Selecting the best primary school in Melbourne for your children is unmistakably one of the most impactful choices you’ll make during their early years as an active part of your greater community. The decision itself can be overwhelming, if not intimidating for reasons beyond your control.
The good news, however, is that you’re now one step closer in your quest to find the most suitable primary school for your kids. On balance, we know how difficult it is to search credible online references across the web, and so we did an extensive study ourselves based on the recent academic results by some of the most trusted primary schools in Melbourne.
This list is comprehensive and inclusive with a clear goal of helping you navigate your options more thoughtfully while leaving you ample room to make a sound personal assessment yourself. What we mean is that you’ll be introduced to a variety of institutions that might specialize in primary school as well as those with extensive support beyond early learning programs. And so, without further ado, here are our top picks of primary schools in Melbourne.
To read about the best primary schools in Brisbane, read here.
To read about the best primary schools in New South Wales, read here.
Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Burwood
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) in Burwood is an exclusive Christian school for girls offering a diverse range of activities and interests that include performing arts, music, outdoor education and other extracurricular club activities across all student levels. PLC, which has been a trusted pillar in the community since 1875, also has its own boarding house located in Burwood, east of Melbourne’s CBD, for students in Years 7 to 12.
For future consideration, it’s also worth noting that PLC is among select schools in Australia to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) in Years 11 and 12 as an alternative to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). Students who earned their IB diploma in the PLC program have went on to enroll to a variety of international universities, including the prestigious Oxford, Yale and Cambridge.
Fitzroy Community School, Fitzroy
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Fitzroy Community School is an alternative and independent primary school that takes great pride in their relaxed atmosphere and rich outcomes rooted in the student’s happiness, viability and academic excellence. Notably, FCS is known to keep its roll large in order to nurture an environment and culture like that of an extended family.
FCS was founded by Philip O’Carroll and Faye Berryman in 1976 at their home in North Fitzroy, where the school still operates from. One of their driving force in creating their curriculum has been developing interpersonal skills among their young students to prepare them for long-term success in both personal life and career.
Christ Church Grammar School, South Yarra
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Christ Church Grammar School in South Yarra is an independent school promising to provide outstanding, evidenced-based learning for boys and girls in primary school. CCGS takes great pride in its diverse school community of students, staff and local families, as well as its stature as the only coeducational Anglican parish school in Victoria for 3 to 12 year olds.
Even at a young age, students can pursue their early interests in arts, music and physical education with guidance from specialist teachers. CCGS also offers a co-curricular program that caters to diverse interests such as Latin, French, chess, karate, gymnastics, computer coding and drama.
Haileybury College, Keysborough
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Haileybury College is a private school that first opened its doors in Victoria in 1892. Parents can look forward to “The Haileybury Advantage” which highlights the school’s Parallel Education Model, strong community-focused activities and excellent international relations and track record.
Though the campus in Keysborough dates back to the 1960’s, it has seen significant improvements over the years, including the famed “Aikman Hall” (concert hall), a lecture theater, a refurbished library, an Olympic size swimming pool and other outdoor sports facilities. Haileybury has also ranked as the top co-education primary school and the number two secondary school for girls and boys in Victoria.
Fintona Girls’ School, Balwyn
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Balwyn’s Fintona Girls’ School is among Melbourne’s leading independent girls’ schools with a history that dates back to 1896. The school is also known for its consistency in yielding high VCE results and incredible conversion rates to major universities across Australia.
Some of the key facilities in Fintona are the multi-purpose and historical Margaret Cunningham wing, named after one of the school’s long-serving principals; the Margaret Ross Centre, a sports hall and activity center; and the Centenary Music Building. Fintona’s school motto is Age Quod Agis, which means do what you do well. The school is also known for its unwavering commitment to the principles of a liberal democracy.
Beverley Hills Primary School, Doncaster East
School Sector: Government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
The Beverley Hills Primary School’s learning community is devoted to nurturing personal well-being and leadership skills among its students.
The school boasts a diverse curriculum for young learners, which includes numeracy, performing arts, digital technologies, literacy, sciences and sports. Students from Foundation to Year 6 also attend a 50-minute Mandarin lesson per week to enrich their intercultural learning experience.
Parents can also take a more involved role in the school community by joining BHPS’ Parent Volunteer Program where they will be able to assist with school events and fundraising activities.
