Australia’s Top 100 Public High Schools: Victoria’s best government secondary schools ranked
Which Victorian public schools are a class above at providing an exceptional and affordable education? See the full list of the state’s 100 top-ranking schools here.
When the principal of Victoria’s top public school stepped into her new role in 2021, her vision was clear – create a learning environment that could be recognised as a “true centre of excellence”.
Suzanne Cory High School principal Martha Goodridge-Kelly had her heart set on transforming the western suburbs campus into a space that equally provided outstanding academic opportunities for students while prioritising their wellbeing.
“I wanted to foster a community where every student felt both challenged and supported to reach their full potential,” she said.
Four years on, it’s fair to say the result of Ms Goodridge-Kelly’s unique approach speaks for itself with the school taking the crown as Victoria’s leading state school in News Corp’s official Top 100 Public Schools in Australia list, and the sixth-best in the nation.
Every government high school in Australia was assessed for its academic performance, student attendance level, student-teacher ratio, average fees and level of socio-educational advantage to create the ultimate education power list, following the success of News Corp’s list of Australia’s Top 100 Private Schools earlier this year.
Suzanne Cory High School, which is home to 924 year 9 to 12 students, achieved some of the best year 9 NAPLAN averages, student-to-teacher ratios and attendance rates in the state – which among other factors all contributed to its number one ranking.
Ms Goodridge-Kelly credited the selective-entry school’s success to its sense of community and continuous improvement.
“Our students know they are part of a supportive, caring community and that sense of belonging empowers them to take risks and strive for excellence,” she said.
“At the same time, we never settle – we are always asking how we can do better, both in terms of teaching and learning and in supporting the wellbeing of our students.”
The combination of academic challenge, student agency and a high-trust culture distinguishes the school from its counterparts, according to Ms Goodridge-Kelly.
She also notes Suzanne Cory’s wide range of extracurriculars, leadership opportunities, sport and wellbeing programs, alongside a strong academic program that helps students grow into “well-rounded individuals”.
“I’m often surprised by new clubs, lunchtime activities or fundraisers that spring up,” she said.
“These initiatives show the opportunities we give our students to follow their passions and they highlight the high-trust environment in which we operate.”
One student taking advantage of all that’s on offer at the school is Tim Nguyen.
The year 11 pupil is part of the school’s second cohort of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and is passionate about the large variety of leadership opportunities available.
“If I were to describe our school in three words, it would be ‘passion meets opportunity’,” he said.
“There is always something to be involved in – whether it is performing, playing a sport, or leading a club – every activity that the school provides is an opportunity to explore new interests and develop new skills.”
Classmate Vanalika Puri, also in year 11, added the students and teachers who make up the school community motivated her to come to school every day.
“Being able to walk in each morning and be met by a community of people who believe in one another, work together, and celebrate each other’s wins, makes coming to school feel truly meaningful,” she said.
Looking ahead, Ms Goodridge-Kelly said she wants Suzanne Cory High school to continue “leading the way in how we support and challenge highly able learners”.
“My aspiration is that every student leaves Suzanne Cory not only with outstanding results, but also as a well-rounded, confident and compassionate young person ready to contribute meaningfully to the world,” she said.
Fellow selective-entry schools MacRobertson Girls High School and Nossal High School came in at second and third place respectively, followed by Glen Waverley Secondary College and the state’s final selective-entry school, Melbourne High.
Box Hill High School, Victorian College of the Arts, Charlton College, Balwyn High School and Highvale Secondary rounded out the top 10 public schools in the state.
Want to share a public education success story with us? Email education@news.com.au
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Originally published as Australia’s Top 100 Public High Schools: Victoria’s best government secondary schools ranked
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