Top 20 Private Schools In Australia 2026 Requirements

Australia is home to numerous private schools that provide students with academic education, extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities and personal development programmes. These institutions include independent schools, Anglican schools, Catholic schools and other faith-based educational establishments.

For parents seeking quality education for their children, choosing a private school involves considering several factors, including academic programmes, school fees, location, admission requirements, facilities and the availability of boarding accommodation.

However, gaining admission into an Australian private school is not always as simple as submitting an application. Depending on the institution and year level, prospective students may need to provide academic transcripts, complete entrance assessments, attend interviews or satisfy additional enrolment conditions.

This article explores 20 well-known private schools in Australia and their general admission requirements. It covers institutions in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

Whether you are an Australian resident or an international family exploring educational opportunities, this guide will help you understand the application process and identify schools worth researching further.

Top 20 Private Schools in Australia and Their Requirements

1. Sydney Grammar School – New South Wales

Sydney Grammar School is an independent boys’ school located in Sydney, New South Wales. It provides education across primary and secondary levels and is known for its longstanding academic tradition.

The school may appeal to families seeking a structured educational environment with opportunities for intellectual development, extracurricular participation and personal growth.

Admission requirements

Prospective families should:

• Submit an application through the school’s enrolment process.

• Provide the student’s birth certificate or other required identity documentation.

• Supply previous school reports where requested.

• Complete entrance examinations or assessments applicable to the intended entry year.

• Participate in interviews or other admission activities if required.

• Meet the school’s age and year-level eligibility conditions.

Parents should confirm the relevant application deadlines and assessment arrangements before applying.

2. The King’s School – New South Wales

The King’s School is an independent boys’ school in North Parramatta, Sydney. It offers day and boarding education, providing options for families living locally and those considering residential schooling.

Its educational programme includes academic learning alongside sporting, cultural and other extracurricular activities.

Admission requirements

Applicants may need to:

• Complete the school’s enrolment application.

• Provide proof of identity and date of birth.

• Submit previous academic reports and other requested records.

• Participate in entrance assessments or interviews where applicable.

• Complete additional boarding documentation if applying for residential accommodation.

• Meet the school’s entry-year and enrolment conditions.

Families interested in boarding should enquire about accommodation availability, additional costs and any separate boarding admission procedures.

3. SCEGGS Darlinghurst – New South Wales

SCEGGS Darlinghurst is an independent Anglican girls’ school located in Sydney. It offers education from junior years through secondary school.

The school provides academic instruction alongside opportunities for participation in music, sport, leadership and other activities.

Admission requirements

Parents considering SCEGGS Darlinghurst should:

• Submit an application for the intended year level.

• Provide the required identity and birth documentation.

• Supply previous school reports where requested.

• Complete any applicable entrance assessments or interviews.

• Provide additional information requested by the admissions team.

• Meet the school’s enrolment conditions and entry requirements.

Families should check whether applications are open for their preferred year level and whether a waiting list applies.

4. Melbourne Grammar School – Victoria

Melbourne Grammar School is an independent boys’ school in Melbourne, Victoria. It offers junior, middle and senior school programmes, together with day and boarding options.

The school provides academic education and a variety of opportunities for students to participate in sporting, cultural and personal development activities.

Admission requirements

The school’s admission process may involve:

• Submitting an application and paying the applicable application fee.

• Providing the student’s birth certificate, passport or equivalent documentation.

• Supplying previous academic reports.

• Completing entrance assessments for applicable year levels.

• Meeting the school’s conditions of entry.

• Providing additional documentation for boarding or international enrolment, where relevant.

The school accepts applications from an early stage, but applying does not guarantee an offer of admission.

5. Scotch College – Victoria

Scotch College is an independent boys’ school located in Hawthorn, Melbourne. It offers a broad educational programme that combines classroom learning with extracurricular opportunities.

The school also provides boarding, making it an option for some families who live outside metropolitan Melbourne.

Admission requirements

Prospective students may be required to:

• Complete the school’s application process.

• Provide birth and identity documentation.

