Why do people search for the best schools? At the university level, it's understandable that students would want the best programs to prepare them for their careers. At the primary school level, parents may want their learners exposed to educational principles like the Montessori method or differentiated learning.
At the high school level, there are a few factors to consider when choosing which school to attend. Typically, you and your child need to clarify your goals and interests while weighing the most important factors:
- Cost
- Location
- Performance
- Overall fit (culture and values)
Get started in choosing a high school by learning more about some of the top high schools in Perth!
Top Secondary Schools in Perth
While you shouldn’t choose a school based on any singular aspect, it’s helpful to have an overview of them so you can make an informed decision. The same advice applies to any area, including evaluating high schools in Sydney or anywhere else in Australia.
Here is a brief overview of some of the metrics you might like to judge about your prospective schools:
Rank Public Schools Sector Location Total Enrolments (2023) Median ATAR Rank (2020) 1 Perth Modern School Public Subiaco 1449 97.55 2 Rossmoyne Senior High School Public Rossmoyne 2605 88.4 3 Willetton Senior High School Public Willetton 2710 87.75 4 Shenton College Public Shenton Park 2800 88.6 5 Applecross Senior High School Public Ardross 1853 84.3 6 John Curtain College of the Arts Public Fremantle 1772 85.25 7 Churchlands Senior High School Public Churchlands 2416 85.9 8 Mount Lawley Senior High School Public Mount Lawley 1969 86.45 9 Leeming Senior High School Public Leeming 1136 75.6 10 Duncraig Senior High School Public Duncraig 1791 84.5 1 Christ Church Grammar School Private Claremont 1719 92.5 2 Methodist Ladies' College Private Claremont 1052 90.55 3 International School of Western Australia Private City Beach 359 <73.7 4 St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls Private Mosman Park 1087 92.7 5 St Mary's Anglican School Private Karrinyup 1454 90.3 6 All Saints College Private Bull Creek 1316 86.35 7 Hale School Private Wembley Downs 1625 90.35 8 Rehoboth Christian College Private Kenwick 940 <73.7 9 Presbyterian Ladies' College Private Peppermint Grove 933 89.2 10 Carmel School Private Dianella 378 88.85
This table presents the best public and private/independent schools in Perth, based on their exam scores and overall quality of education. But these lists don't tell you anything about the schools themselves. Exam results say nothing about what learning there is like and how large a student body the campus accommodates, among other things.
Campus Culture
Caregivers may want their children to learn from a religion-based curriculum. Or they may want to send their child to an institution with a thriving sports program. Often, students insist that a high student satisfaction ranking makes a school the best.
Curriculum & Learning Options
Some students may need a school that caters to their exceptional needs. Many schools across Australia offer 'gifted and talented' learning programs, schools in Western Australia (WA) included.
ATAR & NAPLAN
When you’re looking only at data, choosing a school with a high Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking (ATAR) ranking can be a good idea. It measures the relative position of a student’s academic achievement against other students in the same age group who are taking the same classes in school. The rank is applicable for the whole country and takes each state’s specific testing into consideration; in Western Australia, it uses the data from The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) exams.
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a nationwide standardised exam for students in years 3, 5, 7, and 9. It measures the growth and progress of the student body in each school to show that the students are adequately learning what they should be.
NAPLAN recently underwent an overhaul in the grading system, so you can compare scores from 2017 to 2022, and you can compare scores from 2023 onwards, but you cannot compare scores pre- and post-2023 to each other.
As we visit the best schools in Perth, we'll look at campus amenities and how many students are enrolled. We're keen to share the best learning opportunities in and around this city, just as we did for high schools in Adelaide. So let's get started.
Best Public Schools in Perth
With a mere 76 government secondary schools scattered across Perth and the Wheatbelt, it's easy to understand why public school enrolments are so high. These schools do a lot of heavy lifting, too. Australian law states that any student living within a particular school zone has the right to an education at that school. Even if they may not have the budget for all the enrichment programs students in an exclusive college may partake in. Have a look at the school calendar for WA, as the term dates may differ from school to school.
Here’s an overview of the top public high schools in Perth.
Perth Modern School
4 students achieved the highest possible score of 99.95
2023 NAPLAN Scores:
Year 7: Well Above Average
Year 9: Well Above Average
Perth Modern has a lot going for it. It was the first government high school in WA, opening its doors in 1911 and touted as a heavy favourite to prepare students for university study. At the time, that was great news because the only available high schools had commanded high tuition costs; they weren't keen to welcome female students, either.
At times throughout the school's history, Perth Modern mandated academic entrance requirements; such has again been the case since 2007. The school administration contends that it's the best way to screen for gifted students. But there's been a lot of pushback on students having to sit the Academic Selective Entrance Test as it seems to unfairly preference learners from privileged backgrounds.
