Inside the best private schools in Melbourne
THESE are Melbourne’s elite private schools, with world-class facilities, fees around $30,000 a year and whose alumni include princes, Oscar winners, AFL stars and prime ministers.
Education
Don't miss out on the headlines from Education . Followed categories will be added to My News.
THEIR alumni includes princes, Oscar-winning actors, AFL stars and prime ministers.
They’re home to sprawling, lavish grounds and state-of-the-art learning centres are where future connections and influence begin to provide their return on whan can be quite an investment - up to $30,000 a year.
And Melbourne’s elite private schools are steeped in rich history and offer world-class facilities.
STATE VS PRIVATE: WHO DID BETTER IN VCE?
TRINITY HEADMASTER RESIGNS AFTER HAIRCUT
What makes them so different to other schools?
Some have 10-lane heated pools, an indoor equestrian centre, FIFA-regulation soccer pitches, finely-manicured ovals, rowing and boat sheds on the Yarra River to help sports stars of the future flourish.
And don’t forget they’re there to learn - in colour-coordinated classrooms with thoughtful lighting, university-style lecture buildings and theatres, music schools, digital media centres, beachhouses, a fully-functioning farm and even a vineyard.
They may not deliver the state’s top ATAR scores but many parents choose exclusive private schools over state schools that perform better academically for other reasons, says Michelle Green, chief executive of Independent Schools Victoria.
She said surveys conducted over the past four years with more than 9,000 parents revealed why.
“The most commonly cited reason was the school’s emphasis on values, beliefs and attitudes,” she said.
And it’s for the culture and prestige of these schools that some parents are willing to pay up to $500 to put their child on waiting lists.
Here’s a look at some of Melbourne’s best-known private schools and what sets them apart.
GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Corio, Toorak
It’s one of the few ‘real’ boarding schools in the country, where the vast majority of students are boarders, as opposed to day schools who have boarders.
It’s a big school in both reputation and size, covering an area of approximately 550 hectares between the Middle School (years 5-8), Timbertop (year 9) and Senior School (years 10-12) campuses.
The school has also built an international name as a pioneer of modern education, with a focus on cultivating positive emotions and character traits.
Founded: 1855
Motto: Christus nobis factus sapientia: Christ has made us the wisdom
Gender: Co-ed
Cost: $39,000 for day boarders (8.20am to 8.30pm Mon-Thurs, 6.15pm Friday), the most expensive in the state, but it includes sport each afternoon, lunch, dinner and supervised study. *international students, boarding more
Application fee: $150
Enrolments: Approx 1,437 K-12 (1089 for years 7-12)
Facilities/: Sprawling 245 hecatres on the edge of scenic Corio Bay, there’s both heritage buildings and state-of-the-art buildings including the “landmark” $16m Handbury Centre for Wellbeing.
It boasts a 25m 10-lane indoor heated pool, fitness centre, indoor courts, sports hall, dance studio and cafe, plus an indoor equestrian centre.
The school offers more than 100 co-curricular activities from debating to drama, and sporting pursuits, including rowing, AFL, rugby, sailing, fly-fishing, skateboarding, equestrian and snow sports.
Known for: For their world famous year 9 program Timbertop. It’s an “isolated and private” regional campus near Mansfield, attracting students from all over the world. It has a vineyard and fully-functioning farm.
Notable alumni: Prince Charles, media mogul Rupert Murdoch, actor Portia de Rossi, former prime minister John Gorton, media tycoon Kerry Packer, Barry Humphries, aka Dame Edna, singer/songwriter Missy Higgins, former King of Malaysia Mizan Xainal Abidin of Terengganu.
Boarding: More than 80 per cent of senior school students are full boarders.
Languages: Mandarin, French, Japanese, German
Exchange programs: China, France, Germay, Japan, South Africa, UK
Denomination: Anglican
VCE results: 8% of scores 40 +
Website: https://www.ggs.vic.edu.au/
DESPERATE PARENTS PAY UP TO $500 TO GET CHILD ON WAITLISTS
HOW MUCH YEAR 12 COSTS AT VICTORIA’S TOP PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN 2016
MELBOURNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
South Yarra
One of the top performing boys schools in Melbourne, largely thanks to its entrance exam screening process.
The school offers 10 academic scholarships per year, for entrance at years 7 and 9 which is good news for those who don’t have birth rights.
