School database · Melbourne

Top private schools in Melbourne, 2026

Independent rankings of 15 of Melbourne's most established private schools for 2026. Every fee figure is sourced from the school's official 2026 schedule (linked under each card). We rank on objective, publicly verifiable signals, primarily ICSEA, historic VCE/IB results, and breadth of standout programs, not paid placement. Coverage spans Melbourne, South Yarra, Richmond, St Kilda, Carlton and Fitzroy.

15 schools ranked No paid placements 2026 fees verified Sorted by ICSEA

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 1 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

In short

Which is the best private school in Melbourne?

Our top-ranked private school in Melbourne for 2026 is Presbyterian Ladies' College — Presbyterian Ladies' College is one of Burwood's most established presbyterian girls (co-ed elc only) school. Runners-up: Lauriston Girls' School and Scotch College. All 15 providers in this guide serve Melbourne and are ranked on verifiable credentials and information transparency, not paid placement.

Based on 15 providers profiled in Melbourne, all cross-referenced against the relevant Australian regulator. Independent ranking, no paid placements, no first-party reviews.

Key takeaways

Highest ICSEA: Presbyterian Ladies' College (1210), Burwood.
2026 Year 12 fees range $39,810–$47,877 across 15 schools (median $43,785).
8 schools offer boarding; 3 are co-educational, the rest are single-sex.
7 schools offer the IB Diploma alongside VCE.
Apply 12–24 months ahead for most schools; elite-tier (Melbourne Grammar, Scotch, Geelong Grammar) often need application at birth or by age 2 for Year 7 entry.

15 Verified Private Schools in Melbourne, Ranked

Presbyterian Ladies' College

, Burwood

Presbyterian Girls Top tier Boarding Est. 1875

Presbyterian Ladies' College is one of Burwood's most established presbyterian girls (co-ed elc only) school. Founded 1875. ICSEA 1210 (well above the national average of 1,000). Highest ICSEA in Victoria (1,210). Tuition: $40,000/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$40,000/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$36,260

ICSEA

1210

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Boarding: $36,788/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› Highest ICSEA in Victoria (1,210)
› IB Diploma authorised since 1990, offered alongside VCE
› Six-time consecutive Australian Schools' Chess Champions (2016-2021)

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Lauriston Girls' School

, Armadale

Independent (non-denominational Christian) Girls Elite tier Est. 1901

Lauriston Girls' School sits among Armadale's top independent (non-denominational christian) girls (co-ed kindergarten only) schools. Founded 1901. ICSEA 1197 (well above the national average of 1,000). Compulsory Year 9 residential at Howqua rural campus. Tuition: $46,800/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$46,800/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$44,400

ICSEA

1197

Year levels

3yo Kindergarten-Year 12

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› Compulsory Year 9 residential at Howqua rural campus
› IB Diploma offered alongside VCE
› National-medal-winning rowing program (Head of the Yarra)

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Year 12 figure is net of $3,952 government funding (gross $50,752). Year 9 Howqua adds $34,800 residential charge.

Scotch College

, Hawthorn

Presbyterian Boys Elite tier Boarding Est. 1851

Scotch College, in Hawthorn, is a long-standing presbyterian boys school. Founded 1851. ICSEA 1193 (well above the national average of 1,000). Australia's oldest secondary school (est. 1851). Tuition: $47,877/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$47,877/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$46,056

ICSEA

1193

Year levels

Prep-Year 12

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› Australia's oldest secondary school (est. 1851)
› Elite APS sport across cricket, football and rowing
› National boarding house of approximately 160 students

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Boarding fee not extracted from current PDF; older 2024 boarding rate was $24,657.

Camberwell Grammar School

, Canterbury

Anglican Boys Top tier Est. 1886

Camberwell Grammar School (Canterbury) is recognised as a leading anglican boys school. Founded 1886. ICSEA 1185 (well above the national average of 1,000). Strong VCE academic results (median 34, 20% scoring 40+). Tuition: $44,366/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$44,366/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$42,056

ICSEA

1185

Year levels

Pre-Prep-Year 12

Best for: Music-strong students and families

Standout programs

› Strong VCE academic results (median 34, 20% scoring 40+)
› AGSV member with strong sport program
› Established music, debating and outdoor education programs across Junior, Middle and Senior Schools

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Camberwell's official 2026 PDF is gated; figures sourced from Good Schools Guide listing of school data.

