Best Primary Schools in Melbourne: NAPLAN Results 2024

The Ranking Formula

Our ranking formula is based on the 2024 NAPLAN results released by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). We have taken into account the overall performance of students in five key areas: reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy.

For each school, we've averaged the Year 3 and Year 5 student outcomes across all five areas to determine a primary school NAPLAN score.

This comprehensive approach to the Victoria primary school ranking ensures a balanced view of each school's academic performance. So join us as we reveal the best primary schools Melbourne has to offer!

Top 200 Primary Schools

Exploring the top-ranking schools in Melbourne, we find an intriguing balance between the public and private sectors. Among the top 100 schools, an impressive 46 are government-run. This trend carries through to the top 50, with 20 government schools and 30 private ones.

This challenges the misconception that private schools always outperform their public counterparts, highlighting the high standard of primary education in Melbourne's public school sector. Below you'll find the top 200 - see if your school made the list!

Best Public Primary Schools

Without a doubt, the best public primary schools in Melbourne, are located in the city's east and inner-east suburbs. A glance at the top 50 government schools indicates a strong presence in these areas, with the top 20 schools clustered around the suburbs of Doncaster and Glen Waverley.

Top Private Primary Schools

According to the 2024 NAPLAN results, Haileybury College stands out as the best primary school in the private sector. Located across four campuses, the prestigious co-ed institution consistently ranks highly in academic performance.

What are the best public school suburbs in Melbourne?

The eastern suburbs of Melbourne are a hotspot for top-ranking public primary schools, making them a desirable location for families prioritising quality education.

East side is the best

Suburbs such as Balwyn, Vermont South and Wheelers Hill are home to some of the highest-ranking public primary schools in Melbourne. Additionally, suburbs such as Kew, Camberwell, Burwood East and Mount Waverley also have a strong presence of top-performing government schools.

These suburbs are known for their excellent educational institutions, with local schools consistently appearing in the list of best public schools. Schools such as Wheelers Hill Primary, Serpell Primary, and Oakleigh South Primary School are not only top-ranking within the region but across Melbourne as a whole.

Final Thoughts

While the NAPLAN results provide a valuable benchmark, choosing the right primary school extends far beyond academic performance. Factors such as the school's ethos, extracurricular opportunities, student support services, and community culture play significant roles in shaping a child's formative years.

A numerical rank doesn't always reflect these crucial elements that contribute to a well-rounded education. Therefore, parents should use these NAPLAN rankings as just one part of their decision-making process when selecting a primary school for their child.

Ultimately, the best primary school is one that aligns with your family's values and meets your child's individual needs. So take the time to explore Melbourne's top primary schools and visit them in person to get a feel for the environment before making your final decision.

Zoning vs Private Education

It is essential to note that most, if not all government schools have strict zoning restrictions. This means that living within a specific area may be necessary for your child to attend these schools. Make sure you research the zoning restrictions of desired schools when considering which suburb to live in.

Private schools, on the other hand, may not have zoning restrictions but often come with a hefty price tag. It's important for families to weigh up the costs and benefits before making a decision.

Whether you choose a top public school or invest in private education, the key is to choose a school that will help your child reach their full potential and set them up for future success.

Book a Free Assessment

If you're ready to take the next step in your child's educational journey, get in touch. With Learning Centres located across the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, and an incredible online program, we're dedicated to helping every Aussie student become the best version of themselves.

Whether your child needs to catch up or get ahead in Maths, we'll guide them every step of the way. Experience the Math Minds advantage and book a free assessment with us today!