Top Secondary Schools in Australia
School is the place that lays the foundation for future learning and development for all learners. Getting a good education plays a significant role as it influences the learning one gains throughout life. Choosing the right school for your child’s education is imperative because a lot of their career will be determined by the quality of education they receive. Best schools are termed so because they put in efforts to offer high-quality education to learners with adequate learning materials, facilities, and convenience.
It does not always guarantee that schools with fancy buildings and impressive websites are the best schools in Australia. Smaller schools without any big banners and trumpets blaring can also be the best places to gain an education. This is why we have brought this list of high school rankings that will help you find the best schools in Australia for your child.
Secondary Schools Education System in Australia
Secondary education of high schooling is divided into two parts according to the Australian education system – secondary education (Year 7 – 10) and senior secondary education (Year 11 – 12). Students generally finish high school around the age of 17-18 years. Students who successfully graduate from secondary school receive a high school certificate (comparable to a Baccalaureate or German “Abitur”) and can proceed to tertiary education (university or college).
Australian secondary schools have set a class apart in the world. According to Study Australia, here are some of the distinctive features that make them the best of the rest:
- Small class sizes (a maximum of 30 students in a class).
- University-trained and qualified teachers and specialist teachers in subject areas.
- Facilities of a high standard – including a high level of technology, with all schools having computers and internet access.
- ‘Gifted and talented programs to extend students who are high achievers.
- ‘High Achievement’ programs, see the top students studying university-level subjects for advanced credit.
- Individual learning programs for students who require additional learning support.
- Quality assurance frameworks where schools must meet required standards.
Also, Read – Best Primary Schools in Australia
Subjects included in secondary education
Different schools may follow different curriculums based on the state or territory where they are located. However, the curriculum provided by ACARA )Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority) is considered the standard Australian curriculum. According to ACARA, disciplinary knowledge, skills and understanding are described in the eight learning areas of the Australian Curriculum:
- English,
- Mathematics,
- Science,
- Health and Physical Education,
- Humanities and Social Sciences,
- The Arts,
- Technologies and
- Languages.
In Years 7-10 students study basic subjects like Maths, Science, English, History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, and Economics and Business. The Arts curriculum includes Dance, Music, Media Arts, Drama, and Visual Arts.
Technologies include learning of two different subjects – Design and Technologies and Digital Technologies. Health and Physical Education includes topics like Personal, Social and Community Health and Movement and Physical Activity.
Languages include language-specific curricula for world languages and two frameworks. The Languages included are Arabic, Auslan, Chinese, The Framework for Aboriginal Languages and Torres Strait Islander Languages, The Framework for Classical Languages, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Modern Greek, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.
In Senior Secondary years, subjects of English expand into English, English as an Additional Language or Dialect, Essential English and Literature. Mathematics also includes in-depth subjects – Essential Mathematics, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, and Specialist Mathematics. In Science, the subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science and Physics.
List of Top Secondary Schools in Australia
- James Ruse Agricultural High School, Carlingford, NSW
- North Sydney Boys High School, Crows Nest, NSW
- North Sydney Girls High School, Crows Nest, NSW
- Sydney Girls High School, Surrey Hills, NSW
- Hornsby Girls High School, Hornsby, NSW
- Sydney Boys High School, Surrey Hills, NSW
- Normanhurst Boys High School, Normanhurst, NSW
- Baulkham Hills High School, Baulkham Hills, NSW
- Perth Modern School
- Baulkham Hills High School, Petersham, NSW
- Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus, North Curl, NSW
- Penrith High School, Penrith, NSW
- Hurlstone Agricultural High School, Glenfield, NSW
- Nossal High School, Berwick, VIC
- Presbyterian Ladies College, Burwood, VIC
- Suzanne Cory High School, Werribee, VIC
- Abbotsleigh High School, NSW
- Huntingtower School, Mount Waverley, VIC
- Meriden School, Strathfield, NSW
- Fintona Girls’ School, Balwyn, VIC
This list is based on the national overall score of Australian secondary schools.
Final Years of Secondary Schools in Australia
Australia has several recognised secondary schools that attract learners from various parts of the globe. Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales seem to be some of the popular destinations in Australia among learners. Secondary schools in Australia offer high-quality education that prepares learners for tertiary education. The efficient balance between Australia’s social and cultural life enables learners to have a broad base of knowledge. They gain access to superior academic education and an open learning environment.
The final years of secondary school have different names across all the states of Australia as given below:
| State or territory | Name of Year 12 qualification |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | ACT Year 12 Certificate |
| New South Wales (NSW) | Higher School Certificate (HSC) |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) |
| Queensland (QLD) | Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) |
| South Australia (SA) | South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) |
| Victoria (VIC) | Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) |
| Western Australia (WA) | Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) |
Benefits of Learning in The Best High School in Australia
High-Quality Education: Australia is referred to as one of the best countries for education and therefore, students gain access to high-quality education. Teachers are required to have high professional qualifications, expertise, and familiarity with the Australian curriculum and syllabus allowing them to offer the best quality education.
Support Services: The best and most renowned schools in Australia offer various support services for international students such as academic assistance, language assistance, airport pickup, peer support groups, and counselling which will help the learners learn in a comfortable atmosphere and environment.
Diversity of Activities: Apart from high-quality academic education, learners can also engage in various activities such as sports, drama, dancing, and various other cultural activities. Because schools have learners from different countries, diversity is celebrated through inclusion and observance of different festivals as well.
Why Choose CrunchGrade as your Learning Partner in High School?
Studying in one of the best secondary schools in Australia requires a lot of effort and hard work. Especially, if you want to score higher grades and gain the best out of your academic career.
At CrunchGrade, you can find the best study help in your secondary schooling years and complete guidance on how to enhance your knowledge as well as get the best grades. We provide a focused, friendly and personalised learning environment for high school students where they can connect online with the best tutors from all over Australia and reach their academic goals.
At CrunchGrade, we provide learning programs for years 7 – 12, mapped according to the Australian curriculum to prepare students for their senior years. Whether you are preparing for ATAR or you need assistance in coping with the school curriculum, we are here with our team of the best high school tutors to guide you.
Learn at your convenience: You can take the online tuition from anywhere and at any time. Learn from home via our online platform, schedule sessions as per your availability, and reschedule easily whenever you need.
Consistent learning at CrunchGrade: Our guided tutoring services for all secondary school subjects make it easier for students to find the best help on one platform. You will get progress reports that will guide your path along the way. Our tutors will not only teach you but act as your mentors to ensure that you are on the right track.
Personalised learning assistance: We follow the topics that you suggest or in which you need help. Your learning program will include the topics that you find difficult or are a part of your curriculum. Everything will be based on your learning needs.
High school can be a crucial time for students. Don’t let it just pass away without making any efforts in enhancing your high school career. Find the best secondary school tutor at CrunchGrade and set your journey to success.
Find best tutors from all across the Australia – Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle, Goldcoast, Canberra, Brisbane.
To make it easier for you to decide, your first session is completely FREE!
Select and book a tutor for Math, Science, English and all the other subjects.