• Submit previous school reports and other requested academic information.

• Participate in assessments or interviews where required.

• Meet the relevant age and year-level criteria.

• Complete additional boarding documentation if applying as a boarder.

Parents should contact the admissions office to confirm the application timeline and requirements for their child’s intended entry year.

6. Geelong Grammar School – Victoria

Geelong Grammar School is an independent coeducational school in Victoria. It offers day and boarding education and operates multiple campuses.

The school provides a broad educational experience, with opportunities for academic learning, extracurricular participation and personal development.

Admission requirements

Applicants should be prepared to:

• Submit an enrolment application.

• Provide proof of identity and previous educational history.

• Supply academic reports and other requested documents.

• Participate in interviews or assessments where applicable.

• Complete additional boarding requirements if relevant.

• Meet the requirements for the intended campus and year level.

Families should establish which campus and educational pathway best suit their circumstances before applying.

7. Wesley College – Victoria

Wesley College is an independent coeducational school with campuses in Melbourne. It provides education across several year levels and offers academic and extracurricular programmes.

Its coeducational environment may be of interest to families seeking a school where boys and girls learn together.

Admission requirements

The application process may require:

• A completed enrolment application.

• Proof of identity and date of birth.

• Previous school reports and relevant academic records.

• Interviews or assessments where required.

• Additional information requested by the admissions office.

• Compliance with the school’s enrolment and fee conditions.

Parents should confirm the application process and available places at their preferred campus.

8. Brisbane Grammar School – Queensland

Brisbane Grammar School is an independent boys’ school located in Spring Hill, Brisbane. It offers secondary education and a range of academic, sporting and cultural activities.

Families considering the school should examine its curriculum, entry requirements and educational opportunities to determine whether they match their child’s needs.

Admission requirements

Applicants may need to:

• Submit an application for the appropriate year level.

• Provide identity and birth documentation.

• Supply previous academic reports.

• Complete entrance assessments or interviews where applicable.

• Meet the school’s entry criteria.

• Provide additional documents for international applications, if required.

Parents should confirm the school’s intake schedule and any assessment requirements before submitting an application.

9. Anglican Church Grammar School – Queensland

Anglican Church Grammar School, commonly known as Churchie, is an Anglican boys’ school in East Brisbane.

It offers day and boarding education and provides opportunities for academic learning, sport, music, leadership and other activities.

Admission requirements

Families should be prepared to:

• Complete the school’s enrolment application.

• Submit the student’s identity documentation.

• Provide previous school reports and other requested records.

• Participate in assessments or interviews where applicable.

• Complete boarding application procedures if relevant.

• Meet the school’s entry-year and enrolment conditions.

Those interested in boarding should confirm availability and the additional requirements that may apply.

10. St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Queensland

St Joseph’s Nudgee College is a Catholic boys’ school located in Brisbane. It offers day and boarding education and provides a learning environment shaped by its Catholic educational tradition.

The school combines academic programmes with opportunities for sporting, cultural and personal development.

Admission requirements

Prospective families may need to:

• Submit an enrolment application.

• Provide proof of identity and previous educational history.

• Supply academic reports and supporting documents.

• Attend an interview or assessment where required.

• Complete additional boarding forms if applicable.

• Meet the school’s enrolment and entry-year conditions.

Applicants should confirm any enrolment priorities or expectations connected with the school’s Catholic identity.

11. St Peter’s College – South Australia

St Peter’s College is an independent Anglican boys’ school in Adelaide, South Australia. It provides junior and secondary education and offers a range of academic and extracurricular activities.

Families considering the school should investigate its curriculum, educational environment and application process.

Admission requirements

Applicants may be asked to:

• Submit an application for the intended year level.

• Provide birth and identity documentation.

• Supply previous school reports.

• Participate in interviews or assessments where required.

• Meet the school’s age and year-level requirements.

• Provide additional information requested by the admissions office.

Parents should enquire about application deadlines and availability before beginning the process.

12. Pembroke School – South Australia

Pembroke School is an independent coeducational school in Adelaide. It offers education from early learning through senior secondary years.

