VCE School Rankings Results

This guide breaks down the 2025 VCE school rankings in Victoria in a clear, parent-friendly way. We’ll look at what the numbers mean, the questions families ask most often, and how to use rankings to make the best decision for your child.

What Are VCE School Rankings Based On?

Rankings come from the percentage of study scores 40 and above.

• A study score of 40+ means a student is in the top 9% of the state for that subject.
• The higher a school’s percentage of 40+ scores, the higher it ranks.

Some tables also include:

• Median VCE score → the middle result when all scores are lined up.
• Number of VCE students → tells you about school size.
• Location → handy if you’re comparing local options.

👉 In short: VCE rankings show how well students perform in exams, but not the whole picture of a school.

VCE vs ATAR — What’s the Difference?

This is one of the first things parents ask.

• VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) → Shows how a student performed in each subject.
• ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) → A ranking out of 99.95 comparing overall student performance. Universities look at this for entry.

👉 Think of it this way: VCE is about results in each subject. ATAR is the overall ranking of those combined results.

The Top 20 VCE Schools in Victoria (2025)

Here are the top performers, based on the percentage of study scores of 40+.

What Does the Median VCE Score Show?

The median is simply the middle score.

• Example: If the median is 36, half the students scored higher than 36 and half scored lower.
• A higher median usually means performance is strong across the whole year level, not just a few standout students.

👉 For parents, this is a good sign of consistency.

Should Parents Choose a School Based on Rankings Alone?

Definitely not. Rankings are one tool, but the “best” school depends on your child. Things to consider:

• Teaching style and subject offerings
• Student support and wellbeing programs
• School culture and community fit
• Extracurriculars like sport, music, debating, and STEM clubs
• Travel time — everyday convenience matters more than most people think

👉 A school where your child feels supported and motivated will usually bring out the best in them — even if it isn’t ranked in the top 10.

Do Tutoring and Resources Affect Results?

Yes. Top-ranked schools often have strong academic programs, structured tutoring, or students who take private lessons outside school. This definitely has an impact. But remember: not every student thrives in a high-pressure environment.

Tips for Using VCE Rankings Wisely

• Use rankings as a starting point when shortlisting schools.
• Visit schools to get a real feel for culture and teaching style.
• Talk to current families about their experience.
• Ask about both academic expectations and wellbeing support.

Frequently Asked Question

What is the top score in VCE?

The top VCE study score achievable for an individual subject is 50.

What is the average VCE study score?

The average VCE study score is 30.

Do A+ in VCE get a 40 study score?

An A+ in the exam will put you in position to achieve a study score over 40 (only 8% got an A+).

What percentage of people get a 37 study score?

Approximately 68% of the population get 37 study score.

Which school did the best in VCE?

Ballarat Clarendon College was the standout school in the 2024 VCE rankings. With its strong academic culture, it delivered the highest proportion of students scoring ATARs above 90 and maintained an impressive median study score of 37.

For families researching top schools, you can also check:

• Best High Schools in Victoria
• Victoria Selective High Schools
• Top Melbourne Primary Schools

These resources give a wider view of Victoria’s best-performing schools beyond just VCE results.

How are VCE scores calculated?

VCE scores are calculated using a student’s performance on SACs and final exams.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 VCE school rankings give helpful insight into academic performance across Victoria. But choosing a school is about more than chasing numbers. The right school is the one where your child feels confident, supported, and inspired to do their best — whether that’s in the classroom, on the stage, or out on the sports field.

👉 Question for you as a parent: Do you value top VCE results more, or do you see wellbeing and culture as just as important?