VCE Rankings 2025: Best High Schools in Melbourne

Top 200 High Schools

When looking at the best schools in Victoria—one thing is clear—high-fee private schools have a significant advantage over their government counterparts.

Of Victoria's top 50 high schools, only 7 are government, 4 of which are selective entry. In fact, out of the best 150 schools, 74% are independent. This has been a consistent trend for many years and the 2025 VCE results were no different. Below you'll find the top 200 - see if your school made the list!

Best Public Schools in Melbourne

When it comes to the best public high schools in Melbourne, you've got plenty of options. Some of these schools, like East Doncaster Secondary College and Glen Waverley Secondary College, have been consistently ranking in the top 10 for six years in a row!

This year, the top spot goes to Cranbourne West Secondary College — a remarkable debut for a newer school that has shot straight to number one. Melbourne Girls' College makes an impressive return to the top 10, while we welcome back Ashwood High School into the top 20. Special mentions go to Balwyn High School, ranking in the top 10 for an impressive nine years running.

Top 10 Independent Schools

Topping the list once again as Melbourne's best private school in 2025 is Ballarat Clarendon College. Notable mentions go to Camberwell Anglican Girls and Haileybury College who made the top 10, having missed out last year.

Selective School Rankings

Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School has proved itself to be the best selective high school in Melbourne again this year. The all-girls school had one of the largest cohort of VCE students (571) and with over 34% of them achieving a study score of 40+, it's not hard to see why they've come out on top.

A shout-out goes to Nossal High School, a newer select-entry, co-educational school, that has made the top 20 schools in Victoria for the past 6 years.

Beyond the VCE ranking

When it comes to choosing a school for your child, it's important to consider all of your options. With so many schools to choose from in Melbourne, it can be hard to know where to begin.

There are so many features to consider about a school, that transcend a mere number on a list. For this reason, the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority doesn't rank schools. While we definitely agree with this approach - the ranking can be a great starting point for your research.

To help you narrow down your hunt, we've also compiled a list of the six most popular factors to consider when choosing a secondary school.

1. Academic reputation

The first thing you'll want to look at when choosing a school is its academic record. How do its students perform? What are the average VCE study scores? What percentage of VCE students go on to university? Which VCE subjects does the school excel in?

The Melbourne High School ranking, NAPLAN ranking—or even the Australian Education Awards—are indicative of general academic prowess, but keep in mind, that these only give you a small snapshot of a school's performance. So if you're looking for a school that offers a well-rounded education, you must search beyond the rankings and recognition.

2. Facilities and resources

Another factor to consider is the facilities and resources that a school has to offer. Do they have state-of-the-art technology and laboratories? Do they have a wide range of VCE subjects on offer? Modern classrooms? A well-equipped library? A good selection of technology, performing and outdoor education? All of these can make a big difference in your child's learning experience.

3. Student-to-teacher ratio

When looking at secondary schools, the student-to-teacher ratio will give you an indication of the amount of individual attention your child will receive. A lower student-teacher ratio means more individualised attention for your child, which can be beneficial for their learning, leading to improved grades and a better foundation for tertiary study.

4. Extra-curricular activities

The best schools in Melbourne offer a wide variety of co-curricular activities, from sports teams to drama clubs to robotics. Consider what sort of activities your child is interested in and make sure that the school you choose has a good selection.

Pay close attention to the quality of the programs on offer as well – you'll want to make sure that they're well-run and that your child will be able to get the most out of them.

5. Location and price

You'll want to consider the school's location. Is it close to your home? Is it easily accessible by public transport? If you have kids in junior school, you'll also want to think about whether the high school is close to their primary school – this can make the transition a lot easier for them.

Keep in mind that schools in more central locations tend to be more expensive than those in the suburbs, and of course, public high schools will set you back a lot less than private ones.

6. Culture

The culture of a school is the final factor on our list. This vibe can be difficult to define. But you need to get a feel for it before you make your decision – after all, your child will be spending six hours there every day! Is it a catholic school or non-denominational? Does it have a religious affiliation? What are the core values of the school?

To get a sense of the ethos, we recommend you visit the school and read through their mission statement. This will give you an idea of their philosophy and what they're trying to achieve.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right high school for your child is a big decision. But don't let it stress you out – remember, there's no such thing as the perfect school. By taking the time to research all of your options you can be sure to find a school that's the right fit for your family.

While the role played by the school is certainly key - there are a large range of factors that impact on academic results. In addition to the quality of teaching, note the suburb, (SES) socio-economic status, background of students, whether the school is selective in its student intake etc. Just like the high school ranking, take these things into account, but don't let them be the only deciding factor.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your child is happy and engaged in their learning. The best school for them is the one that will allow them to reach their full potential, regardless of where it places on the VCE school rankings. If you think they're currently either falling behind or not being challenged enough, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Whether they need a VCE tutor in the lead-up to their exams or a coach to help build their maths confidence before they start high school, our bespoke programs have you covered. Take advantage of our free online assessment and get started today!