In Victoria, there are no official or published high school rankings made by the Victorian government. There are however multiple other institutions that have taken their own time to rank Victorian high schools based on education quality and academic performance.
Here are some of the academic indicators that influenced the school rankings.
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Results
One of the most common ways schools are ranked is based on their students’ performances in the VCE, which is the certificate awarded to secondary school students who successfully complete their senior secondary education in Victoria.
Schools can be ranked in two ways:
- Based on the percentage of students who achieve ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) scores above a certain threshold. The higher the number of students achieving a high ATAR score, the higher the school is likely to rank.
- Based on the median VCE study scores of their students. A median score of 30 is the state average, so schools with a median above this score are considered high-performing.
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy)
The NAPLAN tests are conducted in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, and measure students’ abilities in reading, writing, numeracy and language conventions. Schools are ranked based on their students’ NAPLAN performances, providing a snapshot of how well a school is doing in these fundamental areas beyond senior years.
ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage)
The ICSEA is a scale that considers the socio-economic background of students’ families, their school and other variables to gauge their relative educational advantage or disadvantage. Schools with higher ICSEA values often have more resources and funding, which can contribute to better academic results and thus higher rankings. However, it’s important to consider that schools with lower ICSEA values could also do exceptionally well with fewer resources, offering valuable educational opportunities in disadvantaged communities.
Post-School Destinations and Pathways
Schools are also evaluated based on what their students do after graduating. Schools that prepare their students well for university, vocational education or employment after graduation tend to score higher in rankings. These statistics are often highlighted in government reports and school brochures.
Do school rankings matter?
While school rankings based on academic performance can highlight schools with a stronger focus on traditional academic success, they may not always reflect the quality of education your child can get. Here’s how ranking can influence your child’s education:
- Academic Pressure. Higher-ranked schools often have more competitive academic environments. While some high achievers can excel in such environments, it can also create overwhelming pressure for other students. Contrastingly, lower-ranked schools may focus more on student wellbeing and individual development, fostering personal growth.
- Resource Availability. Higher-ranked schools tend to have better facilities, resources and extracurricular programs, giving students access to first-rate labs, libraries and sporting facilities. This would provide students with a more enriched educational experience.
- Teaching Quality and Support. Schools that rank highly in VCE or NAPLAN scores often can provide higher quality teaching and academic support, with the additional resources to lower its student-teacher ratio for personalised attention. However, schools that focus on student wellbeing and provide personal support services may not always rank as highly, but can still offer a valuable experience that may not be captured by rankings.
Higher-Ranked Private School vs Lower-Ranked Public School
How can you choose the best school for your child?
While school rankings can affect your decision when choosing the best school for your child, they don’t always reflect the quality of education your child would receive at the school. Instead of just looking at school rankings, here’s what you should do to ensure the school is best suited for your child:
- Understanding your child’s needs. Different schools suit different children. Some students may thrive in traditional, academic rigorous environments, whilst others may do better in schools that prioritise student wellbeing or extracurricular activities. It is crucial to consider what learning style your child has and choose a school that can cater to it.
- Visit schools. Visiting schools in person will help parents gauge the school culture, facilities and environment by speaking with teachers, administrators and current students who can offer insights beyond rankings.
- Consider location and practicality. Attending a lower-ranked school that’s closer to home could be preferable over a higher-ranked school further away. A school’s proximity to home can provide a more balanced lifestyle considering the shorter commute time, leading to better academic performance and wellbeing.
- Word-of-mouth. Parents should consult recommendations and reviews from online forums and other parents, who can speak on personal experiences with the school.
For further information and detailed statistics on specific schools, you can visit the My School website.
FAQs
Do school rankings guarantee a better education for my child?
No! While high-ranked schools often have better academic outcomes, they may not be the best fit for your child. It is essential to consider factors like teaching style, school culture and extracurricular activities, to ensure that your child’s unique needs and talents are catered to. Parents should also consider the support team schools provide, in assisting your child grow individually and mentally.
Can public schools compete with private schools in terms of academic performance?
Yes! Many public schools in Victoria, specifically selective schools, perform exceptionally well in terms of VCE and NAPLAN results, despite private schools dominating the top rankings. Selective schools are a low-cost alternative for high-achieving and talented students to excel in an academically-competitive environment.
Are higher-ranked schools always more selective in their admissions?
Not always. While some higher-ranked private and selective schools may have more selective admission criteria due to limited places and a focus on academic excellence, many public schools in Victoria are open to all students within their designated school zones. It’s important to check each school's admission requirements, as entry can depend on factors like location, academic achievement, or special programs.
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Written by KIS Academics Tutor for VCE English and Chemistry, Janice Mak. Janice is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Law/Commerce at UNSW. You can view Janice’s profile here and request her as a tutor.