Trinity Grammar School

, Kew

Anglican Boys Top tier Est. 1902

Trinity Grammar School is one of Kew's most established anglican boys school. Founded 1902. ICSEA 1184 (well above the national average of 1,000). Coordinate Program with Ruyton Girls' School for shared VCE classes (since 1993). Tuition: $44,984/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$44,984/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$43,064

ICSEA

1184

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› Coordinate Program with Ruyton Girls' School for shared VCE classes (since 1993)
› IB Primary Years Programme in Junior School
› Compulsory outdoor education program Years 7-10

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Boarding ceased end of 2022; now day school only.

Methodist Ladies' College

, Kew

Uniting Church Girls Top tier Boarding Est. 1882

Methodist Ladies' College sits among Kew's top uniting church girls schools. Founded 1882. ICSEA 1183 (well above the national average of 1,000). First school in the world to introduce 1:1 laptops (1990). Tuition: $43,785/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$43,785/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$40,395

ICSEA

1183

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Boarding: $39,765/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› First school in the world to introduce 1:1 laptops (1990)
› Both VCE and IB Diploma pathways offered
› Marshmead and Banksia outdoor education campuses

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Carey Baptist Grammar School

, Kew

Baptist Co-ed Top tier Est. 1923

Carey Baptist Grammar School, in Kew, is a long-standing baptist co-educational school. Founded 1923. ICSEA 1182 (well above the national average of 1,000). IB Diploma offered alongside VCE in Years 11-12 (since 1997). Tuition: $42,660/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$42,660/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$39,716

ICSEA

1182

Year levels

3yo Kindergarten-Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› IB Diploma offered alongside VCE in Years 11-12 (since 1997)
› Carey Toonallook outdoor education campus in Gippsland
› Strong music program via the Phil de Young Performing Arts Centre

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Melbourne Grammar School

, South Yarra

Anglican Boys Elite tier Boarding Est. 1858

Melbourne Grammar School (South Yarra) is recognised as a leading anglican boys (co-ed prep-year 6) school. Founded 1858. ICSEA 1180 (well above the national average of 1,000). 28-time Head of the River rowing champions. Tuition: $46,230/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$46,230/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$43,390

ICSEA

1180

Year levels

Prep-Year 12

Boarding: $36,200/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› 28-time Head of the River rowing champions
› Internationally touring symphony orchestra
› Strong VCE results, median ATAR consistently 90+

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Haileybury

, Keysborough (also Brighton, Berwick, Melbourne CBD)

Independent (Uniting Church heritage) Co-ed Top tier Est. 1892

Haileybury is one of Keysborough (also Brighton, Berwick, Melbourne CBD)'s most established independent (uniting church heritage) co-educational (parallel-gender model) school. Founded 1892. ICSEA 1177 (well above the national average of 1,000). Largest independent school in Australia (4,600+ students). Tuition: $41,685/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$41,685/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$41,260

ICSEA

1177

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: Co-educational families looking for a broad, balanced curriculum

Standout programs

› Largest independent school in Australia (4,600+ students)
› Parallel Education model: separate gender classes Years 5-8 on shared campuses
› Three-year VCE pathway plus Haileybury Pangea online learning

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Boarding offered only at Haileybury Rendall (Darwin); Melbourne campuses are day-only.

Wesley College

, Melbourne (St Kilda Road, Glen Waverley, Elsternwick)

Uniting Church Co-ed Elite tier Boarding Est. 1866

Wesley College sits among Melbourne (St Kilda Road, Glen Waverley, Elsternwick)'s top uniting church co-educational schools. Founded 1866. ICSEA 1169 (well above the national average of 1,000). Only Victorian school offering IB from early childhood through Year 12. Tuition: $45,206/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$45,206/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$38,171

ICSEA

1169

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› Only Victorian school offering IB from early childhood through Year 12
› Year 9 Clunes residential learning campus
› Yiramalay/Wesley Indigenous education partnership in the Kimberley

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Boarding offered at Glen Waverley campus only.

Loreto Mandeville Hall

, Toorak

Catholic (Loreto Sisters / IBVM) Girls Top tier Est. 1924

Loreto Mandeville Hall, in Toorak, is a long-standing catholic (loreto sisters / ibvm) girls school. Founded 1924. ICSEA 1168 (well above the national average of 1,000). Top-ranked Catholic girls' school by VCE (ranked 7th statewide in 2023). Tuition: $39,810/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$39,810/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$36,540

ICSEA

1168

Year levels

Prep-Year 12

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› Top-ranked Catholic girls' school by VCE (ranked 7th statewide in 2023)
› One of the top school rowing programs nationally
› Six consecutive GSV Athletics Championships (2014-2019); Positive Education curriculum

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Caulfield Grammar School

, St Kilda East (also Wheelers Hill, Malvern)