Erasmus Primary School, Hawthorn
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Hawthorn’s Erasmus Primary School claims to have one of the most ambitious and creative curricula in all of Australia. This said the program is driven by studies in philosophy, meditation and mindfulness that aim to nurture what they call four aspects of a student: body, mind, heart and spirit.
Erasmus is part of the worldwide group of Renaissance Schools, which includes St. James Schools in London, John Scottus School in Dublin, Ficino School in Auckland and more. Renaissance schools share a guiding ethos that acknowledges that “Every person shares the same universal essence, and that given the right conditions, all have the capacity to grow to their full potential.” At Erasmus, students can also develop new skills and enjoy after-school activities such as coding, ballet, Latin, robotics, science and various sports programs. Additionally, kids can take individual private lessons on campus during school hours in piano, violin and flute.
Serpell Primary School, Templestowe
School Sector: Government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Serpell Primary School in Templestowe boasts a dynamic learning community coming from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The school is home to over a thousand students with about 23 pupils in each class. Students are further represented in an active Student Representative Council which observes a 6-month term of office in order to provide more opportunities for pupils in developing their social and leadership skills.
As a school with a strong international history and relationships, Serpell is committed to developing contributing global citizens with unwavering ties to their cultural heritage. Some of the prevalent classroom programs in SPS are sports, English, science, performing arts, literature and visual arts.
Scotch College, Hawthorn
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Scotch College has been an exclusive boys’ school at the heart of Melbourne since it was established in the 1850s. Students of Scotch College are taken to journey of discovery and learning based on Christian principles and cultural diversity. Its 27-hectare school ground is located at a scenic location along Yarra River.
Notably, Scotch College is associated with the Presbyterian Church of Victoria and its Christian teachings. While the school has constantly achieved outstanding academic results, it takes greater pride in helping each student achieve their personal best. Pupils can look forward to expanding their cultural knowledge in Junior School with German studies, with French, Italian, Indonesian, Mandarin Chinese and Latin also becoming available on Senior School.
Camberwell Girls Grammar School, Canterbury
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Canterbury’s Camberwell Girls Grammar School (CGGS) has been a staple in shaping the personal lives and careers of young women in Melbourne for over a hundred years. The school is known to champion a vibrant, multicultural learning community of students whose heritage is drawn from more than 50 countries across six continents.
Aside from its diverse culture and teachings, CGGS puts great emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact. Sustainability education is integrated into both the Junior and Senior School curriculum where students are encouraged to join an environment club that focuses on supporting a variety of yearly sustainability initiatives.
Korowa Anglican Girls’ School, Glen Iris
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Korowa Anglican Girls’ School boasts a 130-year history of teaching young women under its identity-defining Palma Non Sine Pulvere school motto, which directly translates to ‘no palms without dust’ or in the modern context: no reward, no effort.
Beyond studies, Korowa’s curriculum puts a weighted emphasis on building their students’ interpersonal skills and community involvement. Overall, the school takes great honor and responsibility in being an all-girls school that supports young women in their academic, social and emotional well-being.
Ballarat Clarendon College, Ballarat
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Ballarat Clarendon College is a coeducation combined school, serving years ELC-12 and is 1 of just 9 independent schools in the Ballarat area. The school is driven by its simple but delicate promise that every child can learn. Clarendon is one of few schools across Australia which has been recognized as a high-growth school as measured by The National Assessment Program (NAPLAN).
The school is also known for its proficiency in applying the lessons of educational research and cognitive science to practical classroom applications, which creates a learning community that thrives in comprehension and critical thinking. Outside of standard classroom programs, Clarendon students have over 70 co-curricular program options to help develop their personal interests and life skills.
Huntingtower School, Mount Waverley
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Huntingtower School in Mount Waverley has a rich history in the community dating back to 1927. Today, the school is not only known for academic performance but also for proactive wellbeing programs such as its UP (Unlimited Potential) lessons for Senior School and the staff-led Mentor Program that aims to provide students with another support system as they progress through high school.
Prominently, Huntingtower is founded on the principles of Christian Science which draws its authority from the Bible. As a result, religious teachings are deeply integrated into the school’s philosophy and values. The school community is also known for its Indigenous connection and vigorous commitment to empowering each student’s identity and heritage.
Lauriston Girls’ School, Armadale
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Lauriston Girls’ School students have a choice to earn an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) for study in Years 11 and 12. Both paths will prepare them for their transition to a local or international university that supports that program.
