Best Secondary Schools in Australia 2026: State Breakdown

Best Secondary Schools in Australia 2025
Last updated: January 27, 2026
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How to Choose the Perfect Secondary School for Your Child in 2026?

As parents, one of our most important responsibilities is guiding our children towards the right path so they can grow into successful and well-rounded individuals. A child’s future is greatly influenced by their education, and the foundation for that success starts with choosing the right secondary school. Finding the perfect high school in Australia is crucial, as it plays a significant role in shaping their academic, social, and personal development.

How do you Choose Secondary School that Aligns with Child’s Needs and Future Goals?

Each secondary school offers something unique, whether it’s academic excellence, diverse extracurricular opportunities, or programs. These features help you to select the best school for your child’s.

In this blog, we’ll break down Australia’s top secondary schools in 2026, state by state.

Best Secondary Schools in Australia by State

School Finder presents the latest and most updated list of top 5 secondary schools in Australia for 2026, organized by state. Check out the list of best schools in Australia below, sorted by state. 

Top 5 Secondary Schools in Victoria 2026 (VIC)

Below are the Top 5 High Schools In Victoria 2026

RankSchool NameSchool TypeLocation
1Melbourne High SchoolGovernment SelectiveSouth Yarra, VIC 3141
2Mac.Robertson Girls’ High SchoolGovernment SelectiveMelbourne, VIC 3004
3Suzanne Cory High SchoolGovernment SelectiveWerribee, VIC 3030
4Nossal High SchoolGovernment SelectiveBerwick, VIC 3806
5Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS)Specialised Arts SchoolSouthbank, VIC 3006

Top 5 Secondary Schools in New South Wales 2026 (NSW)

Below are the Top 5 High Schools In New South Wales 2026

RankSchool NameSchool TypeLocation
1James Ruse Agricultural High SchoolGovernment SelectiveCarlingford, NSW 2118
2Baulkham Hills High SchoolGovernment SelectiveBaulkham Hills, NSW 2153
3North Sydney Boys High SchoolGovernment SelectiveCrows Nest, NSW 2065
4Sydney Girls High SchoolGovernment SelectiveSurry Hills, NSW 2010
5Normanhurst Boys High SchoolGovernment SelectiveNormanhurst, NSW 2076

Top 5 Secondary Schools in Queensland 2026 (QLD)

Below are the Top 5 High Schools In Queensland 2026

RankSchool NameSchool TypeLocation
1Brisbane Grammar SchoolIndependentSpring Hill, QLD 4000
2Brisbane Girls Grammar SchoolIndependentBrisbane, QLD 4000
3Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT)Government SelectiveToowong, QLD 4066
4St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ SchoolIndependentCorinda, QLD 4075
5St Joseph’s College (Gregory Terrace)IndependentSpring Hill, QLD 4000

Top 5 Secondary Schools in South Australia 2026 (SA)

RankSchool NameSchool TypeLocation
1Adelaide High SchoolGovernment SelectiveAdelaide, SA 5000
2Glenunga International High SchoolGovernment SelectiveGlenunga, SA 5064
3St Peter’s CollegeIndependentSt Peters, SA 5069
4Seymour CollegeIndependentGlen Osmond, SA 5064
5Immanuel CollegeIndependentNovar Gardens, SA 5040

Top 5 Secondary Schools in Western Australia 2026 (WA)

Below are the Top 5 High Schools In Western Australia 2026

RankSchool NameSchool TypeLocation
1Perth Modern SchoolGovernment SelectiveSubiaco, WA 6008
2Christ Church Grammar SchoolIndependentClaremont, WA 6010
3St Hilda’s Anglican School for GirlsIndependentMosman Park, WA 6012
4Hale SchoolIndependentWembley Downs, WA 6019
5Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC)IndependentClaremont, WA 6010

Top 5 Secondary Schools in Tasmania 2026 (TAS)

Below are the Top 5 High Schools In Tasmania 2026

RankSchool NameSchool TypeLocation
1The Friends’ SchoolIndependentNorth Hobart, TAS 7000
2St Michael’s Collegiate SchoolIndependentHobart, TAS 7000
3Hutchins SchoolIndependentSandy Bay, TAS 7005
4Launceston Church Grammar SchoolIndependentMowbray Heights, TAS 7248
5Fahan SchoolIndependentSandy Bay, TAS 7005

Top 5 Secondary Schools in Northern Territory 2026 (NT)

Below are the Top 5 High Schools In Northern Territory 2026

RankSchool NameSchool TypeLocation
1Darwin High SchoolGovernmentDarwin, NT 0800
2The Essington International SchoolIndependentRapid Creek, NT 0810
3Casuarina Senior CollegeGovernmentCasuarina, NT 0810
4St Philip’s CollegeIndependentAlice Springs, NT 0870
5Kormilda CollegeIndependentBerrimah, NT 0828

Top 5 Secondary Schools in Australian Capital Territory 2026 (ACT)

Below are the Top 5 High Schools In Australian Capital Territory 2026

RankSchool NameSchool TypeLocation
1Canberra Grammar SchoolIndependentRed Hill, ACT 2603
2Radford CollegeIndependentBruce, ACT 2617
3Narrabundah CollegeGovernmentNarrabundah, ACT 2604
4Merici CollegeIndependentBraddon, ACT 2612
5St Clare’s CollegeIndependentGriffith, ACT 2603

Why Choosing the Right Secondary School is Important?

Choosing the right secondary school (High school in Australia) is important because it shapes your child’s future. The right school can help them develop academically, socially, and emotionally. It provides the foundation for their success, offering opportunities that match their strengths, interests, and needs. A good fit ensures they feel supported and motivated to do their best.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What key factors should you consider when selecting a secondary school?

When choosing a secondary school/high school, focus on academic performance, extracurriculars, school culture, facilities, and support systems. Visiting the school and talking to staff and students can give you a clearer picture of the environment.

Both private and public schools in Australia offer excellent education. The best choice depends on your child’s needs, learning style, and interests. Public schools tend to be more accessible with diverse student populations, while private schools may provide specialized programs and smaller class sizes.

Australian schools offer a broad curriculum inspired by Montessori and Steiner philosophies, focusing on core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, Art, Foreign Languages, Technology, and Health & Physical Education.

According to 2023 data there are 1,453 secondary schools are present in Australia.

Marsden State High School is the largest school in the Australia.
Location: 
Logan City , Queensland Australia
Coordinates: 27.6852°S 153.1106°E

Final Words

We hope this blog has provided valuable information into the top secondary schools in Australia for 2026, helping you make a well-informed decision for your child’s educational journey. While selecting the right school is a crucial step, it’s equally important to ensure your child has the support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

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Author

Rajesh Kumar Sharma is the founder of SchoolsFinders, a platform dedicated to helping parents and students make smarter education choices across Australia. With a strong focus on school rankings, academic resources, and insightful comparisons, Rajesh aims to simplify the process of finding the best-fit schools. His passion for education and commitment to accuracy ensure that SchoolsFinders remains a trusted source for families navigating their educational journey.

2 thoughts on “Best Secondary Schools in Australia 2026: State Breakdown”

  1. For most up-to-date news you have to visit internet and on internet I found this website as a most excellent site for finding newest updates regarding secondary schools in Australia.

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