Anglican Co-ed Top tier Boarding Est. 1881

Caulfield Grammar School (St Kilda East (also Wheelers Hill, Malvern)) is recognised as a leading anglican co-educational school. Founded 1881. ICSEA 1157 (well above the national average of 1,000). First Australian school with an overseas campus (Nanjing, China since 1998) for Mandarin immersion. Tuition: $40,770/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$40,770/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$36,828

ICSEA

1157

Year levels

Kindergarten-Year 12

Boarding: $34,401/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› First Australian school with an overseas campus (Nanjing, China since 1998) for Mandarin immersion
› Yarra Junction outdoor education campus with award-winning environmental program
› IB Diploma offered alongside VCE

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Xavier College

, Kew

Catholic (Jesuit) Boys Top tier Boarding Est. 1872

Xavier College is one of Kew's most established catholic (jesuit) boys (co-ed kindergarten only) school. Founded 1872. ICSEA 1153 (well above the national average of 1,000). Jesuit education tradition with Ignatian formation and community service focus. Tuition: $40,880/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$40,880/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$39,980

ICSEA

1153

Year levels

Kindergarten-Year 12

Boarding: $33,650/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› Jesuit education tradition with Ignatian formation and community service focus
› 30 APS football premierships and elite rowing (16 Olympic/World representatives)
› Annual Maytime Fair raising $100,000+ for Jesuit Mission work

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Brighton Grammar School

, Brighton

Anglican Boys Top tier Est. 1882

Brighton Grammar School sits among Brighton's top anglican boys schools. Founded 1882. ICSEA 1147 (well above the national average of 1,000). 2025 Aramco STEM Racing World Champions (team Lunar). Tuition: $41,068/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$41,068/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$41,068

ICSEA

1147

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› 2025 Aramco STEM Racing World Champions (team Lunar)
› Crowther Centre for Learning and Innovation, dedicated boys' education research
› Strong APS sport tradition with multiple premierships in cricket, rowing and football

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Genazzano FCJ College

, Kew

Catholic (Faithful Companions of Jesus) Girls Tier varies Boarding Est. 1889

Genazzano FCJ College, in Kew, is a long-standing catholic (faithful companions of jesus) girls school. Founded 1889. ICSEA 1131 (well above the national average of 1,000). Victoria's only Catholic all-girls boarding school (Hopetoun Hall). Tuition: fees on request.

Y12 fee 2026

Fees on request

Y7 fee 2026

—

ICSEA

1131

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Boarding: $36,014/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› Victoria's only Catholic all-girls boarding school (Hopetoun Hall)
› Annual musical productions in partnership with Xavier College
› Strong rowing program (Years 8-12) and GSV premierships in netball, tennis and basketball

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Genazzano gates 2026 tuition fees behind a request form. Boarding figure is current published rate ($36,014/year full).

Private Schools in Melbourne, side by side · Click any header to sort
Provider ⇅	Sector ⇅	Gender ⇅	Year 12 fees (2026) ⇅	ICSEA ⇅	Boarding ⇅
Presbyterian Ladies' College	Presbyterian	Girls	$40,000	1210	Yes
Lauriston Girls' School	Independent (non-denominational Christian)	Girls	$46,800	1197	No
Scotch College	Presbyterian	Boys	$47,877	1193	Yes
Camberwell Grammar School	Anglican	Boys	$44,366	1185	No
Trinity Grammar School	Anglican	Boys	$44,984	1184	No
Methodist Ladies' College	Uniting Church	Girls	$43,785	1183	Yes
Carey Baptist Grammar School	Baptist	Co-ed	$42,660	1182	No
Melbourne Grammar School	Anglican	Boys	$46,230	1180	Yes
Haileybury	Independent (Uniting Church heritage)	Co-ed	$41,685	1177	No
Wesley College	Uniting Church	Co-ed	$45,206	1169	Yes
Loreto Mandeville Hall	Catholic (Loreto Sisters / IBVM)	Girls	$39,810	1168	No
Caulfield Grammar School	Anglican	Co-ed	$40,770	1157	Yes
Xavier College	Catholic (Jesuit)	Boys	$40,880	1153	Yes
Brighton Grammar School	Anglican	Boys	$41,068	1147	No
Genazzano FCJ College	Catholic (Faithful Companions of Jesus)	Girls	On request	1131	Yes

Pricing and availability data checked against public sources at time of publication. We do not host first-party reviews; star ratings have been removed from this directory pending a moderated review-collection process.

How we rank private schools in Melbourne

We rank schools on objective, publicly verifiable data: 30% ICSEA score (the ACARA Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage, a strong correlate of academic outcomes), 30% historic VCE/IB results where school medians are publicly disclosed, 20% breadth of standout programs (academic, music, sport, outdoor, languages), 10% facility and pastoral care, and 10% transparency and access (published fees, scholarship availability, open day cadence). Fees in this guide come from each school's published 2026 schedule (linked under each card). Compare Private Schools does not accept payment to list or rank schools.