The school has been home to world-class educators since it was established in 1901. However, aside from being a pillar of knowledge, Lauriston has also been an active proponent of volunteer work in its community. In fact, pupils are empowered as early as kindergarten to make hands-on contributions to various grass-roots charity organizations through the academy’s GIVE (Girls In Values Education) program.
Camberwell Primary School, Camberwell
School Sector: Government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Camberwell Primary School (CPS) has been a bilingual school since 1991 and is a member of the Australian Association for French-English Bilingual Schools. It has also been awarded the “LabelFrancÉducation” seal from the French government for being one of the few schools to display excellence in the French language and discipline.
The innovative English-French immersion school is likewise a standout in providing specialist programs in performing arts, visual arts, physical education and science. The school is also known to provide a rich digital learning experience as early as Years 2 to 6 through its 1:1 iPad program that aims to nurture a connected and creative learning system for each student.
Balwyn Primary School, Balwyn
School Sector: Government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Balwyn Primary School (BPS) offers a developmental curriculum within a multi-age structure in order to cater to children’s different learning speeds and preferred learning styles. Along with this, the school puts a strong emphasis on maintaining a healthy learning environment that breeds confidence, camaraderie, and independence among its students. BPS also offers specialist programs to provide an early support system for students’ interest in exploring arts, culture, music and limited Mandarin lessons.
Camberwell Grammar School, Canterbury
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Camberwell Grammar School for boys is an independent school in Melbourne founded in 1886. The school aims to develop and champion a culture where interpersonal relationships and diversity are valued as much as academic achievement.
The campus is home to over thirteen hundred students from Foundation to Year 12. The pupils are treated to state-of-the-art facilities that include an 800-people capacity Performing Arts Center, 50-metre swimming pool, the Mallinson Music School, the All Souls Chapel and an assortment of sports and recreational-themed establishments and activity areas.
Canterbury Primary School, Canterbury
School Sector: Government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
The Canterbury Primary School characterizes its teachings as one that offers an involved experience that reflect real-world scenarios and nurture opportunities for collaboration. The school, which was built in 1908, follows the Victorian curriculum with comprehensive programs on reading, writing and mathematics.
All classes also participate in a weekly, 50-minute specialist class on arts, physical education, music and Mandarin. Additionally, there is a “Discovery Learning” program that provides students with opportunities to learn through play and other engaging activities that are connected to the mainstream curriculum.
Deutsche Schule Melbourne, Fitzroy North
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Deutsche Schule Melbourne is a German-English bilingual school that strives to develop young global citizens who can easily adapt to and function in multicultural environments. Lessons are conducted on a ‘one teacher-one language’ approach, in which educators only conduct classes in their native-language, be it German or English. This approach aims to ensure that each language and behavior is modeled by native speakers in order to constantly deliver accurate learning modules and cultural representation.
Ruyton Girls’ School, Kew
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Kew’s Ruyton Girls’ School is an independent school for young women whose pursuits and curriculum are underpinned by the school’s core values: character, citizenship, endeavor and integrity. Notably, Powerful Learning is also a central figure to the Ruyton culture, which means teachers do their best to personalize learning by understanding each student as an individual. This approach is the catalyst for the school’s ability to provide targeted learning experiences that make every student feel valued, supported and thoughtfully challenged.
Goulburn Valley Grammar School, Shepparton
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Year 5 – 12
Goulburn Valley Grammar School is a non-denominational and open-entry school at the heart of Shepparton. The curriculum specializes in completing the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) for Years 11 to 12. Overall, Goulburn Valley Grammar School puts strong emphasis on social awareness and student wellbeing on top of academic achievement. This is most evident in the school’s culture, principal values, and building blocks, which are guidelines that the community observes as they collectively strive for and celebrate each student’s best efforts.
St Leonard’s College, Brighton East
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
The state-of-the-art St Leonard’s College in Brighton East considers itself as one of the country’s premier independent co-educational schools ELC3 to Year 12. The academy offers the opportunity to achieve excellence in either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).
Aside from its well-balanced academic programs, the school also thrives in providing diverse and dynamic co-curricular opportunities in performing arts, sports outdoor education and more. Some of the key facilities on the campus grounds are the new, picturesque Leonardian Center for performing arts, Camp Ibis for sailing and camping, a visual arts and music center and more.
