Every parent dreams of getting their child into the best schools. However, finding the best school can be a challenge, especially in a place like Perth, where there are many options. Additionally, the best school is objective and varies depending on your preference.
Parents may want the learners exposed to specific educational principles like differentiated learning or the Montessori method.
When choosing the best schools, you must also ensure your child can clarify their goals and interests. You will also need to consider other important factors, such as:
- Cost
- Location
- Overall fit in terms of value and cultures
- Performance
The Best Secondary Schools in Perth
A common mistake most parents make when choosing the best high school in Perth is choosing it based on one singular aspect. It’s best to have an overview of the school to ensure you can make an informed decision. The same advice applies anywhere else in Australia.
Some of the metrics you should consider when judging prospective schools include:
- Sector (whether the school is public or private
- Location
- Total enrolments
When most parents look for the best schools in Perth, they look at the performance based on their exam scores. While this is an important metric, they don’t give you the complete picture of the schools themselves. Exam results don’t paint a picture of what learning is like in the school or how large the student body on the campus is, among other valuable things that should be considered, such as the following:
Campus Culture
Campus culture is a priority when you want your child to learn from a religion-based curriculum or a school with a thriving sports program. When considering culture, you might want to consider whether student satisfaction is a priority for the learner.
Curriculum and Learning Options
Some students may need a school that caters to their unique learning needs. This is particularly the case if your learner is gifted or talented. Numerous schools across Australia, including schools in Western Australia, offer gifted and talented learning programs.
ATAR & NAPLAN
If data is the main focus behind choosing the best school in Perth, it might be a good idea to go for a school with a high Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking (ATAR) can be a good idea. It measures the relative position of a student’s academic achievement against other students in the same age group taking the same classes in school.
The rank applies to the whole country and considers each state’s specific testing. In places like Perth, on the western side of Australia, data from the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) exams are used.
The National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a nationwide standardised exam for students in years 3, 5, 7, and 9. Its purpose is to measure the growth and progress of the student body in each school and show that the students are adequately learning what they should be.
While changes to NAPLAN have allowed comparison of scores from 2017 to 2022 and from 2023 onwards, scores pre- and post-2023 can still not be compared.
When visiting the best schools in Perth, you should also look at the campus amenities and the number of students enrolled, in addition to the exam results data.
Best Public Schools in Perth
Perth has a high enrolment because it has a mere 76 government secondary schools, which do a lot of the heavy lifting. This is in line with Australian law, which requires every student living within a particular school zone to have the right to an education even if they don’t have the budget for the enrichment programs.
We offer the following services in Perth:
- Tutoring in Perth
- Maths Tutoring in Perth
- English Tutoring in Perth
- Primary School Tutoring Perth
- Physics Tutoring Perth
Here’s an overview of the top public high schools in Perth:
Perth Modern School
Perth Modern School is one of the best public schools in Perth. It’s Year 7 and Year 9 NAPLAN scores were well above average.
The school has a lot going for it, such as being the first government high school in WA. It opened its doors in 1911 and has been touted as a heavy favourite for preparing students for university study.
The school’s administration contends that it’s the best way to screen gifted students. While there’s been a lot of pushback on students having to sit the Academic Selective Entrance Test, the administration insists that it’s the best way to screen for gifted students.
Perth Modern also appeals to students with an expansive performing arts student program. Music is one of the cornerstones of the institution and comes complete with an auditorium where students can showcase their talents. It’s consistently ranked as one of Perth’s best public high schools.
Rossmoyne Senior High School
Rossmoyne Senior High School is another worthy candidate if you’re looking for the best high school in Perth. Its NAPLAN scores from 2023 for Year 7 and Year 9 are above average.
Besides the exemplary performance, the school is also known for its academic focus and friendly and supportive atmosphere.
The school isn’t all books. It also helps students grow personally and become active in their communities. With a broad selection of subjects, including everything from arts and sciences to practical courses, students can shape their education around what they love and where they want to go.
The curriculum at Rossmoyne is designed to be challenging and supportive. Extra resources are available for those who want to dig deeper. There’s a real emphasis on respect and inclusion, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in sports, community service, and music. This well-rounded approach helps students succeed academically and thrive in different areas of life.
Willetton Senior High School
Willetton Senior High School has a reputation for being a warm and inviting campus where everyone feels like they belong. The school has a commendable median ATAR, and its Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN scores are above average.
Like other top-rated schools, Willetton focuses on more than academics. It also emphasises personal development and encourages students to be responsible and engaged community members.
It offers a wide range of subjects, from the arts and sciences to vocational training. Students have the freedom to pursue their passions and prepare for their future careers.
Students at Willetton also have a wealth of activities to get involved in outside of their regular classes. Whether it’s sports, drama or music, there are plenty of opportunities to discover new interests and enjoy themselves. The school fosters collaboration and respect, creating a supportive environment where students can lift each other up.
Best Private Schools in Perth
Perth has more private than public schools, giving learners a wider range of options. There are more than 200 private/independent schools, most of which are clustered around Perth Central and nearby suburbs.
Many private-independent schools underpin students’ learning experiences with a particular ethos. Catholic, Christian and Anglican denominations incorporate Religious and Values Education (RaVE) into their curricula.
Others may focus on special interests like arts, languages, athletics or STEM. Here is a view of the top private high schools in Perth:
Christ Church Grammar School
Christ Church Grammar School is one of the best private schools in Perth. Its median ATAR rank is 97.55, and its NAPLAN scores in Year 7 and Year 9 are close to average.
The school boasts expansive athletic facilities, including two remote sporting campuses for cricket, football, hockey, and rugby. Furthermore, the school offers an outdoor education program based in Kooringal. There’s also the Midnite Youth Theatre Company, where member students vie for roles in plays, operas, and musicals.
Methodist Ladies’ College
Methodist Ladies’ College, or MLC, is known for its commitment to academic achievements and fostering a close community. Its median ATAR rank is 90.55, and its 2023 NAPLAN scores for Years 7 and 9 are close to average.
The campus prides itself on creating a friendly atmosphere where students are motivated to pursue their interests and develop talents. It offers a broad range of subjects, from the sciences and technology to the arts. MLC students can explore their passion and gear up for their future careers.
The college focuses on personal development and community and leadership involvement. Students are encouraged to participate in service projects and various extracurricular activities. Students also have additional sports, drama, and music options that can help them build confidence and learn the value of teamwork.
International School of Western Australia
The International School of Western Australia (ISWA) is known for its friendly and diverse student environment. Students from all walks of life come together. The school takes a global perspective, helping students appreciate different cultures and viewpoints. It follows the International Baccalaureate program, and ISWA emphasises critical thinking, creativity and practical learning.
Students can choose from various subjects, including the arts, languages, sciences, and humanities, ensuring a well-rounded education. The school also focuses on personal and community involvement and encourages extracurricular activities like sports, service projects, and music.
Closing Remarks
Perth has an extensive list of top-tier schools that you can look into. However, the ones featured in this list are a fair sampling of the best high schools in Perth.