Perth Modern entices artistic students with an expansive performing arts study program. Music has long been a cornerstone of Perth Modern's appeal and the recently completed Cyril Tyler Auditorium is the perfect venue to showcase students' talents. It’s consistently ranked one of the best public high schools in Perth.
Rossmoyne Senior High School
One student achieved a rank of 99.95, and about 40% of Rossmoyne students ranked ≥90
2023 NAPLAN Scores:
Year 7: Above Average
Year 9: Above Average
Rossmoyne Senior High is known for its strong focus on academics and its friendly, supportive atmosphere. The school isn’t just about hitting the books; it’s about helping students grow personally and become active in their communities. With a broad selection of subjects, including everything from arts to sciences and practical courses, students can shape their education around what they love and where they want to go in the future.
The curriculum is designed to be both challenging and supportive, with extra resources available for those who want to dig deeper. At Rossmoyne, there’s a real emphasis on respect and inclusion, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in sports, music, and community service. This well-rounded approach helps students not only succeed academically but also thrive in all areas of life.
You can also check out more about high schools in Canberra.
Willetton Senior High School
Three students achieved a rank of 99.95
2023 NAPLAN Scores:
Year 7: Above Average
Year 9: Above Average
Willetton Senior High has a reputation for being a warm and inviting place where everyone—students and staff alike—feels like they belong. The school does more than just focus on academics; it also emphasises personal development and encourages students to be responsible and engaged members of their community. With a broad range of subjects available, from the arts and sciences to vocational training, students have the freedom to dive into their passions and get ready for their future careers.
Beyond the regular classes, there’s no shortage of activities to get involved in. Whether it’s sports, music, or drama, students have plenty of opportunities to discover new interests and enjoy themselves. The school fosters a spirit of collaboration and respect, creating a supportive environment where students lift each other up.
Best Private Schools in Perth
Greater Perth is home to more than 200 private/independent schools. The bulk of them cluster around in Perth central and nearby suburbs. Around 50 such facilities stretch across the Wheatbelt. Only a handful are exclusive; most are co-educational.
Many private-independent schools underpin students' learning experiences with a particular ethos. For instance, Catholic schools and those of Christian and Anglican denominations incorporate Religious and Values Education (RaVE) into their curricula. Others may focus on special interests like arts or athletics, languages or STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Beyond those specifics, every independent/private school teaches the eight nationally recognised key subjects.
We found Perth independent schools remarkably similar to the high schools in Brisbane. The campuses have the same dynamic feel and give off the same energy. Students seem enthusiastic about maximising their learning experiences. Teachers, for as much as they have to contend with, seem to love the work they do despite talk of a teacher mass exodus.
Here is an overview of the top private high schools in Perth.
Christ Church Grammar School
18 students (10% of ATAR candidates) obtained an ATAR of ≥99
2023 NAPLAN Scores:
Year 7: Close to Average
Year 9: Close to Average
Christ Church Grammar School boasts expansive athletic facilities, including two remote sporting campuses for cricket, rugby, football, and hockey. Furthermore, the school offers an outdoor education program based in Kooringal. However, we mustn't overlook the Midnite Youth Theatre Company, where member students vie for roles in operas, plays, and musical theatre.
Methodist Ladies' College
2023 NAPLAN Scores:
Year 7: Close to Average
Year 9: Close to Average
Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) is well-regarded for its commitment to both academic achievement and fostering a close community. The school prides itself on creating a friendly atmosphere where students are motivated to pursue their interests and develop their talents. With a broad range of subjects—spanning from the arts and sciences to technology—MLC allows students to explore what they’re passionate about and gear up for their future careers.
Beyond academics, the college focuses on personal development, leadership, and community involvement. Students are encouraged to participate in service projects and a variety of extracurricular activities. With numerous options in sports, music, and drama, MLC helps students build confidence and learn the value of teamwork.
International School of Western Australia
4 students achieved the highest possible score of 99.95
2023 NAPLAN Scores:
Year 7: Close to Average
Year 9: Close to Average
The International School of Western Australia (ISWA) is known for its friendly, diverse environment where students from all walks of life come together. The school fosters a global perspective, helping students appreciate different cultures and viewpoints. Following the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, ISWA emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and practical learning.
Students can dive into a variety of subjects, from languages and sciences to the arts and humanities, ensuring a well-rounded education. The school also focuses on personal development and community involvement, encouraging participation in extracurricular activities like sports, music, and service projects.
Unfortunately, if we were to list every Perth-area school's attributes, this article would be far longer than anyone would like to read. However, these top-ranked schools give a fair sampling of the best high schools in Perth. Much like the high schools in Melbourne, Perth's best high schools have an ambiance all their own, despite any criticism they receive.
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Good concise article.
I’d also add a comment re the various scholarships offered by private schools which skews the figures for high scholastic achievement towards these schools