Melbourne Schools Guide: Public, Catholic, Independent Options Explained

Schools in Melbourne

Melbourne's school system offers an exceptionally wide range of options: government selective schools, comprehensive neighbourhood schools, Catholic schools across multiple dioceses, and one of Australia's largest independent school sectors. The city's school culture is fiercely competitive at the top, but there are excellent options at every level and budget.

Government Schools

Victorian government schools are administered by the Department of Education. Melbourne has two main selective entry schools: Melbourne High School (South Yarra, boys-only, Years 9-12) and Mac.Robertson Girls' High School (also known as Mac Rob, Carlton, girls-only, Years 9-12). Both are among Victoria's top ATAR performers. Entry is via selective entry testing in Year 8.

Several government schools have screened entry programs (performing arts, languages, sport). Princes Hill Secondary College, Northcote High School, and Footscray City Primary are examples of high-performing comprehensive government schools in inner Melbourne.

Catholic Schools

Catholic Education Melbourne (CEM) operates schools across the Archdiocese. Notable schools include Xavier College (Kew, boys, Jesuit), Genazzano FCJ College (Kew, girls), Loreto Mandeville Hall (Toorak, girls), De La Salle College (Malvern), and Emmanuel College (Warrnambool). Many CEM schools are co-educational; some are single-sex.

Independent Schools

The GPS (Great Public Schools) and APS networks include Melbourne Grammar, Scotch College, Wesley College, Melbourne Girls' Grammar, Methodist Ladies' College (MLC), Carey Baptist Grammar, and others. Fees range from $20,000-$45,000 per year. Waiting lists exist at most schools. In the outer suburbs, more affordable independent options include Mazenod College and Salesian College.

Finding and Enrolling

Government school enrolments go through the Department of Education (education.vic.gov.au). Selective entry testing registrations open in Term 2 for Year 9 entry. Contact Catholic and independent schools directly.

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