It's a Big Decision — and There's No Single Right Answer
Choosing between public and private schooling is one of the most significant decisions Victorian families face. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the options, opinions, and information out there. The truth is, there's no universally "better" choice. What works brilliantly for one family may not suit another at all.
This guide lays out the key differences — costs, class sizes, curriculum, facilities, and entry processes — so you can make an informed decision based on what matters most for your child and your family.
Cost Comparison
This is often the first thing parents consider, and understandably so.
Public schools in Victoria are government-funded and don't charge tuition fees. However, they aren't entirely free. Most families can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 per year for things like:
- School uniforms
- Stationery and textbook levies
- Camps, excursions, and extracurricular activities
- Voluntary building and library fund contributions
Private schools (independent and Catholic) charge tuition fees that vary enormously depending on the school. As a rough guide:
- Catholic systemic schools: $2,000–$8,000 per year
- Independent schools: $15,000–$40,000+ per year
These fees typically cover more inclusions — technology, some extracurriculars, and enhanced facilities — but the out-of-pocket cost is significantly higher.
The scholarship factor: Many private schools offer academic, music, sport, and general excellence scholarships that can reduce fees by anywhere from 25% to 100%. For families who wouldn't otherwise consider private schooling, a scholarship can make it genuinely accessible. We cover the testing side of this further below.
Class Sizes
Class size is often cited as a key differentiator, though the gap may be smaller than you'd expect.
- Public schools: Class sizes typically range from 20 to 28 students, depending on the school and year level. Government schools follow Department of Education staffing guidelines.
- Private schools: Many aim for smaller classes, often between 18 and 24 students, though this varies by school and isn't guaranteed.
Smaller classes can mean more individual attention, but class size alone doesn't determine quality of teaching. A skilled teacher with 25 students can absolutely provide an excellent learning experience.
Curriculum
Here's something that surprises many parents: all Victorian schools — public and private — follow the Victorian Curriculum as set by the VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority). The core learning areas, achievement standards, and reporting requirements are the same.
Where private schools sometimes differ is in what they offer in addition to the Victorian Curriculum:
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Some private (and a few public) schools offer the IB programme alongside or instead of VCE
- VCE enhancement programs: Accelerated subjects, additional electives, or partnerships with universities
- Specialist programs: Dedicated streams in STEM, performing arts, languages, or sport
It's worth noting that many public schools also offer excellent specialist programs — selective-entry government schools, SEAL (Select Entry Accelerated Learning) programs, and schools with strong reputations in music, sport, or languages.
Facilities and Resources
Private schools, particularly those at the higher end of the fee scale, often have impressive facilities: modern science labs, performing arts centres, Olympic-standard pools, dedicated music buildings, and expansive grounds.
That said, many public schools are well-resourced too. The Victorian Government has invested significantly in school infrastructure in recent years, and some government schools have facilities that rival their private counterparts — particularly newer builds and schools in growth corridors.
When visiting schools, it's worth looking beyond the buildings. Ask about:
- How technology is integrated into learning
- Library and learning support resources
- Specialist teacher availability
- Extracurricular programs and clubs
The quality of a school's community, leadership, and teaching staff often matters more than the age of its gymnasium.
Scholarship Pathways
For families considering private schooling, scholarships are a significant pathway worth exploring. Most private schools in Victoria offer scholarships for Year 7 entry (and sometimes Year 9 or Year 10), typically in these categories:
- Academic scholarships — based on exam performance and school reports
- Music scholarships — usually requiring an audition
- Sport scholarships — based on demonstrated achievement
- General excellence — a combination of academics, extracurriculars, and character
How the Process Works
The academic scholarship process usually involves:
- Application: Submitting an application form, school reports, and sometimes a personal statement
- Entrance exam: Sitting a standardised test, most commonly through ACER, Edutest, or AAS
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates are typically invited for an interview with school staff
- Offer: Scholarship offers range from partial fee reduction (e.g., 25% or 50%) to full fee coverage
Each testing provider has its own exam format and question styles. If your child is preparing for scholarship exams, understanding the specific format they'll be sitting is important. We've put together a detailed breakdown in our guide to scholarship exam formats in Victoria.
Selection and Entry Processes
Public schools in Victoria generally operate on a neighbourhood zoning system. Your child is entitled to attend the government school in your designated zone. Some families factor school zones into decisions about where to live. A small number of government schools are selective-entry (such as Melbourne High School and Mac.Robertson Girls' High School for Year 9 entry), requiring students to sit an entrance exam.
Private schools each set their own entry criteria. Some are relatively open in their enrolment, while others are highly selective. Common elements include:
- Waiting lists (some families register at birth)
- Entrance exams or assessments
- Interviews with the student and family
- School reports and references
For popular schools, it's worth enquiring about the enrolment process well in advance — timelines and requirements vary considerably.
What Matters Most
After all the comparisons, here's what it comes down to: the right school is the one that fits your child.
Some children thrive in larger, more diverse school communities. Others do better with smaller cohorts and more structure. Some families prioritise proximity and community connection. Others prioritise specific academic or extracurricular programs.
When making your decision, consider:
- Your child's personality and learning style — do they need more individual attention, or do they thrive independently?
- Your family's values — is a particular religious or philosophical ethos important to you?
- Location and logistics — how far are you willing to travel? What does the commute look like for your child?
- Financial comfort — can you sustain school fees for the full duration without undue stress?
- The specific schools available to you — a great public school in your zone might suit your child better than a prestigious private school across town
Visit schools. Talk to other parents. Ask your child what feels right to them. And remember — no school choice is permanent. Families transfer between public and private schooling all the time, and children adapt.
Getting Started
If you're exploring the scholarship pathway, early and consistent preparation makes a real difference — not cramming, but steady, low-pressure practice that builds genuine understanding.
PrepHQ offers practice sessions for ACER and Edutest scholarship exam formats, designed to help students build confidence at their own pace. Each session takes just a few minutes, with detailed explanations that teach the reasoning behind every answer.
Create a free account and see how it works for your family.