Oakleigh South Primary School, Oakleigh South
School Sector: Government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Oakleigh South Primary School in Oakleigh South boasts high academic excellence with a strong focus on literacy and numeracy. The school also offers learning paths in the areas of music, visual arts, sports and sustainability. Oakleigh South observes a modern approach to learning with the aid of information and communication technology along with its state-of-the-art facilities that host many school activities as well as community gatherings and recreational events.
Glendal Primary School, Glen Waverley
School Sector: Government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Glendal Primary School is guided by the school’s mantra: ‘I am part of the team that inspires life long learning’. Glendal is also notably a founder school of the Joint Environmental Mission (JEM) program that highlights sustainability and environment education.
When it comes to wellbeing, the school’s program is based on the Department of Education’s 4R’s: resilience, rights and respectful relationships, mindfulness and other diverse wellbeing practices for all ages. Additionally, Glendal Primary School has put forward VEX robotics in its curriculum and have seen students win competition both locally and abroad.
Westgarth Primary School, Northcote
School Sector: Government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Westgarth Primary School takes pride in providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for young learners. The school’s teaching and operational staff all undergo Cultural Understanding and Safety Training, which heightens their understanding of Indigenous culture and the important of inclusion and equity in high-quality education.
Aside from the standard academic curriculum, students are treated to an opportunity to pursue personal interests in visual arts, digital technology, music and more. Additionally, Year 6 and Year 4 take part in a 3-day camp to hone their interpersonal and leadership skills.
Trinity Grammar School, Kew
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Kindergarten – Year 12
The Trinity Grammar School in Kew is an independent Anglican school for boys located at the heart of the inner-East suburbs of Melbourne. The school boasts outstanding academic results from the junior level through to VCE. To go with its academic curriculum, Trinity runs a dynamic co-curricular program that includes many learning opportunities in technology, design performing arts, hospitality, and various sports. Additionally, as a result of the Coordinate Program with Ruyton Girls’ School, Trinity students are able to enrich their learning experience in a co-educational learning environment.
Deepdene Primary School, Balwyn
School Sector: Government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Deepdene Primary School strives to provide a learning community where lifelong learners can thrive and support each other in achieving their best selves. The school also champions cultural diversity and strong relationships based on mutual respect and integrity. On top of its academic programs, Deepdene Primary School offers specialist programs that cater to the interests of students to learn more about health and physical education, French, visual arts, STEM and performing arts to name a few.
St Kevin’s College, Toorak
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
St Kevin’s College supports education from Prep through to Year 12 across its three state-of-the-art campuses. St Kevin’s academic traditions are rooted in upholding family values, spiritual development, academic success and cultural awareness. Beyond usual studies and commitments, students are encouraged to participate in co-curriculars such as music, theater, debate and public speaking as well as various outdoor and recreational sports. In addition, St Kevin’s exercises a strong, evidenced-based well-being and mental health program across all levels.
Braemar College, Woodend
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Year 5 – 12
Braemar College in Woodend takes pride in its contemporary teaching methods that include flexible and tailored learning strategies and integrated digital media. It was one of the first schools in Australia to issue an iPad to every student to boost their learning experience.
The college is also known for its dynamic but balanced curriculum with weighted importance on the academic, cultural, physical and social needs of its students. While the school was founded on Christian principles, Braemar welcomes all students regardless of their beliefs and encourages them to be critical, independent thinkers in their academic pursuits.
St Cecilia’s School, Glen Iris
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
St Cecilia’s is a co-educational Catholic school accommodating Prep to Year 6 pupils. The school offers a well-balanced primary education that is anchored on strong foundations on numeracy and literacy. In addition to this, St Cecilia’s offers a diverse range of extra-curricular programs in the arts, music, French, camps and sports.
St Cecilia’s Primary School curriculum provisions the spiritual, social, intellectual, physical, emotional and creative development of all students. Their leadership strives to work with the school community, parish, and parents in strengthening relationships and promoting active community engagement among its young learners.
Methodist Ladies’ College, Kew
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) in Kew boasts exceptional academic results in the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB), Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and The National Assessment Program (NAPLAN). Furthermore, MLC is recognized for its expansive curriculm and diverse co-curricular selections that include over 30 sports and 20 music studies for students of all ages and abilities.
MLC also offers its 3-story Tiddeman Boarding House for students Year 7 through 12. This state-of-the-art building can host up to 100 students and is supported by a comprehensive 24-hour security system and patrol. Students can also relax in the cozy Common Room or the Sun Room, as well as use amenities such as lounges, entertainment sets, a kitchenette, art space, a courtyard garden and an in-house gym.
