Best Private and Public Schools in Melbourne

Choosing the best school for your child is among the most challenging decisions. There are tons of schools to choose from, many of which offer excellent education and extra-curricular programs. But which of them is the best?

When making a choice, you will need to choose between public and private schools; you will also need to consider the VCE rankings in Melbourne and whether you would like your child to gain a spot in a selective school.

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If you’re looking for the best public and private schools in Melbourne, here is a list of some of the best options and what makes them stand out.

Best Private High School in Melbourne

Private schools are believed to offer better education. While it is debatable, it’s typically true that they may offer better extra-curricular activities and facilities. Private schools may also be preferred if you want your child to learn in a religious environment or with an alternative educational approach. You should consider a non-government institution. Some of the best options you should consider include the following:

1. Presbyterian Ladies’ College

Presbyterian Ladies’ College is one of the top picks in the private school category. In 2023, the school achieved a median ATAR rank of 92.25, and the Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN scores were well above average. It is a Christian school with one of the earliest campuses open to female students in Victoria and Australia, opening its doors in 1875.

The college offers an expansive curriculum with core subjects like Math, English, and science. Students are also required to pursue a foreign language, and they have a generous list of electives and enrichment programs to choose from. These include sports, arts, and outdoor education, among others.

2. Fintona Girls’ School

Another top pick among the best private high schools in Melbourne is Fintona Girls’. It was founded by the visionary educator Margaret McLellan. The school emphasises a holistic approach to learning. The curriculum is tailored to foster academic excellence and offers the VCE with a strong focus on STEM, humanities, and the arts.

Extra-curricular activities at the school include leadership programs, sports, music, and the arts. The school promotes personal growth and teamwork, has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, integrates eco-friendly practices into school life, and encourages students to engage in global issues.

3. Haileybury College

Originally a boy’s school, Hailebury has evolved into a co-educational institution with campuses in Keysborough, Berwick, and Brighton. It offers an expansive curriculum featuring the International Baccalaureate and the Victorian Certificate of Education and also strongly emphasises STEM subjects, languages, and the arts.

Its extra-curricular activities include sports, music, drama, and community service programs. As part of its commitment to global citizenship, the school encourages students to engage in international exchanges and service projects.

4. Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School – South Yarra

Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School is another acclaimed private high school with impressive academic performance in Melbourne. The school is committed to holistic education and has a 5-year rolling median ATAR of 90% or higher.

What sets the school apart is its dedication to Student development and well-being. It strongly emphasises individualised learning, health and fitness programs and mentorship initiatives. It also encourages initiative, creativity, and independence among the learners.

5. Camberwell Grammar School

Camberwell Grammar School is one of the best boys’ high schools in Melbourne. It is driven by academic excellence and consistently delivers outstanding ATAR scores, with a median of 91.5% in 2023 and a rolling 5-year median ATAR above 90%.

The school has outstanding learning programs with multiple specialised subjects complemented by comprehensive co-curricular programs. It has invested heavily in advanced facilities and innovative learning spaces. The school is also involved in sustainability with strategic initiatives, targets, and sustainable practices.

6. Scotch College

Scotch College is located in Hawthorn. This impressive boys’ school delivers exemplary NAPLAN results with a median ATAR of 90.7% in 2022 and 89.95% in 2023. The school’s commitment to academic excellence is complemented by its renowned sporting focus and comprehensive sports offering.

Scotch College also provides leadership development opportunities for students. It has an enduring reputation and prestige and stands out in institutional excellence, contributing to its well-deserved recognition as a private education institution.

7. Melbourne Grammar School

Melbourne Grammar School is distinguished by its strong academic excellence, as exemplified by its strong VCE results. The School has a rolling median ATAR of more than 90%.

It is located in the inner-city suburb of South Yarra. The school’s legacy dates back to 1858. It offers a mix of academic focus and sporting excellence. It also offers comprehensive programs and world-class facilities. It strongly emphasises shaping future leaders and has fostered a robust alum network.

8. Lauriston Girls’ School

Located in Armadale, Melbourne, Lauriston Girls’ School is distinguished by its outstanding academic excellence. Its 5-year rolling median ATAR is above 90%, demonstrating its academic might.

The school takes pride in offering a diverse curriculum and emphasises STEM subjects and digital literacy. It is also known for fostering a culture of creativity and innovation and has an alumni network that attests to its reputation.

9. Brighton Grammar School

Brighton Grammar School is a private boys’ school located in Brighton. It offers an excellent learning environment and boasts world-class facilities. It has exceptional teaching staff and cutting-edge technology.

The school’s focus is on providing an innovative digital-enabled educational experience. It demonstrates academic strength and stands out in sports with impressive sporting achievements backed by a comprehensive sports curriculum. It also has a distinctive focus on sustainability, which reflects the school’s commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment and contributes to its standing as a top-ranking institution.

10. Toorak College

Toorak College is located on the Morning Peninsula, and despite its position on this list, it is an excellent learning institution for learners looking for the very best. It is a non-denominational school focused on Student Development and Well-Being. It offers comprehensive health and fitness programs, a mentorship program, and an inclusive environment.

Most of the school’s graduates enter top-tier universities, courtesy of its excellent learning environment and modern learning facilities. It has spacious green areas for recreation and learning and fosters a nurturing personal and academic growth atmosphere.

Best Public High Schools in Melbourne

Public high schools may not appear as high on the charts as private schools regarding exam results. However, carefully selected public high schools in Melbourne can also deliver a wholesome learning experience for students; some even have impressive academic results. Some of the choices you should consider include the following:

11. Melbourne High School

Melbourne High School is a government-funded, all-boys high school founded in 1905 as a co-educational facility. It’s the first of its kind in Victoria.

Melbourne High has sister schools that hold their own rankings, but it remains one of the best public schools in Melbourne and, indeed, in all of Australia.

12. MacRobertson Girls High School

MacRobertson is an all-girls high school that matches Melbourne High in Maths and English scores. Both schools have earned a State Overall Score of 100, making them some of the best in Melbourne. They also tie on the list of best public high schools in Melbourne.

The school offers an expansive curriculum, and students can choose from various extra-curricular activities to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.

13. Nossal High School

Nossal High School opened its doors in 2010 as a selective co-educational school focused on academic excellence. It was named after prominent immunologist Sir Gustav Nossal.

It emphasises a rigorous curriculum aligned with the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and a strong foundation in STEM humanities and the arts. Students can also participate in various extra-curricular activities, including debating, sports, and robotics.

Most of these schools are ranked depending on their ATAR and VCE ranking. While these are important metrics to consider when choosing a school, they are not the only consideration if you’re looking for a school that offers a well-rounded education. Some of the other factors you should consider when comparing the different schools include:

• Overall environment: The students’ learning environment is a crucial factor to consider. Find out if the school encourages an independent learning style or the teachers are more involved. The students are invested in their learning and challenge each other.
• Facilities and resources: You should also look at the facilities and resources the school offers students. Check the technology in the classroom, whether they have a good range of VCE subjects, and whether the libraries and laboratories are well-equipped with the necessary learning tools.

These additional factors increase your chances of enrolling the learner in a top-performing school that delivers the best learning experience and personal growth.