Trying to determine the best primary schools in Melbourne can be challenging. Parents have a wealth of information to consider, from an assortment of rankings, to friends and family's recommendations. As a neutral party with nothing so important as a child's future at stake, we can lay bare the facts. These ten Melbourne schools, a blend of independent and public schools, rank the highest.
| 🏫School name | 🔎Internet search volume | 📊SEA percentage | 💹NAPLAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presbyterian Ladies' College | 2 300 | 99 | 551.5 |
| Haileybury College | 1 800 | 99 | 557.2 |
| Camberwell Girls' Grammar School | 1 100 | 99 | 540.2 |
| St Andrews Christian College | 900 | 98 | 530.8 |
| St Christopher School | 40 | 92 | 519.3 |
| Serpell Primary School | 1 000 | 98 | 538.5 |
| Beverly Hills Primary School | 1 000 | 95 | 526.1 |
| Oakleigh South Primary School 2 200 95 533.4 | 2 200 | 95 | 533.4 |
| Glendal Primary School | 900 | 97 | 521.8 |
| Pinewood Primary School | 800 | 96 | 511.4 |
Melbourne Primary School Ranking for Independent Schools
Looking over the list of top-ranked Melbourne schools, we found that independent and private schools took up most of the spots.
That's not to say that Melbourne area public schools are bad. In fact, we'll highlight the best ones in the next section. However, unlike Perth area primary schools, the other type of school rules in Victoria's capital city.
What is it about independent schools that sways so many parents to sign their kids up?
- a more selective curriculum
- a broader range of enrichment programs
- a better teacher-student ratio
- religious considerations
- no co-educational learning - all boys, or all girls
- legacy and prestige
Often, parents who attended a particular school wish for their children to learn there, too. Some families prefer religion-based studies, while others simply want more than private schools can offer. Whatever their reasons, these are the top primary schools in Melbourne, for those looking for independent education.
Presbyterian Ladies' College
This kindergarten - Year 12 (K-12) school welcomes young ladies to learn in the Christian faith. Presbyterian upholds its 150-year tradition of excellence in education, while teaching their students from the latest curriculum. Obviously, they've found the formula for academic success. Years 3-5 NAPLAN results rank students' performance well above average in all categories.
Integrity, Empathy, Courage, Delight and Service
The school's ethos, from its prospectus
The school's 1549 students develop those qualities, in tandem with their academic work. Two hundred eight teachers steer their efforts, and prepare Presbyterian students for their place in their community.
Haileybury College
At first glance, with 4 856 students (2582 boys and 2274 girls), it sounds like Haileybury must be a monstrous, sprawling facility. But, rather than one massive complex, this school spans four separate campuses.
That gives all the pre-kindergarten through Year 12 (Prep-12) pupils all the room they need to learn and grow.
Boys and girls learn together during the primary years.
They attend separate educational facilities for their secondary education.
Haileybury believes this arrangement benefits their students. All groups may pursue enrichment activities, from sports to performing arts, on their separate campuses. Or together, if they're primary school learners. It's an unusual arrangement, the likes of which we hadn't seen since visiting Canberra's top primary schools.
Camberwell Girls' Grammar School
Like Presbyterian Ladies College, Camberwell is a Prep-12 school, just for girls. It's a much smaller campus, though. With 120 teachers to guide 761 students' learning, Camberwell provides a personal, relatable learning experience.
The Camberwell learning architecture that fosters intentional, relevant learning experiences.
Camberwell teachers focus on academic development, but they don't overlook students' personal milestones, either. This school's unique learning system takes into account students' individual learning goals, while preparing them for a life of leadership and service.
St Andrews Christian College
Independent schools have the flexibility to incorporate religion into their curriculum, to whichever degree the administrators see fit. This school's entire teaching model revolves around religious education, including understanding life through the lens of biblical truth.
Prep-12 learning facility
689 students (333 boys, 356 girls)
67 teachers, 44 non-teaching staff
roughly 10-1 student-teacher ratio
We might describe St Andrews as a community school, because they strive to build a strong, goal-oriented, learning community. Parents' input and partnership is expected, to ensure the most positive outcomes for all.
St Christopher School
This modestly-sized, multicultural Catholic school bases its philosophy on pastoral care, and student wellbeing. Its 140 students (77 boys, 63 girls) enjoy a range of academic challenges, and all the amenities this campus offers.