Its educational programme includes classroom learning and opportunities for students to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities.

Admission requirements

Families should prepare to:

• Complete the school’s enrolment application.

• Provide the student’s birth certificate or equivalent identification.

• Submit previous school reports where applicable.

• Participate in assessments or interviews if required.

• Supply additional documentation requested by the school.

• Meet the school’s entry-year and enrolment conditions.

Parents should contact the admissions office to establish whether places are available for the intended year level.

13. Christ Church Grammar School – Western Australia

Christ Church Grammar School is an independent Anglican boys’ school in Claremont, Perth. It offers day and boarding education.

The school provides academic instruction alongside opportunities for sporting, cultural and personal development.

Admission requirements

Applicants may need to:

• Submit an enrolment application.

• Provide identity and birth documentation.

• Supply previous school reports and other requested records.

• Complete interviews or assessments where applicable.

• Submit additional boarding documentation if relevant.

• Meet the school’s entry-year and enrolment conditions.

Families interested in boarding should confirm the application process, accommodation arrangements and associated costs.

14. Hale School – Western Australia

Hale School is an independent boys’ school in Wembley Downs, Perth. It offers day and boarding education and provides academic and extracurricular opportunities.

The school may be considered by families seeking a boys’ educational environment in Western Australia.

Admission requirements

The admission process may include:

• Completing an enrolment application.

• Providing proof of identity and date of birth.

• Submitting previous academic reports.

• Participating in assessments or interviews where required.

• Completing additional boarding documentation if applicable.

• Meeting the school’s age, entry-year and enrolment conditions.

Parents should enquire about application timing and the availability of boarding places.

15. Perth College – Western Australia

Perth College is an independent Anglican school in Mount Lawley, Perth. It educates girls from Pre-Primary through Year 12 and accepts boys and girls in its early learning years. Boarding is also available.

The school offers academic education alongside opportunities for participation in extracurricular and personal development activities.

Admission requirements

The school may request:

• An online enrolment application.

• A birth certificate and relevant citizenship, residency or visa documents.

• Previous school reports, where applicable.

• NAPLAN results and specialist reports, where relevant.

• An interview if a place is available and one is offered.

• Additional boarding documentation if required.

The school advises families to apply well ahead for key entry years. Waiting lists may apply, so parents should confirm the current process and availability.

16. Methodist Ladies’ College – Victoria

Methodist Ladies’ College is an independent girls’ school in Melbourne. It provides education across junior and senior year levels and offers academic, cultural, sporting and personal development opportunities.

Families considering the school should explore its curriculum and enrolment process to determine whether it meets their child’s educational needs.

Admission requirements

Prospective students may need to:

• Complete the school’s enrolment application.

• Provide birth and identity documentation.

• Submit previous academic reports and other requested records.

• Participate in assessments or interviews where required.

• Provide additional documentation for international enrolment, if applicable.

• Meet the school’s age and year-level requirements.

Parents should confirm the current application deadlines and availability of places.

17. Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Melbourne – Victoria

Presbyterian Ladies’ College Melbourne is an independent Presbyterian girls’ school in Burwood, Victoria. It offers education from early learning through secondary school and provides boarding facilities.

Its educational programme includes academic learning and opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities.

Admission requirements

Applicants may be required to:

• Submit an application for the intended entry year.

• Provide proof of identity and date of birth.

• Supply previous school reports and other requested academic records.

• Complete assessments or interviews where applicable.

• Submit boarding documentation if applying for residential accommodation.

• Meet the school’s entry and enrolment conditions.

Families should contact the admissions office to confirm the requirements for their preferred year level.

18. The Geelong College – Victoria

The Geelong College is an independent coeducational school in Geelong, Victoria. It offers day and boarding education and provides programmes across different age groups.

The school combines academic learning with opportunities for extracurricular involvement and personal development.

Admission requirements

The application process may involve:

• Completing the school’s enrolment application.

• Providing birth and identity documents.

• Submitting previous academic reports.

