Disclaimer: While we're all about crunching numbers and digging into data, let's remember that it's just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to picking the right school for your children. Sure, data doesn't lie, but it's up to you to interpret it. There's a whole world beyond spreadsheets and stats – think school tours, chatting with other parents, walking around the area, and gut feelings. So, take our insights with a pinch of salt, do your homework, and trust your instincts. Happy reading!
Have you considered sending your children to a single-sex school but are hesitant due to the high costs associated with private education?
In this article, we will explore the options for single-sex government schools in Melbourne and Geelong - from a data perspective.
To begin, it's important to note that there are currently no single-sex government primary schools across Australia. As of the time of writing, there are only three independent primary-only schools, one located in Victoria and two in New South Wales. Therefore, this article will focus on secondary schools.
For families with boys residing in either Melbourne or Geelong, Melbourne High School stands as the sole option. Melbourne High School is a government selective school catering to students from Year 9 to 12. Admission to Melbourne High School requires applicants to undergo an examination that assesses academic achievement. Notably, selective schools do not have designated catchment areas, and competition for admission is consistently high. For further information, please refer to the official website.
Fortunately for families with daughters, there are more options available. Alongside MacRobertson Girls High School, a selective girls-only institution, there are five non-selective government girls-only schools. Four of these are situated in Melbourne, with the remaining one located in Geelong.
Below are some key figures from these girls-only schools in 2023.
Canterbury Girls Secondary College | Canterbury VIC 3126 (Melbourne Inner East) Rating: 7.07 | Median VCE: 32 | VCE 40+: 12.8% | ICSEA: 1135 (93%) | Non-English background: 37%
Melbourne Girls College | Richmond VIC 3121(Melbourne Inner) Rating: 6.99 | Median VCE: 33 | VCE 40+: 14.4% | ICSEA: 1139 (93%) | Non-English background: 30%
Mentone Girls Secondary College | Mentone VIC 3194(Melbourne Inner South) Rating: 6.80 | Median VCE: 32 | VCE 40+: 11.4% | ICSEA: 1091 (82%) | Non-English background: 25%
Pascoe Vale Girls Secondary College | Pascoe Vale VIC 3044(Melbourne North West) Rating: 5.92 | Median VCE: 26 | VCE 40+: 1.7% | ICSEA: 989 (41%) | Non-English background: 85%
Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College | Geelong VIC 3220 (1 hour drive/train-ride from Melbourne) Rating: 6.28 | Median VCE: 27 | VCE 40+: 2.5% | ICSEA: 1033 (62%) | Non-English background: 15%
As single-sex schools, their catchment zones are usually wider than co-ed schools. If there are remaining spaces after in-zone intakes, out-of-zone candidates will be considered. For precise information regarding the likelihood of enrolment for out-of-zone candidates, it is advisable to directly consult the respective schools to confirm the likeliness.
The map shows their catchment zones for 2025.
Now, let's dive deeper into each school's specifics.
Canterbury Girls Secondary College
Property Median Price for nearby suburbs
3-Bedroom House: ~ $2 - $2.8M
3-Bedroom Unit: ~ $1.1 - $1.7M
(click on map below for breakdown)
Please note, residing in out-of-school-zone address, regardless of proximity to the school, does not guarantee admission.
Rating, Ranking, VCE Result and Birthplace of Nearby Schools / Areas
Rating, ranking and VCE results are all among the top performing government schools in the area
China is the predominant foreign birthplace (excluding people from NZ and UK), with some suburbs over 10% of total population
Melbourne Girls College
Property Median Price for nearby suburbs
3-Bedroom House: ~ $1.5 - $2.4M (Toorak is traditionally one of the most prestigious and expensive suburb in Melbourne)
3-Bedroom Unit: ~ $1 - $1.5M
(click on map below for breakdown)
Please note, residing in out-of-school-zone address, regardless of proximity to the school, does not guarantee admission.
Rating, Ranking, VCE Result and Birthplace of Nearby Schools / Areas
Rating, ranking and VCE results are all among the top performing government schools in the area
China is the predominant foreign birthplace (excluding people from NZ and UK), followed by Vietnam and India
Mentone Girls Secondary College
Property Median Price for nearby suburbs
3-Bedroom House: ~ $1.2 - $2.1M
3-Bedroom Unit: ~ $0.9 - $1.3M
(click on map below for breakdown)
Please note, residing in out-of-school-zone address, regardless of proximity to the school, does not guarantee admission.
Rating, Ranking, VCE Result and Birthplace of Nearby Schools / Areas
Number 1 government schools for rating, ranking and VCE results in the area
The beachside suburbs have a relatively low population from foreign birthplace (excluding people from NZ and UK). China is the leading birthplace, but with only around 1-3% of total population.
Pascoe Vale Girls Secondary College
Property Median Price for nearby suburbs
3-Bedroom House: ~ $0.7 - $1.3M
3-Bedroom Unit: ~ $0.6 - $0.9M
(click on map below for breakdown)
Please note, residing in out-of-school-zone address, regardless of proximity to the school, does not guarantee admission.
Rating, Ranking, VCE Result and Birthplace of Nearby Schools / Areas
Rating, ranking and VCE results are slightly above average compare to government schools in the area
Italy is the most common foreign birthplace (excluding people from NZ and UK). Other prevalent countries include Iraq, India, Nepal and Pakistan.
Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College
Property Median Price for nearby suburbs
3-Bedroom House: ~ $0.6 - $1M
3-Bedroom Unit: ~ $0.6 - $0.8M
(click on map below for breakdown)
Please note, residing in out-of-school-zone address, regardless of proximity to the school, does not guarantee admission.
Rating, Ranking, VCE Result and Birthplace of Nearby Schools / Areas
Rating and ranking results are near the top of government schools in the area, while VCE results are also well above average.
Geelong have a modest population from foreign birthplace (excluding people from NZ and UK). India emerges as the primary birthplace, comprising only approximately 1-3% of the total population.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while exploring the option of single-sex government schools in and around Melbourne and Geelong, it's essential to consider various factors beyond just data. While the data provides valuable insights into academic performance and demographics, factors such as location, property prices, and personal preferences also play significant roles in decision-making.
Below is a recap on the five government girls-only, non-selective secondary schools in and around Melbourne.
Canterbury Girls Secondary College and Melbourne Girls College
Both schools excel academically and enjoy proximity to the CBD. The surrounding suburbs boast a significant Chinese population, contributing to a vibrant cultural atmosphere. However, property prices in these areas tend to be relatively high.
Mentone Girls Secondary College
The school boasts strong academic achievements and enjoys proximity to the beachside suburbs in the southeast. While property prices are more affordable, reaching the city requires a 40-50 minute train ride. The majority of the population are native English speakers, with a modest representation from foreign, non-English speaking countries.
Pascoe Vale Secondary College
Situated in the northern suburb of Pascoe Vale, the school demonstrates an average academic performance. Properties in the area are notably more affordable, with a typical train journey to the city lasting 25-30 minutes. The community boasts rich cultural diversity, drawing residents from a variety of backgrounds including India, Iraq, Pakistan, Italy, and Nepal. Notably, the school has a high percentage of students with non-English backgrounds, comprising 85% of the student population.
Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College
Situated in Geelong, an hour's journey from Melbourne, the school boasts above-average academic results. The majority of residents in the nearby suburbs either born locally or from English-speaking countries, particularly the UK and New Zealand. While property prices are typically more affordable compared to Melbourne, it's important to factor in travel time if you'll be commuting to Melbourne for work.