Have you ever wondered: What makes Victoria’s selective entry high schools so special—and is getting in truly worth it? This blog dives straight into that with short, sharp answers, clear visuals, and the facts to help families decide.
Is choosing a selective entry high school the right decision in Victoria?
Victoria has four selective entry high schools—two single-sex and two co-ed. They outperform almost every public and many private schools. If academic excellence matters, they’re absolutely worth considering. create question for this
Selective Entry High School Table
| School | Location | Type | Gender | Year Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne High School | South Yarra | Selective Entry | Boys | Year 9 – 12 |
| Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School | Melbourne | Selective Entry | Girls | Year 9 – 12 |
| Nossal High School | Berwick | Selective Entry | Co-ed | Year 9 – 12 |
| Suzanne Cory High School | Werribee | Selective Entry | Co-ed | Year 9 – 12 |
Victoria’s Selective Entry High Schools
1. Melbourne High School (Boys)
Melbourne High School, based in South Yarra, is one of the most respected boys’ schools in Victoria. Founded in 1905, it has a long tradition of producing successful graduates in many fields.
The school is known for strong academic results, but it also focuses on developing students outside the classroom. With programs in music, sport, and leadership, boys have the chance to explore their talents and build confidence.
Modern facilities and dedicated teachers ensure that every student receives a challenging and rewarding education.
2. Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School (Girls)
Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School, often called MacRob, is located in Melbourne and is one of the top schools for talented girls. Like Melbourne High, it was founded in 1905 and has a strong reputation for academic success.
The school challenges students with a forward-thinking curriculum that prepares them for university and life beyond. At MacRob, creativity, critical thinking, and leadership are encouraged.
Girls can also join a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sport, debating, and music, to enjoy a balanced and exciting school life.
3. Nossal High School (Co-educational)
Nossal High School, located in Berwick, is the newest of Victoria’s selective schools, opening in 2010. Despite being young, it has quickly built a reputation for excellence.
The school provides a co-ed learning environment where boys and girls study together. Nossal focuses on both academic success and personal growth, helping students to develop confidence, independence, and a global outlook.
With a wide choice of subjects, clubs, and leadership programs, Nossal encourages students to explore their interests and prepare for future opportunities.
4. Suzanne Cory High School (Co-educational)
Suzanne Cory High School, based in Werribee, opened in 2011 and is known for its supportive and high-achieving environment.
The school offers a challenging curriculum across many subjects, along with opportunities in sport, music, and other extracurricular areas. Teachers and staff work closely with students, helping them reach their full potential both academically and personally.
Suzanne Cory prides itself on preparing graduates who are confident, capable, and ready to succeed at university and beyond.
Why These Schools Stand Out
- Top NAPLAN performers: All four schools dominate Victorian Year 9 results—Melbourne High leads with an average above 700.
- Competitive VCE outcomes: Mac.Rob is ranked among the very top public schools (median VCE score 37), alongside Melbourne High, Nossal, and Suzanne Cory.
- High university progression: Over 99% of Melbourne High students go on to tertiary education; the school also has the largest intake into leading universities like Monash and Melbourne.
Is It Worth It? Pros & Considerations
Pros:
- Outstanding academic track records make these schools a great “bang for buck” compared to high-fee private alternatives.
- Affordable public access versus expensive private schools—elite education without the six-figure fees.
- Supportive, high-ability peer environments foster academic and personal growth.
Considerations:
- Highly selective entry: Acceptance can be under 10%, with Melbourne High admitting just 336 from 1,400 applicants, and even fewer via principal discretion.
- The demands and pressure of high expectations may not suit every student.
How to Prepare for the Exam
Exam Format (~4 hours total)
- Reading Reasoning – 35 min
- Maths Reasoning – 30 min
- Break – 20 min
- Verbal Ability – 30 min
- Quantitative Ability – 30 min
- Break – 5 min
- Writing – 40 min
Preparation Tips:
- Practice across all tested areas: reasoning, numeracy, reading, verbal, and writing.
- Use mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
- Polish time management; ensure writing tasks are concise and structured.
Seats & Demand Breakdown
- Total Year 9 Places Across All SEHS: ~1,000.
- Melbourne High: ~336 places with an ultra-competitive applicant pool (~1,400).
- Suzanne Cory: ~200 Year 9 spots annually.
- Offer Rounds: About 90% of places are filled in Round 1 (offers sent Aug); a small number in later rounds or via discretionary categories.
FAQs: Selective Entry High Schools in Victoria
What are the Selective High Schools in Victoria?
Victoria has four government selective entry high schools:
- Melbourne High School (boys, South Yarra)
- Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School (girls, Melbourne)
- Nossal High School (co-ed, Berwick)
- Suzanne Cory High School (co-ed, Werribee)
What is the Best Selective High School in Victoria?
Based on NAPLAN and VCE performance:
- Melbourne High led with an average NAPLAN score of 705.2 (Year 9, 2024).
- Mac.Robertson Girls’ High recorded about 699.
- All four selective schools hold a School Finder ranking score of 100, placing them in the top 100 schools statewide.
How do you Prepare for the Victorian Selective School Exam?
- The ACER-run Year 9 entrance exam includes reading, maths, verbal reasoning, and writing.
- Applications close early May, with the exam usually held in mid-June.
- Preparation tips: practice sample tests, focus on reasoning skills, build time management, and take mock exams. Many families also seek tutoring support.
Is a Selective School Worth it?
Yes. Selective schools deliver:
- Consistently high academic results (NAPLAN and VCE).
- A motivated peer group and enriched curriculum.
- Better university pathways and leadership opportunities.
How Many Seats are Available in Victoria’s Selective Schools?
- Around 1,000 Year 9 places across all four schools each year.
- Melbourne High: ~336 spots
- Mac.Robertson: ~300
- Nossal: ~200
- Suzanne Cory: ~200
What are the Pros of Selective Schools?
- Academic excellence and enriched curriculum.
- Strong peer motivation.
- Access to advanced subjects and resources.
- High university admission rates.
What is a Selective High School?
A selective high school is a government school that admits students based on academic merit, usually through an entrance exam. In Victoria, this system applies to the four SEHS schools.
What is the Hardest Selective School to Get Into?
- Melbourne High School is considered the toughest due to demand: over 1,400 applications for 336 places each year (about a 24% acceptance rate).
What are the Top 10 Schools in Victoria?
The four selective schools consistently rank in the top tier. Alongside them, leading private schools such as Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Ballarat Clarendon College, and Melbourne Grammar often appear in the top 10.
Conclusion
Victoria’s selective high schools give bright students the chance to shine in both academics and personal growth. With four great schools to choose from, your child can enjoy a supportive environment, strong learning opportunities, and the best preparation for a successful future.
