Best Schools in Melbourne: Selective & Private Options

Melbourne's school landscape combines a strong selective government school tradition with one of Australia's most extensive and well-regarded private school networks. The city's large professional class and strong cultural emphasis on education create fierce competition at both the selective public and elite private levels.

Selective government high schools — Melbourne High School (South Yarra) is Australia's oldest continually operating selective school for boys, consistently ranking among Victoria's top performers. Mac.Robertson Girls High School (South Melbourne) is the equivalent selective school for girls. Entry is by competitive academic test in Year 9. The University High School (Parkville) also has a partially selective intake. The testing process is administered by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

Government school zones — outside the selective schools, Victorian government schools operate a zone-based enrolment system. Inner-city schools with strong reputations (Princes Hill Secondary, Northcote High, Balwyn High, Box Hill High) have competitive zones that are factored into property prices in the surrounding suburbs.

Private schools — boys — the GPS network includes Melbourne Grammar (South Yarra), Scotch College (Hawthorn), Xavier College (Kew), Carey Grammar (Kew), and Wesley College (multiple campuses). Fees at senior level range from $28,000 to $38,000 per year.

Private schools — girls and co-educational — Methodist Ladies' College (Kew), Ruyton Girls' School (Kew), Genazzano FCJ College (Kew), Lauriston Girls' School (Armadale), and Tintern Grammar (Ringwood) are among the most sought-after girls' schools. The number of co-educational independent schools has grown significantly.

Key advice — zone mapping is critical in Melbourne. Research school zones before purchasing property if school access is a priority — zone boundaries shift periodically.

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.