Best Schools in Perth WA: Selective & Private Options

Perth's school system combines a strong selective government school tradition with a broad independent and Catholic school network that serves the diverse communities across the metropolitan area. Western Australia's educational outcomes are generally above the national average, reflecting the resources sector income levels that allow investment in private schooling and tutoring for a significant proportion of the population.

Selective government schools — Perth Modern School (Subiaco) is Western Australia's primary selective government school and consistently one of Australia's top-ranked schools by academic performance. Entry is by competitive academic testing in Year 7. Perth Modern's extraordinary alumni list reflects the concentration of high academic achievers that the school has served for over a century. Shenton College (Shenton Park) also has a selective academic program.

Independent schools — Scotch College (Swanbourne), Christ Church Grammar School (Claremont), Hale School (Wembley Downs), and Wesley College (South Perth) are among the most prominent boys' schools. Methodist Ladies' College (Claremont) and St Mary's Anglican Girls' School (Karrinyup) lead the girls' sector. Fees at senior level range from $25,000 to $35,000 per year.

Catholic schools — Aquinas College (Salesian, Como), Scotch Oakburn College, John XXIII College (Claremont), and Corpus Christi College (Bateman) are well-regarded Catholic secondary schools. The Catholic Education Commission of WA operates a broader network of more affordable options across the metropolitan area.

Key advice — Perth Modern has only approximately 220 Year 8 places for statewide competition. Academic preparation from Year 5-6 is standard practice for families targeting Perth Modern entry. Independent school enrolment lists should be joined at birth or early primary school for the most sought-after options.

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