Founded: 1858
Motto: Ora et Labora: Pray and Work
Gender: Co-ed for P-6, Boys 7-12
Cost: $32,940 (year 12) *international students, boarding more
Application fee: $150
Enrolment: 1,150 (7-12) 659 (Junior school)
Wait-list time: “Numbers vary according to several factors, particularly the year of entry. For example, we have a longer wait list for 2022 entry, compared to 2025. We suggest parents lodge their application for entry into Melbourne Grammar School as soon
after their child’s birth as possible to strengthen their child’s opportunity to enter the school.”
Facilities: All students train at Edwin Flack Park, boasting nine tennis courts, a full-sized AFL/cricket ground, hockey field and soccer ground. There’s also a 25-metre pool and a full-sized gymnasium. Academically, there’s the Nigel Peck Centre for Learning and Leadership, and the newly-opened Geoff Handbury Science and Technology Hub which boasts city views.
Known for: Historic buildings, classrooms with specifically-designed colour and lighting schemes, and sports facilities designed to prepare for a future professional career in AFL.
Notable alumni: Former prime ministers Malcolm Fraser and Alfred Deakin, barrister Julian Burnside QC, lawyer Maurice Blackburn, entertainers Barry Humphries, Andrew Daddo and Rob Sitch, countless AFL players including Tom Hawkins, Chris Langford, Steven May and Zach Merrett; plus Australia’s first Olympic gold medallist Edwin Flack, and state premiers John Brumby and Ted Baillieu.
Boarding: Yes
Languages taught: Mandarin, French, Japanese, Latin
Global experiences/exchange: Japan, China, France, Italy, Vietnam, UK, New Zealand, South Africa, USA
Denomination: Anglican
VCE result: 23% of scores over 40+
Website: https://mgs.vic.edu.au
SCOTCH COLLEGE
Hawthorn
One of the oldest, and most respected schools in the country, Scotch College is proud of the success of former students - which includes more Order of Australia honours, and more names mentioned in a list of notable Australians, Who’s Who in Australia, than any other school. Their one core goal is to ‘develop each boy to his full potential’.
Founded: 1851
Motto: Deo Patriae Litteris: For God, for country and for learning
Gender: Boys (P-12)
Cost: $33,276 (year 12)
Application fee: $100
Enrolment: Approx 1883. Prep - 6 (430 day boys) 7 to 12 (Senior School enrolment is 1460, including about 160 boarders).
Wait-list time: If you’re name is not down at birth, there are options for scolarships into Years 7, 9 and 10 based on a maths and English exam and an interview. Plus, a family means test.
Facilities: Scotch College boasts grounds spanning 27 hectares, bordered by the Yarra River in Melbourne’s leafy eastern suburbs. There’s seven sports fields, an all-weather hockey field, 26 tennis courts, a junior school gym, plus a sports centre with a heated swimming and diving pool, basketball courts, gymnasium and three squash courts. Plus there’s rowing facilities on the banks of the Yarra River within the school grounds. The outdoors program — think bushwalking, sailing, canoeing, scuba diving — is supported by a beachside property at Cowes on Philip Island, as well as 80 hectares of rainforest and camping grounds near Healesville. Creative arts are supported by the James Forbes Academy featuring “magnificent theatres” for music and drama, and for science there the brand new Spencer Centre for Design, Technology & Engineering.
Notable alumni: Philosopher Peter Singer, actor Jesse Spencer, Cat Empire lead singer Felix Riebl, country music singer John Williamson, former prime minister George Reid, president of Vanuatu Kalkot Matraskekekele, former Victorian premiers Jeff Kennett and John Cain, AFL footballers Campbell Brown, Jack Billings, Cyril Rioli and Australian cricketer Bob Cowper.
Boarding: Yes
Languages taught: Mandarin, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Spanish, Latin
Global experiences/exchange: Germany, China
Denomination: Presbyterian
VCE result: 27% of scores 40 +
Website: https://www.scotch.vic.edu.au/
METHODIST LADIES’ COLLEGE
Kew
This internationally-recognised girls’ school has outstanding academic results.
MLC’s slogan is girls become ‘world-ready women’. They also boast one of Australia’s leading gymnastics clubs with more than 150 classes per week, and a music school that provides professional tuition to students and the wider community.