Hampton Primary School, Bayside
School Sector: Government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Hampton Primary School is one of Bayside’s best local schools with a rich local history that dates back to 1913. The school strives to provide an engaging and uplifting learning experience based on its celebrated school norms: collaboration, integrity, aspiration and resilience.
When it comes to its curriculum, Hampton proudly enlists a holistic philosophy that promotes equal importance on academic excellence, multicultural awareness and positive well-being. These programs are then reinforced in various co-curriculars such as visual arts, music, digital technology and other extracurricular activities. Hampton also offers a Mandarin program with a focus on meaningful communication and cultural appreciation.
South Yarra Primary School, South Yarra
School Sector: Government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
South Yarra Primary School puts great emphasis on wellbeing and inclusive learning that maximizes opportunities for all students. The school puts forward a strong focus on individual learning experiences for children of all backgrounds. Additionally, students are continually assessed in order to thoughtfully plan learning programs that can address different learning speeds and needs.
Kilvington Grammar School, Ormond
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Kilvington Grammar School is a tight-knit, independent, co-educational Baptist school in Melbourne established in 1923. The school is known for its strong relationship with its community and comprehensive path from early learning to VCE.
Kilvington students are also introduced to parallel learning at Years 7 to 9 where they are able to have enriching experiences in both single-gender and co-educational classes for English, Physical Education, Sciences and Health. Aside from its established academic curriculum, Kilvington offers flagship programs in STEAM, robotics, performing arts, writing and global connections.
Doncaster Gardens Primary School, Doncaster East
School Sector: Government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Doncaster Gardens Primary School is one of Doncaster East’s top government primary schools with robust community ties and a budding program for international students. Aside from standard learning facilities, students and families are able to enjoy an Out of School Hours Care (OSH Club) Room, Performing Arts Center and multiple playgrounds. The campus also recently redeveloped a STEAM center with a fully-equipped art room, Makerspace, and ICT center.
Sholem Aleichem College, Elsternwick
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Sholem Aleichem College is a secular Jewish private school and early learning center with an inclusive community setting for the study of Yiddish language and culture. The college also extends a dynamic general curriculum of Jewish Studies and Hebrew on top of excellent standard literacy and numeracy learning programs.
Sholem is passionate about cultivating a culture that celebrates mutual respect and the values of freedom, peace and social justice. Lastly, the school features an in-house psychologist who supports the well-being of students, staff and even parents in the Sholem Aleichem College community.
Wheelers Hill Primary School, Wheelers Hill
School Sector: Government
Year Range: Prep – Year 6
Wheelers Hill Primary School enjoys a well-founded reputation within the Wheelers Hill community and has an established track record in providing exemplary learning outcomes in literacy and numeracy among both local and private primary schools. The curriculum also supports up-to-date frameworks on areas of English, Social Education, Technology, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Languages, The Arts, and Communication Technology.
One of the school’s flagship programs is the school-wide positive behaviour support (SWPBS) focused on the development of a positive, safe and supportive learning culture across all levels. The SWPBS is an evidence-based that is also championed in schools worldwide.
Melbourne Grammar School, Melbourne
School Sector: Non-government
Year Range: Prep – Year 12
Melbourne Grammar School (MGS) is one of Australia’s most decorated independent schools with an established history of academic excellence expanding to more than 160 years. MGS retains its Anglican heritage while also providing warm entry from families of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.
Prep to Year 6 students are enrolled in coeducational classes at the academy’s Caulfield Junior School, Grimwade House. Year 7 and 8 boys take their teachings at Wadhurst, while St. Kilda Road in South Yarra is home to Middle School. One of MGS’s flagship projects is the First Nations Program, which promotes knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and celebrates the MGS’s Indigenous student population.
Primary Schools in Melbourne Shaping the Future
As we reflect on the top 38 primary schools in Melbourne, it becomes evident that these educational institutions are more than just places of learning; they are vibrant communities that foster intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. Each school’s unique approach, whether rooted in tradition or embracing innovation, contributes to the rich tapestry of educational options available to families in the city.
As Melbourne’s top primary schools continue to shape the lives of countless students, they underscore the city’s commitment to providing quality education that instills a lifelong love of learning, a respect for diversity, and a readiness to contribute positively to society. Through their collective efforts, these schools pave the way for a brighter future, one where each student’s potential is realized and the seeds of positive change are sown.