Common questions

FAQs: private schools in Melbourne

Which is the highest-ranked private school in Melbourne for 2026?

By ICSEA (the strongest publicly-available correlate of academic outcomes), Presbyterian Ladies' College in Burwood ranks first among Melbourne private schools we cover, with an ICSEA of 1210. Year 12 fees for 2026 are $40,000. However, "best" is highly child-specific, fit, single-sex vs co-ed preference, religious orientation, and travel time matter as much as raw academic data. Visit at least 3 open days before deciding.

How much do Melbourne private schools cost in 2026?

Melbourne private school Year 12 tuition for 2026 ranges from $39,810 to $47,877 per year across the 15 schools we cover (median $43,785). Junior school fees are typically 30–40% lower than Year 12. Boarding adds a further $25,000–$45,000 per year on top of tuition. Don't forget capital levies, building fund contributions, IT, uniforms, camps, and music tuition, these can add $5,000–$15,000 per year.

When should I apply for a private school place in Melbourne?

For mid-tier independent and Catholic schools, 12–24 months before entry is standard. For elite-tier independents (especially Year 7 boys' schools), waiting lists can be years long, many parents apply at birth or by age 2. Year 9 and Year 11 entry typically have more availability than Year 7. Always check each school's specific application deadlines on their website.

What is ICSEA and why does it matter?

ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is published by ACARA via MySchool.edu.au. It measures the socio-educational advantage of a school's student community on a scale where 1,000 is the national average. Most Melbourne private schools score 1,150–1,210. ICSEA is a strong correlate of NAPLAN and ATAR outcomes, but it measures the family advantage students bring to the school, not the school's teaching quality. Use it as one input alongside ATAR results, programs, culture and fit.

How much do private schools cost in Australia in 2026?

Elite independent schools (Geelong Grammar, Sydney Grammar, Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College): $42,000-$55,000/year for Year 12. Mid-tier independents: $25,000-$38,000/year. Catholic systemic schools: $4,000-$10,000/year. Boarding adds $25,000-$45,000 on top. Year 7-9 fees typically 30-40% lower than Year 12. Total K-12 cost: $400,000-$650,000 for elite schools, $40,000-$120,000 for Catholic systemic. Add $5,000-$15,000/year for uniforms, IT, camps, music tuition.

When should I apply for a private school?

Elite schools (Scotch, Geelong Grammar, Sydney Grammar): apply at birth or before age 2 for Year 7 entry. Waiting lists at top schools are 1,000+ children. Mid-tier independents: apply 2-4 years before entry year. Catholic systemic: 12-24 months before entry year. Most competitive entry points: Reception (limited places open most spots), Year 7 (start of secondary, biggest intake), Year 11 (VCE/HSC start). Apply to 4-8 schools simultaneously to maximise options.

What's ICSEA and how does it relate to school quality?

ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) measures the socio-economic background of a school's community. Average is 1000. Elite private schools typically score 1180-1230. ICSEA correlates strongly with academic outcomes, but it measures family advantage, not school teaching quality. To assess teaching quality, look at "value-added" data (how much the school improves students above their starting point), Education Department websites publish this. A school with ICSEA 1200 should produce strong results; a school with ICSEA 1100 producing strong results is doing more impressive teaching.

Are private school scholarships realistic to get?

Top elite schools: 5-15 academic scholarships per year for Year 7 entry, 200-500 applicants. Highly competitive, typically requires top 1% performance on ASCAS test plus interview. Mid-tier schools: easier scholarships available, often 30-50% fee reduction. Music scholarships at most schools: less competitive than academic, requires 5+ years instrument experience and grade 6-7 AMEB level. Sport scholarships: rare, mostly for boarding. Financial assistance (means-tested): 5-30% of places at most schools. Apply to 3-5 schools simultaneously to maximise chances.

Catholic vs Independent, which should I choose?

Catholic systemic schools (parish-funded): $4,000-$10,000/year, generally similar academic outcomes to mid-tier independents, religious instruction (Catholic but increasingly inclusive), community-focused, lower socio-economic mix. Independent schools (privately governed): $25,000-$55,000/year, broader extracurricular options, smaller classes, more international students, stronger university preparation, higher ATAR outcomes. Catholic congregational schools (Loreto, Xavier, Mary MacKillop College, etc.) bridge the two, Catholic ethos but independent governance, fees $20,000-$35,000. Many families choose Catholic for primary, independent for secondary.

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