The MLC Aquatic Swimming Club has consistently rated as one of the top clubs in Victoria, coming 3rd in the Victorian Championships in 2016.
Founded: 1882
Motto: Deo Domuique: For God and for Home
Gender: Girls (K-12)
Cost: $31,050 year 12
Application fee:
Enrolment: total students 2009, including 100 boarders
Wait-list time: Scolarships for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and 11. Based on an exam, school reports and an interview.
Facilities: In 1990, MLC became the first school in the world to introduce laptop computers for all students from Years 5 – 12. This program was extended to include iPads for all prep – 2 students and laptops for all students from year 3 – 12.
In 1991, MLC Marshmead — located on 114 hectares in an East Gippsland national park — opened, providing Year 9 students with a unique eight-week residential outdoor education experience with a focus on sustainable living. They participate in navigation, sea kayaking, canoeing and bushwalking and even head off on wild camping expeditions.
Back at headquarters there’s a new 7-8 Learning Centre, a well-regarded music school, a world-class Physical Education Centre with indoor basketball courts, dance studios, a professional gymnasium, a swimming pool for compulsory classes and lunchtime use, plus a multitude of arts performance spaces.
Known for: Its extensive curriculum choices (69 VCE, VET and IB subjects), and cutting-edge approach.
Notable alumni: the first woman elected into Victorian parliament Lady Millie Peacock, actor Deborra-Lee Furness, former Attorney General of Australia Nicola Roxon, Oscar-winning actor Cate Blanchett, Australia’s first female Winter Olympiad gold meddalist aerial skier Alisa Camplin-Warner, innovative restuaranteur/owner of Smith and Daughters Shannon Martinez, and TV presenter Yumi Stynes
Boarding: Yes
Languages taught: French, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish
Exchange programs: France, Japan, Hong Kong, Spain, UK
Denomination: Uniting Church
VCE result: 28% of scores 40 +
Website: https://www.mlc.vic.edu.au/
ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
Toorak
St Kevin’s pairs each child with a tutor for top academic results.
The school values “learning, family and fullness of life”, which can be seen through their extensive outdoor education program, with trips to the Snowy Mountains, Whitsundays, Tasmania, and Lake Eyre to name a few. Music also has a strong focus, with 50 instruments or bands to choose from.
Founded: 1918
Motto: Omnia Pro Deo: All for God
Gender: Boys, K-12
Cost: $18,366 (year 12)
Application fee: $500
Enrolments: 1982
Wait-list time: Get around the name-down-at-birth waiting list and apply for a scholarship - either academic, choral, or music. “It needs to be noted that even though all criteria for enrolment may be met, that usually there are many more applicants than places available,” the website reads. Be prepared to prove your Catholic Baptism and NAPLAN results.
Facilities: Year 9 boys get their own campus at Waterford, Richmond, and they have their own motto ‘Luceat Lux Vestra’ or ‘Let Your Light Shine’ as well as a group teachers dedicated to them and their needs as they pass through adolescence.
There’s new sports grounds over 5.5 hectares with a synthetic grass and a running track that will see AFL, hockey and tennis played there, it also boasts three FIFA-Regulation 100x60m soccer pitches - the first in Australia to be approved under the new FIFA guidelines, plus 12 cricket nets.
Known for: Dominating sports, particularly athletics, swimming and football. The school is also known for their annual arts show with contemporary art by Australian artists.
Notable alumni: Director/producer/screenwriter/actor Rob Sitch, Chet Faker singer-songwriter Victor McMahon, Vance Joy singer/songwriter James Keogh, Tripod comedian Simon Hall, AFL footballers Tom Liberatore, Jordan De Goey, coaches Brad and Chris Scott.
Boarding: No
Languages taught: Spanish, Japanese, French, Mandarin
Exchange programs: France, Germany, Nepal
Denomination: Roman Catholic
VCE result: 31% scores of 40 +
Website: http://www.stkevins.vic.edu.au/
OTHER NEWS:
Which unis give you best odds of finding a job?
Nine out of 10 graduates from Victorian universities are working full-time three years after finishing their studies. See which are the top-ranked institutions for higher education in Victoria.
Your guide to schools around Dandenong
As more people move to Dandenong and Endeavour Hills, the need for secondary schools in the area grows. Here’s a comprehensive guide of each school you can send your child to, including the VCE scores, subjects and public transport options.