KIS Summary:
- Presbyterian Ladies' College (PLC) ranks #1 overall), while top public schools include Wheelers Hill Primary (#1), Serpell Primary (#2), and Oakleigh South Primary (#3).
- 49 out of the top 100 primary schools in Melbourne are public schools.
- Private schools offer smaller class sizes and more extensive extracurricular programs with dedicated facilities, while public schools operate on enrolment zones but provide strong academics and leadership opportunities at lower costs.
Parents want to give their children the best opportunities to set them up for their future, so every education decision is an important one. Choosing a primary school is the first step in laying a secure educational foundation, but where do you start?
We've simplified the process for you and compiled a ranking of the best primary schools in Melbourne according to key categories.
Table of Contents:
- Best Primary Schools In Melbourne Based On NAPLAN Results
- Factors To Consider When Choosing A Primary School In Melbourne
- Conclusion On The Best Primary Schools In Melbourne
- FAQs About The Best Primary Schools In Melbourne
Best Primary Schools In Melbourne Based On NAPLAN Results
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.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Primary School In Melbourne
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 a vast variety of leadership roles.
School Culture
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.
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Enrollment Zones
Most public schools also have enrolment 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.
Conclusion On The Best Primary Schools In Melbourne
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 these KIS Academics blogs! 👇
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
FAQs About The Best Primary Schools In Melbourne
1. Are Private, Public or Selective schools better?
- Private schools often offer extensive facilities, diverse extracurriculars, small classes, and specialised programs, but come with higher fees.
- Public schools are zoned (catchment based), generally lower cost, and some offer high academic performance, selective entry, or specialist programs.
- Selective entry public schools (e.g. Melbourne High, Mac.Rob) require academic entrance exams and consistently rank at the top.
2. How should I choose the best school for my child?
- Consider priorities: academic performance, co-curricular options, culture/values, class sizes, specialised learning (IB, STEM, arts).
- Think about location, transport, zoning/catchments, and practical logistics.
- Visit schools, attend open days, talk to staff/students, and pay attention to how children respond to the environment.
- Review school websites, rankings, and consult parent networks.
- Include the child in decisions and consider personality, interests, and needs (not just where friends go).
3. What common mistakes should I avoid when choosing schools?
- Don’t just pick by reputation or test scores. The best school is the one that fits the child’s learning style and aspirations.
- Avoid overlooking practical factors like transport or community involvement.
- Resist social pressure; focus on long-term happiness and growth, not short-term prestige.
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.
