Best Private Schools in Melbourne

Discover our curated list of the best private schools in Melbourne. Melbourne is a city full of innovation and development as well as a center for educational excellence.

Best Private Schools in Melbourne

Private Schools in Melbourne are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best Private Schools in Melbourne, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.

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Why choose a private school in Melbourne?

Deciding on the right educational path for your child can be a watershed moment in both your lives. In Melbourne, enrolling your child in a private school is a choice many parents opt for, driven by several compelling reasons. Here, we explore why Melbourne’s private schools are highly regarded and how they can be a pivotal part of your child’s educational and personal development.

Comprehensive Academic Programmes

Private schools in Melbourne are celebrated for their robust academic offerings. These institutions often feature a curriculum that is both diverse and challenging, providing a wide array of subjects that cater to the varied interests and strengths of students. From STEM subjects to arts and humanities, the breadth of study ensures that every child can find their niche and excel. Advanced placement courses and International Baccalaureate programs are commonly offered, giving students a competitive edge in global university admissions.

Enhanced Learning Environments

The learning environments in private schools are meticulously crafted to enhance student engagement and success. Class sizes tend to be smaller, which allows for more personalized attention and direct interaction between students and teachers. This can be particularly beneficial for students who may need extra help or those who thrive in a more intimate learning setting. Moreover, facilities in private schools are often state-of-the-art, with modern science labs, expansive libraries, and technology-integrated classrooms that cater to a 21st-century education.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Extracurricular activities are abundant in Melbourne’s private schools, providing students with a well-rounded education. These schools offer a plethora of sports, arts, and club activities that are not always available in public schooling systems. Participation in these activities aids in the development of important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. It also allows students to pursue personal interests in depth, which can lead to enhanced college applications.

Moral and Ethical Development

Many private schools in Melbourne place a strong emphasis on the moral and ethical development of their students alongside academic growth. Schools often integrate values education into their curriculum, which helps in building character and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Whether it’s through community service initiatives, leadership programs, or daily interactions within the school community, students are encouraged to develop into conscientious, well-rounded individuals.

Networks and Community Connections

Attending a private school in Melbourne also opens doors to powerful networks. Alumni associations and professional connections facilitated by these schools can provide significant advantages in higher education and career opportunities. The community atmosphere is strong, with active parent-teacher associations and events that connect families and staff in meaningful ways, creating a supportive and interactive community.

Choosing a private school in Melbourne means investing in a comprehensive education that balances academic rigor with personal development. These institutions not only prepare students for global challenges but also instill in them a lifelong passion for learning and achievement.

How much does it cost to attend Private Schools in Melbourne?

The yearly tuition fees for Private Schools in Melbourne generally range from $10,000 to $20,000 per year. This cost can vary based on factors like the curriculum, the quality of campus facilities, the standard of boarding, and the services – with some top-tier schools exceeding $25,000 annually.
Category
Low Range
High Range
Annual Tuition
$10,000
$20,000
Monthly Tuition Equivalent
$835
$1,670
Registration Fee (one-time)
$500
$1,000
Uniforms & Materials
$200
$400
Extras & Trips
$500
$1,000
Total Est. Annual Cost
$11,200
$22,400

Top Private Schools Melbourne 2026

  • St Catherine's School

    Melbourne, Victoria
    Girls Only
    School type: Boarding School - International School - Private School
    Curriculum: Australian Curriculum - Other

    Yearly fee: from 14,120 to 89,820 AUD

    Foundation: 1986
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A

    Established in 1896, our reputation as a leader in girls’ education, for well over a century, is based on our readiness to embrace innovation. St Catherine’s School aspires to graduating intellectually and emotionally agile young women, fully prepared to navigate their futures across new and emerging industries, thrive within global and digital communities, persevere during adversity and remain authentic and fearless in all they pursue.Our goals begin with the values…

    Annual tuition fees at St Catherine’s School range from AUD 14,120 to AUD 89,820, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • Scotch College Melbourne

    Melbourne, Victoria
    Co-Education
    School type: Boarding School - International School - Private School
    Curriculum: Australian Curriculum
    Language of instruction: English

    Yearly fee: from 38,580 to 47,877 AUD

    Foundation: 1845
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A

    Enlightening boys to shape a better future We know the world needs more good men. Men who are inspiring role models, empathetic leaders, uplifting partners, loving fathers, and positive changemakers. At Scotch College, we provide a holistic, values-based education that strives to prepare boys for fulfilling, meaningful lives of contribution. Our curriculum is underpinned by a character-based framework and, from Prep to Year 12, our boys are engaged in a…

    The Scotch Family and its broader community surround our boys with positive role models and foster a culture in which each student’s unique personality and personal agency are recognised. Boys are treated as active and valued contributors to their own learning and encouraged to build mutually respectful relationships with their teachers and peers. This environment fosters inquiry and critical thinking through open dialogue and respectful debate. Our research-informed pedagogies engage and expand young minds, balancing theoretical understanding with practical application to real-world contexts.

    Annual tuition fees at Scotch College Melbourne range from AUD 38,580 to AUD 47,877, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • Methodist Ladies' College (MLC)

    Melbourne, Victoria
    Girls Only
    School type: Boarding School - International School - Private School
    Curriculum: IB Curriculum
    Language of instruction: English

    Yearly fee: from 23,250 to 54,330 AUD

    Foundation: 1882
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    Examinations: IB Diploma

    Established in 1882, Methodist Ladies’ College has long been recognised as one of Melbourne’s finest independent Prep to Year 12 day and boarding schools for girls and a leader in co-ed Early Learning. MLC is renowned for our extensive curriculum and co-curricular choice, innovative approach to education and wellbeing, inspiring learning environments, and outstanding academic results.As a non-denominational, open-entry College, we offer an inclusive and welcoming environment, where our students…

    We enjoy the largest VCE, VCE VET, and IB subject choice of any girls’ school in Victoria. MLC is an exciting and rewarding place for our students to learn and prepare for the future.In Years 11 and 12, students reach the fulfilment of their Secondary Schooling. At MLC, every passion and interest catered for across our extensive subject offerings and pathways. Senior School students may graduate with an academically focused Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), an industry-specific skill set through Vocational Education and Training (VCE VET), or an interdisciplinary International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) that develops their sense of global citizenship. VCE Subjects Our diverse VCE program is tailored to meet the needs and interests of each student, with a wide range of subject choic...

    Annual tuition fees at Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) range from AUD 23,250 to AUD 54,330, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
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Summary

Private schools in Melbourne offer a dynamic blend of rigorous academics, personalized learning environments, and expansive extracurricular activities, all designed to foster both intellectual and personal growth. These institutions provide students with unique opportunities to develop academically and socially through enhanced educational programs and strong community networks.