- computer labs
- sporting facilities
- extensive grounds
- enrichment programs
Top Primary Schools in Melbourne: Public Schools
Despite independent and private schools' popularity, Melbourne's public schools have a lot to offer.
In these learning facilities, you'll find a standardised curriculum, and the broadest range of accessible programs. In short, unless you prefer private education for religious or cultural reasons, your learners will find their place in Melbourne's public schools.
Serpell Primary School
This Prep-6 school welcomes 1 233 students (647 boys, 586 girls) to its Templestowe campus. Its 84-strong teaching staff lead the learning, and challenge pupils to higher educational outcomes. That's no mean feat, as 83% of Serpell's student body come from a language background other than English.
Serpell is recognised as an international school by the Council of International Schools.
That means this educational facility meets or exceeds 65 standards of excellence in curriculum, staffing, student services, and community life. None of that matters to the students, though. They focus on the modern classrooms, the school's recreational and sporting facilities, and the enrichment programs on offer.
Beverly Hills Primary School
Ninety-one per cent of Beverly Hills students come from a language background other than English. So, it's no surprise that this school's prospectus emphasises literacy and numeracy skills. These teachers' efforts are paying off.
Enrichment programs at Beverly Hills include studies in the Arts, sports, and life skills. That's on top of the school's excellent academic programs, and the secondary focus of emotional and social learning.
Oakleigh South Primary School
Like Beverly Hills, and many primary schools in the Brisbane area, Oakley places strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy skills. Oakleigh's 80 teachers weave pastoral care and nurturing into their lessons, leaving students feeling confident and valued. With such a foundation, learners may explore:
- a range of sports
- a variety of art programs
- sustainability initiatives
- aspects of community involvement
Oakleigh's 1 048 learners (548 boys, 500 girls) benefit not just from these learning and development initiatives. They also blossom thanks to the parent-teacher-student partnership this school cultivates.
Glendal Primary School
Like many schools in the Melbourne area, Glendal's student body counts 92% for whom English is not their first language. However, unlike the schools covered so far, this primary school does not emphasise literacy and numeracy.
A type of student-led, teacher reinforced instruction method.
Glendal's differentiation strategies give the school's 905 students (477 boys, 428 girls) the tools and space they need to learn in ways that work best for them. Besides differentiated instruction, students may explore enrichment activities, from language learning, to musical study, to sports. Only in Sydney did we find a primary school comparable to Glendal.
Pinewood Primary School
Pinewood is a school that tries to do it all, and manages remarkably well. Its 986 students (541 boys 445 girls) are equally well-versed in academic subjects, as they are in sports and the Arts. Pinewood's 69-strong teaching staff, plus eight assistants, encourage students to explore any activity on offer.
An outdoor learning centre for students to study nature and sustainability.
Pinewood's location, in Mount Waverly, already guarantees a lush environment to explore nature in. This school's Habitat Haven, as well as the school's roster of outdoor activities, gives pupils many chances to connect with local ecosystems.
Tips to Determine the Best Primary Schools in Melbourne
As we made our way across Australia's primary schools, we met the same question, again and again. How am I supposed to choose a good school for my child? It's a valid concern. Here, we listed only 10 good primary schools Melbourne. They are just a fraction of the 100+ schools parents may choose from.
Fortunately, the Australian government makes schooling easy. Each family lives in a containment area, with at least one school. Their children are guaranteed acceptance there.
However, should they choose not to enrol their learners in those schools, they might explore other educational options. Before they do, they must consider these important factors:
- tuition costs and other fees
- amenities offered
- child's learning needs and goals
- how well the school ranks
- distance from home
- programs available
- religious preference
- other personal considerations
Let's say, for instance, your son wants to learn how to play a musical instrument. You'll immediately scratch schools with no music program off your list. Likewise, if your daughter is mad for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths), you needn't consider schools without STEM programs.
Once you've narrowed your choices to a handful, tour the campuses and talk with the teachers.
We're so lucky to have the world's information at our fingertips! We can check out primary schools in Adelaide, or further away, if we felt like it. But, internet searches can't deliver the answers you need to enrol your child into their primary learning adventure.
Visiting the schools, talking with the teachers and administrators, can help you decide whether that school is right for you and your child. Also, seeing for yourself whether the students are satisfied with their school will go a long way towards easing your mind.
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