Looking at primary schools in Melbourne can feel overwhelming given the multitude of options available. Parents want to give their children the best opportunities to set them up for their future, so every education decision is an important one. Right from the beginning, choosing a primary school is the first step in laying a secure educational foundation, but where do you start? Parents often do much research when attempting to find the right school for their kids—one that not only provides a quality education but also fosters their overall development.
However this task can be tedious. That's why we've simplified the process for you and compiled a ranking of the best primary schools in Melbourne according to key categories of (1) academics, (2) extracurriculars and (3) school culture.
First let’s take a look at academics.
Academics
Based on the 2023 NAPLAN results released by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), let’s take a look at the best public and private primary schools in Melbourne.
Best Public Primary Schools
Best Private Primary Schools
Best Overall Primary Schools
From these results, we find an intriguing balance between the public and private sectors. Among the top 100 schools ranked according to the 2023 NAPLAN results, an impressive 49 are public primary schools. Thus challenging the misconception that private schools always outperform their public counterparts and highlighting the high standard of primary education in some of Melbourne's public primary schools.
See if your school made the list!
Now let’s take a look at extracurriculars.
Extracurriculars
There are many other aspects beyond academics to consider when deciding which primary school suits your child best. Extracurricular activities contribute to a well-rounded education and personal growth.
In general, both public and private primary schools offer an array of extracurricular activities. However private primary schools often offer a wider selection of extracurricular programs than those available in public schools, including sports, arts, and clubs. These schools often have dedicated resources and facilities to support such activities. If your child has a particularly strong talent in a specific area, then a private primary school may also have broader scope to nurture and help your child develop their skill set.
Though they may have fewer resources, public schools do also provide opportunities for students to participate in various extracurricular activities, including as vast variety of leadership roles.
The last category we’ll take a look at is school culture and environment.
School Culture and Environment
The culture, value and ethos of the school your child attends is also of high importance.
Ensuring the school's values align with your child and family can allow your child to better integrate into the school community and environment. Some private and public primary schools are religious and provide religious education on a particular faith. As such depending on your child’s individual situation, these types of primary schools may or may not be the most suitable.
Private schools also tend to be smaller and thus have smaller classes than public schools. This allows greater opportunity for children at private schools to get more one-on-one attention with their teachers.
Want more personalised guidance to help support your child through their studies? Find a KIS Academics tutor today to support your child’s educational journey!
Choosing the right Primary School for your child
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 your child's formative years.
A numerical rank doesn't always reflect these crucial elements that contribute to a well-rounded education. Therefore, NAPLAN rankings should form just one part of your decision-making process when selecting a primary school for your child.
An important note to mention: most public schools also have enrollment zones. This means that for your child to be able to enrol, your family must live within a certain area around the school. Out-of-zone enrolments are sometimes possible. So if you’re interested in government primary schools outside your zone, contact the school directly to find out whether they’re enrolling children from outside their zones.
Ultimately, the best primary school is one that aligns with your family's values and meets your child's individual needs. School open days and tours are always a great opportunity to get to know the school and staff better, and also gather information on any questions you may have. So take the time to explore some of Melbourne's top primary schools listed in this article and visit them in person if possible to get a feel for the environment before making your final decision!
For more insights on navigating primary school education, check out our Primary School blog page here!
Manoj Arachige
Want more personalised guidance to help support your child through their studies? Find a KIS Academics tutor today to support your child’s educational journey!
Written by KIS Academics Tutor for VCE Mathematical Methods and Specialist Maths, Margery Zhang. Margery is currently pursuing a Doctor of Medicine at Melbourne University and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Margery’s profile here and request her as a tutor or visit KIS Academics find a tutor page.
