Choosing the right school is a big decision for every family In Australia many parents prefer private schools because of their strong academic results extracurricular programs, and modern facilities. This guide lists the top 100 private schools in Australia for 2025, based on academic performance student experience and overall reputation.
Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or any other city this list will help you find the best private schools for your child Let’s explore the top schools, sorted by location and reputation.
Why Choose a Private School in Australia
Many parents in Australia believe private schools offer more than just education. These schools provide:
- Smaller class sizes
- Better resources and facilities
- Higher academic achievements
- More extracurricular opportunities
- Strong focus on values and discipline
Although private education can be expensive, many schools offer scholarships or financial assistance.
Read More: Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for International Students
How We Ranked the Top 100 Private Schools
This list is based on:
- NAPLAN and HSC/VCE/ATAR results
- Reputation and reviews from parents and students
- University admission rates
- Campus infrastructure
- Teacher qualifications
- Student well-being programs
Each school was selected for its consistent performance and high satisfaction scores.
Top Private Schools in New South Wales (NSW)
New South Wales is home to many of Australia’s highest-ranking schools.
- Sydney Grammar School – Sydney
- Reddam House – Bondi
- Abbotsleigh – Wahroonga
- Pymble Ladies’ College – Pymble
- Barker College – Hornsby
- Knox Grammar School – Wahroonga
- The King’s School – Parramatta
- Loreto Kirribilli – Kirribilli
- Shore School – North Sydney
- St Catherine’s School – Waverley
Best Private Schools in Victoria
Victoria offers several leading schools known for academic excellence and tradition.
- Melbourne Grammar School – South Yarra
- Scotch College – Hawthorn
- Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) – Kew
- Haileybury College – Brighton
- Geelong Grammar School – Corio
- Wesley College – St Kilda Road
- Carey Baptist Grammar School – Kew
- Camberwell Grammar School – Canterbury
- Lauriston Girls’ School – Armadale
- St Kevin’s College – Toorak
Top Private Schools in Queensland
Queensland has a strong group of private schools offering world-class education.
- Brisbane Grammar School – Brisbane
- Brisbane Girls Grammar School – Brisbane
- Somerville House – South Brisbane
- St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School – Corinda
- All Hallows’ School – Brisbane
- Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) – East Brisbane
- Brisbane Boys’ College – Toowong
- Clayfield College – Clayfield
- The Southport School (TSS) – Gold Coast
- St Hilda’s School – Gold Coast
Top Private Schools in South Australia
- St Peter’s College – Adelaide
- Wilderness School – Medindie
- Pembroke School – Kensington Park
- Scotch College – Torrens Park
- Prince Alfred College – Kent Town
- St Aloysius College – Adelaide
- Immanuel College – Novar Gardens
- Loreto College – Marryatville
- Pulteney Grammar School – Adelaide
- Westminster School – Marion
Best Private Schools in Western Australia
- Hale School – Wembley Downs
- Perth Modern School – Subiaco (public selective but often compared to private)
- Christ Church Grammar School – Claremont
- Methodist Ladies’ College – Claremont
- Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) – Peppermint Grove
- Wesley College – South Perth
- St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls – Mosman Park
- All Saints’ College – Bull Creek
- Penrhos College – Como
- Scotch College – Swanbourne
Top Private Schools in Canberra (ACT)
- Canberra Grammar School – Red Hill
- Radford College – Bruce
- Burgmann Anglican School – Gungahlin
- Daramalan College – Dickson
- St Edmund’s College – Griffith
- Merici College – Braddon
- Marist College Canberra – Pearce
- Orana Steiner School – Weston
- St Clare’s College – Griffith
- Narrabundah College – Narrabundah
Notable Boarding Schools Across Australia
- Geelong Grammar School – Victoria
- The King’s School – NSW
- Scotch College – Adelaide
- The Armidale School – NSW
- The Scots College – Sydney
- Toowoomba Grammar School – Queensland
- Kinross Wolaroi School – Orange
- Frensham School – Mittagong
- Seymour College – Adelaide
- Trinity Grammar School – Melbourne
Schools Known for Strong Arts & Sports Programs
- Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School – Melbourne
- St Leonard’s College – Brighton East
- John Paul College – Daisy Hill
- Loreto Normanhurst – NSW
- Siena College – Camberwell
- Mount Scopus Memorial College – Burwood
- The McDonald College – North Strathfield
- St Michael’s Grammar School – St Kilda
- Caulfield Grammar School – Wheelers Hill
- St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School – Brisbane
International-Focused Private Schools
- International Grammar School – Ultimo, NSW
- German International School Sydney – Terrey Hills
- French School of Sydney (Lycée Condorcet) – Maroubra
- Australian International Academy – Victoria
- Melbourne International School of Japanese – Melbourne
- Australian International School Indonesia (for expats) – Jakarta
- British International School of Perth – Perth
- Suzanne Cory High School – Werribee (selective, academically aligned)
- OneSchool Global – Nationwide
- Tintern Grammar – Ringwood East
Fast-Rising Private Schools in 2025
These schools are quickly gaining popularity and rising in academic rankings.
- Ravenswood School for Girls – Gordon
- Santa Sabina College – Strathfield
- Ivanhoe Grammar School – Ivanhoe
- Strathcona Girls Grammar – Canterbury
- The Glennie School – Toowoomba
- St Andrew’s Cathedral School – Sydney
- Haileybury Rendall School – Darwin
- Good Shepherd Lutheran College – NT
- St Stephen’s School – WA
- Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School – NSW
Things to Consider When Choosing a Private School
When selecting a school, don’t just look at rankings. Think about:
- Location and transport
- School culture and values
- Curriculum focus (STEM, arts, sports)
- Religious background
- Boarding options
- Languages offered
- Fee structure and scholarships
Visit the school if possible, speak to current parents, and ask about the pastoral care and well-being support for students.