Australia’s Top High Schools by State | 2025 Complete Guide

If you have teens, picking the right high school is probably high on your list. With so many schools out there, narrowing down the top secondary schools in Australia can feel a bit overwhelming — that’s where we come in.

Whether you’re curious about high-performing secondary schools in Sydney, top-rated schools in Melbourne, or standout options elsewhere, we’ve done the hard work for you.

This guide removes the guesswork and breaks down the top secondary schools in Australia by every state and major city.

• Best secondary schools in Australia
• Top ranking secondary schools across the country
• Best secondary schools in Victoria
• Best secondary schools in New South Wales
• Best secondary schools in Queensland
• Best secondary schools in the Australian Capital Territory
• Best secondary schools in Western Australia
• Top secondary schools in South Australia
• Best secondary schools in Tasmania
• Best secondary schools in the Northern Territory
• The difference between government vs non-government schools
• What to keep in mind if you're making the move for school

Best secondary schools in Australia

When it comes to finding the best secondary schools in Australia, there’s a lot to consider. Generally speaking, the top secondary schools are known for their strong academic results, with government selective schools, especially in NSW, often leading the charge. Now, let’s take a closer look at the top performers across the country, and then broken down by state and territory.

Top ranking secondary schools across the country

Best secondary schools in Victoria

Victoria boasts a variety of top secondary schools, with a strong mix of government and non-government institutions. While Melbourne High School and Mac Robertson Girls High School lead the way in academic results, there are also plenty of independent schools that shine in both academics and extracurricular offerings. Here are some of the top secondary schools in the state:

Top ranking secondary school in Victoria - Melbourne High School

Melbourne High is a boys-only government selective school that sets the bar for academic excellence in Victoria. With a strong focus on leadership, arts, and academics, it’s a high-achieving school that’s proud of its traditions - and its long list of successful grads.

Best secondary schools in New South Wales

New South Wales is home to some of Australia’s top-performing secondary schools, and many of the highest-ranked are government schools. These schools have earned their spot thanks to strong academic results.

Top ranking secondary school in NSW - James Ruse Agricultural High School

James Ruse Agricultural High School isn’t just a top performer in New South Wales - it’s consistently ranked the best in the country. This government selective school in Carlingford is known for sky-high academic results, particularly in maths and science.

Best secondary schools in Queensland

Queensland has a strong mix of government and independent secondary schools making waves in academic performance. Whether you're after a specialised government option or a well-established independent school, there are plenty of standout choices. From science-focused institutions to Brisbane’s prestigious grammar schools, here are some of the top performers in the Sunshine State:

Top ranking secondary school in QLD - Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology

This one’s a mouthful, but QASMT in Toowong is all about brainpower. It's a government-run school that delivers serious results, especially for students who love STEM. With a global curriculum and selective entry, it's built for ambitious minds.

Best secondary schools in the Australian Capital Territory

With a strong lineup of independent schools and a few standout public options, families in ACT and Canberra have access to some of the country’s most consistent academic performers. Here are some of the top schools in the territory:

Top ranking secondary school in the ACT - Radord College

A favourite among Canberra families, Radford College in Bruce is known for its strong academic results, well-rounded programs, and a community vibe that students genuinely enjoy. With a focus on both achievement and wellbeing, it’s no surprise Radford consistently ranks among the ACT’s top secondary schools.

Best secondary schools in Western Australia

Western Australia is home to a mix of strong academic public schools and some of the most respected independent colleges in the country. Perth leads the way, but you’ll find great schools in regional areas too.

Top ranking secondary school in Western Australia - Perth Modern School

As WA’s only academically selective public school, Perth Modern School in Subiaco has built a reputation for excellence. Known for its consistently top ATAR results and a strong focus on science, maths, and the arts, it attracts high-achieving students from across the state. With modern facilities and a culture that values both academic rigour and student wellbeing, it’s no wonder Perth Mod is ranked as Western Australia’s top secondary school.

Top secondary schools in South Australia

South Australia offers a strong spread of high-performing secondary schools, particularly across Adelaide.

Top ranking secondary school in SA - Glenunga International High School

Located just outside Adelaide, Glenunga is a standout government school known for its International Baccalaureate program and strong academic track record. It’s diverse, high-achieving, and well-loved for supporting both big goals and well-rounded kids.

Best secondary schools in Tasmania

Tasmania might be on the smaller side, but it’s got some seriously impressive secondary schools scattered across Hobart, Launceston, and beyond. Whether you’re after an all-girls school, a Christian college, or a solid public high school, Tassie’s top picks cover plenty of ground.

The top ranking secondary school in Tasmania - OneSchool Global

With a campus in Claremont, OneSchool Global stands out for its modern, self-directed learning approach that’s all about building independence and confidence. It's part of a wider international network, but the Tassie branch holds its own with strong academic results and a tight-knit school community.

Best secondary schools in the Northern Territory

The NT might be a bit more spread out than other states, but there are still plenty of great schools doing good things. Around Darwin and Alice Springs especially, you’ll find a mix of middle schools, Christian colleges, and schools that cater to remote learners.

The top ranking secondary school in the NT - Haileybury Rendall School

Located in Berrimah, Haileybury Rendall School is all about offering a well-rounded education. The school combines strong academic performance with a nurturing environment, ensuring students get the best of both worlds. It’s part of the renowned Haileybury network, which means students benefit from a globally recognised curriculum and excellent resources.

Government vs non-government schools

Most of the top secondary schools are government-run but selective, meaning students must sit entrance exams.

If you’re curious about how Australia’s education system works overall, this guide to education in Australia breaks it down from early childhood to tertiary pathways.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

What to keep in mind if you're making the move for school 

Many families do just that—make the move to get their kids in the right school. If you’re relocating to be in the correct school zone or to gain access to a top-performing school, don’t forget to:

• Check local catchment rules (especially for public schools)
• Investigate enrolment timelines
• Consider transport options and/or traffic to and from school
• Organise your move early—some areas have waitlists.

At Upmove, we help families find and book trusted, reliable removalists across Australia, making relocation easier and more affordable.

Source: Data compiled from Better Education