• Participating in interviews or assessments where required.

• Completing boarding-related documentation if applicable.

• Meeting the school’s entry-year and enrolment criteria.

Parents should ask about available places, application timing and any additional requirements for boarding students.

19. St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls – Western Australia

St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls is an Anglican girls’ school in Perth. It offers education from early learning through secondary school and provides boarding for eligible students.

The school offers academic programmes alongside opportunities for sporting, cultural and personal development.

Admission requirements

Prospective families may need to:

• Submit an enrolment application.

• Provide the student’s birth certificate or equivalent identification.

• Supply previous academic reports and requested records.

• Participate in assessments or interviews where applicable.

• Complete additional boarding documentation if required.

• Meet the school’s entry-year and enrolment conditions.

Families should confirm the current application process and boarding availability before applying.

20. Caulfield Grammar School – Victoria

Caulfield Grammar School is an independent coeducational school in Melbourne, Victoria. It operates multiple campuses and offers a range of academic and extracurricular programmes.

Its coeducational environment and campus options may be relevant to families comparing private education opportunities in Melbourne.

Admission requirements

Applicants may be asked to:

• Complete the school’s application process.

• Provide proof of identity and date of birth.

• Submit previous school reports and academic records.

• Participate in assessments or interviews where required.

• Provide additional information for international applications, where applicable.

• Meet the school’s entry-year and enrolment conditions.

Parents should confirm the admission requirements for their preferred campus and year level.

Comparison Table: 20 Private Schools in Australia

The following table provides a quick overview of the schools discussed in this guide.

Admission procedures vary between schools. Entrance examinations, interviews, boarding arrangements and international student requirements should be confirmed with the relevant admissions office.

Important Factors to Consider When Applying

School Fees and Additional Expenses

Private school fees vary depending on the institution, year level and educational arrangements.

In addition to tuition, families may need to budget for uniforms, books, technology, excursions, extracurricular activities, application fees and other charges.

Boarding students may face additional accommodation and residential expenses.

Request a current fee schedule before accepting an offer so that you understand the total expected cost.

Day School or Boarding School

Some families prefer day schools because they want their children to live at home. Others may consider boarding schools because of their location, family circumstances or educational preferences.

If boarding is important to your decision, confirm whether it is available for the intended year level and whether separate application procedures apply.

Academic Programmes and Extracurricular Activities

Compare the subjects, learning pathways and extracurricular opportunities available at each institution.

Consider whether the school provides programmes that match your child’s interests, such as science, technology, music, sport, creative arts, leadership or community service.

It is also useful to ask about learning support, student wellbeing and the school’s approach to personal development.

International Student Applications

International applicants should confirm that their chosen school accepts overseas students for the intended year level.

Additional requirements may include English-language assessments, translated academic reports, passport documentation and appropriate visa arrangements.

Families should also establish whether boarding or welfare arrangements are available when needed.

Application Deadlines and Waiting Lists

Some schools accept applications several years before the intended starting date, while others may have different enrolment schedules.

Ask each school about application deadlines, waiting lists, entrance assessments, interviews and the deadline for accepting an offer.

Applying early can give families more time to prepare documentation and consider alternatives if their preferred school has no available places.

Related

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Conclusion

Australia offers a wide variety of private schools, including independent, Anglican, Catholic and other faith-based institutions. The 20 schools featured in this guide provide examples of educational opportunities across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

When comparing schools, parents should consider more than reputation. Location, school fees, curriculum, admission requirements, boarding availability, extracurricular opportunities and student support can all influence whether a school is suitable for a particular child.

The admission process also differs between institutions. Some schools may require entrance examinations or interviews, while others may place greater emphasis on academic records, application timing or other enrolment conditions.

Before applying, contact the admissions office of each school you are considering. Request its latest enrolment guide, confirm the requirements for your child’s year level, check application deadlines and obtain a complete breakdown of fees.

With careful preparation and a clear understanding of the available options, families can make informed decisions about private education in Australia and identify schools that align with their children’s educational needs and future aspirations.

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