the attack appeared to be random and unprovoked.

"It is very bizarre, particularly because there was no exchange beforehand and in effect the boy didn't realise the male was there until he'd actually been punched," he said.

The attacker is described as being skinny and about 173 centimetres tall.

He was wearing blue tracksuit pants and a grey hooded jumper.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

with Marissa Calligeros