Why Knowing About the Biggest Schools in Australia Matters
Choosing the right school or university is one of the most important decisions for students and parents. Schools with large campuses, student populations, and excellent facilities are educational leaders. This blog explores the biggest schools in Australia, providing a guide to help parents and students make informed decisions about their education at every level: primary, high school, and university.
Primary Schools
What Makes a Primary School “Big”?
When we talk about “big” primary schools, it’s not just about the number of students. It’s also about:
- Student Enrollment: Schools with over 500 students are considered large.
- Facilities: Large playgrounds, modern classrooms, libraries, and sports facilities.
- Reputation: High academic standards and a variety of extracurricular programs.
Top 3 Largest Primary Schools in Australia
In School Finder, the 3 biggest high schools in Australia in 2025 are:
| School Name | Students Enrollment | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Haileybury College, Australia | More Than 4,600 | Victoria |
| Caulfield Grammar School | More Than 3,570 | Victoria |
| Knox Grammar School | More Than 3,000 | Wahroonga, New South Wales |
Which is the Biggest High School in Australia
Haileybury College, Australia is the biggest high school in Australia.
Parents often opt for larger primary schools because:
- They offer various circumstances where kids can socialize and learn from peers.
- Larger campuses mean better facilities and more resources for students.
- These schools often have a reputation for academic excellence and extracurricular opportunities.
High Schools
Factors Defining the “Biggest” High Schools
The size of a high school can be measured in several ways:
- Student Enrollment: High schools with over 800 students are considered large.
- Campus Size: Larger campuses often include state-of-the-art science labs, sports fields, and auditoriums.
- Academic and Extracurricular Excellence: High-performing schools with robust programs attract more students.
Top 3 Largest High Schools Across the States
| School Name | Students Enrollment | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Marsden High School | More Than 877 | NSW |
| Haileybury College | More Than 4,000 | Victoria |
| Virtual School Victoria | More Than 3,600 | Victoria |
What is the Biggest School in Australia
Marsden State High School is the biggest school in Australia.
Why Parents Choose These Schools
Benefits of Attending Large High Schools
- Multiple Learning Opportunities: Wide variety of subjects and extracurricular activities.
- Networking and Exposure: Students meet peers from different backgrounds.
- Resources: Advanced facilities like robotics labs, sports stadiums, and music programs.
Universities
Measuring a University’s Size
A university’s size isn’t just about enrollment numbers. Other key factors include:
- Student Enrollment: Universities with over 50,000 students are among the largest.
- Campus Size: Sprawling campuses with multiple facilities.
- Research Output: Leading universities produce groundbreaking research.
- Global Rankings: High rankings often reflect the university’s size and influence.
Top 3 Largest Universities in Australia
| University Name | Students Enrollment | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monash University | More Than 60,000 | Victoria |
| RMIT University | More Than 57,000 | Victoria |
| University of Sydney | More Than 54,000 | New South Wales |
Why Big Universities Attract Students
- Wide Range of Courses: From engineering to arts, students have more options.
- Vibrant Campus Life: Clubs, events, and opportunities for socializing.
- Global Recognition: Large universities often have a strong international presence.
Top 10 Biggest Schools in Australia
| Ranking | University | Total Students | Main City / State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monash University | ≈ 64,479 | Melbourne, Victoria |
| 2 | RMIT University | ≈ 57,433 | Melbourne, Victoria |
| 3 | University of Sydney | ≈ 54,306 | Sydney, New South Wales |
| 4 | University of New South Wales (UNSW) | ≈ 52,326 | Sydney, New South Wales |
| 5 | University of Melbourne | ≈ 52,257 | Melbourne, Victoria |
| 6 | University of Queensland (UQ) | ≈ 48,771 | Brisbane, Queensland |
| 7 | Curtin University | ≈ 48,263 | Perth, Western Australia |
| 8 | Deakin University | ≈ 45,900 | Various, base in Geelong/Melbourne, Victoria |
| 9 | QUT (Queensland University of Technology) | ≈ 45,580 | Brisbane, Queensland |
| 10 | Griffith University | ≈ 44,427 | Brisbane & Gold Coast, Queensland |
Biggest School in Australia By Area
| Ranking | School Name | Campus Area | Location (City / State) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pymble Ladies’ College – Vision Valley campus | ~30 ha | Dural, NSW (Sydney suburbs) |
| 2 | Scotch College – Healesville campus | ~80 ha forest site | Healesville, VIC |
| 3 | Scotch College – Hawthorn main campus | 27 ha | Hawthorn, Melbourne VIC |
| 4 | Ku-ring-gai High School | 25 acre (~10 ha) | Turramurra, Sydney NSW |
| 5 | Westfields Sports High School | 7 ha | Fairfield West, Sydney NSW |
| 6 | Sydney Boys High School | ≈ 3.44 ha (34,400 m²) | Moore Park, Sydney NSW |
| 7 | King’s School (Parramatta + rural property) | ~6 ha urban + 200 ha rural retreat | North Parramatta & Eungai Creek, NSW |
| 8 | Newington College – Eungai Creek campus | ~200 ha rural property | Mid North Coast, NSW |
| 9 | Barker College – bushland purchase | ~6 ha cleared native bushland adjoining Lane Cove National Park | Hornsby area, Sydney NSW |
| 10 | Cranbrook School – Wolgan Valley campus | large rural outdoor‑education site (estimate ~hundreds ha) | Wolgan Valley, NSW |
Choosing the Right Institution for You or Your Child
When deciding on a school or university, consider the following factors:
- Facilities: Are the classrooms, labs, and playgrounds well-equipped?
- Academic Achievements: Does the institution have a strong track record?
- Community Culture: Is the environment inclusive and welcoming?
- Proximity to Home: Is the location convenient for daily travel?
Why Australia’s Biggest Schools Are Worth Exploring
From primary schools to universities, Australia’s largest educational institutions offer unparalleled opportunities for growth, learning, and networking. Whether you’re a parent seeking the best for your child or a student aiming for a world-class education, these schools and universities have something unique to offer.
Explore the options, visit campuses, and make an informed decision to shape a bright future!
Frequently Asked Questions For Biggest Schools and Universities In Australia
What is the Largest School in Australia?
The largest school in Australia by student population is Marsden State High School in Queensland. With over 4,000 students enrolled, it holds the title as the biggest school in the country.
How are Student Numbers Managed in Large Schools?
Large schools often have multiple staff members, advanced management systems, and well-structured programs to ensure smooth operations.
Are Larger Schools Better Than Smaller Ones?
It depends on individual preferences. Larger schools offer more opportunities, but smaller schools may provide more personalized attention.
Do Large Universities have Better Global Rankings?
While size isn’t the only factor, larger universities often have better rankings due to their research output, funding, and global outreach.
What School has the Most Students in Australia?
Monash University has more than 60,000 students in Victoria, making it the university with the highest number of students in Australia.
Which is the Biggest and Largest School in the World?
According to Guinness World Records the biggest and largest school in the world, in terms of student enrollment, is City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, India.
Resources
Disclaimer: The information added here are from public sources. For detailed information please contact each school official website as data may change on regular interval.
