1 schools · 2026 fees verified

Best Private Schools in Melbourne's Inner West (2026)

Melbourne's Inner West — Yarraville, Williamstown, Footscray, Newport, Spotswood — historically had limited private-school presence (with strong public schools serving the catchment), but is rapidly growing as wealthy families gentrify the area. Major options include Westbourne Grammar (Truganina, co-ed independent), Ave Maria College (Aberfeldie, girls Catholic), MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Penleigh and Essendon Grammar (Keilor East, co-ed independent), and a growing cluster of newer-foundation schools.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 17 May 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

Key takeaways

  • 1 schools matched, ranked by ICSEA (highest first).
  • 2026 Year 12 tuition ranges $7,820–$7,820.
  • Sourced from each school's published 2026 fee schedule. Independent — no paid placements.
Best Private Schools in Melbourne's Inner West (2026) — quick compare table
Provider ⇅ Suburb ⇅ Sector ⇅ Gender ⇅ ICSEA ⇅ Y12 fee ⇅ Boarding ⇅
Marian College Sunshine West Sunshine WestCatholic (FCJ)girls998$7,820No

Top 20 by ICSEA. Independent — no paid placements.

1

Marian College Sunshine West

, Sunshine West
Catholic (FCJ) Girls Lower-fee Est. 1890

Marian College Sunshine West is in Sunshine West, Melbourne. Catholic (FCJ), girls, Year 7-Year 12. $7,820/yr Year 12 tuition · ICSEA 998. Founded 1890. Standout: FCJ Sisters tradition.

Y12 fee 2026

$7,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$6,820

ICSEA

998

Year levels

Year 7-Year 12

Best for: Families in Melbourne

Standout programs

  • › FCJ Sisters tradition
  • › Lower-fee Western Melbourne Catholic girls
  • › Multicultural community focus
See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Common questions

Why does the Inner West have fewer private schools than the Inner East?

Historical demographics — the Inner West was working-class + immigrant-heavy through most of the 20th century, with strong public schools (Williamstown HS, Footscray Tech). Private school market only emerged from the 1990s gentrification onwards. The catchment is now growing rapidly with new private school foundations.

What is Westbourne Grammar?

Westbourne Grammar (Truganina + Williamstown campuses) is co-educational K-Year 12 independent (founded 1867). One of the major private school options for Inner + Outer West families. ~$25-32k Year 12. Strong academic + sport program.

Is Williamstown High School the best public alternative?

Williamstown High School is a partially-selective + comprehensive public school with strong academic reputation. Many Inner West families choose Williamstown High over private alternatives — saving private school fees while accessing strong outcomes. The Bay-front location is a draw.

What new private schools are opening in the West?

Newer Christian + Islamic schools have established in Outer West suburbs (Truganina, Wyndham, Tarneit) reflecting demographic growth. Australian International Academy (Coburg + Caroline Springs) for Muslim families. East-side independent schools (Wesley, Carey) have also developed satellite campuses.