Top 10 Catholic Co-ed Schools in Melbourne (2024)
Discover Melbourne's best co-educational Catholic schools. Catholic schools play an important role within the Victorian education system with 1 in 5 students in Melbourne enrolled in Catholic schools. Our Schools360 rankings showcase the top 10 Catholic schools based on our independent, rigorous 360 analysis encompassing Academic Excellence, Student Development & Wellbeing, Learning Programs, Learning Environment, and Institutional Excellence.
***What’s new in our 2024 rankings?*** Our Schools360 framework has had some minor updates based on feedback from parents to ensure that we continue to analyse what’s important. Some individual scoring elements have changed to provide a greater focus on: school diversity; anti-bullying policies and practices; inclusive educational practices; social justice initiatives; outdoor education; practical-based learning; and, career readiness.
| 2024 Ranking | School | Schools360 score | Location | Affiliation | # of students | Grades | Avg. Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Aloysius College | 71.0% | North Melbourne | Catholic | 468 | Years 7 - 12 | $7,600 |
| 2 | St Mary's College Melbourne | 66.4% | St Kilda | Catholic | 523 | Years 7 - 12 | $10,337 |
| 3 | Loyola College | 66.0% | Watsonia | Catholic | 1436 | Years 7 - 12 | $8,605 |
| 4 | Assumption College | 65.1% | Kilmore | Catholic | 1450 | Years 7 - 12 | $9,285 |
| 5 | St Monica's College | 65.0% | Epping | Catholic | 2048 | Years 7 - 12 | $7,863 |
| 6 | Emmaus College | 62.1% | Vermont South | Catholic | 1443 | Years 7 - 12 | $8,170 |
| 7 | Saint Ignatius College Geelong | 61.1% | Geelong | Catholic | 1397 | Years 7 - 12 | $6,000 |
| 8 | Caroline Chisholm Catholic College | 60.8% | Braybrook | Catholic | 1511 | Years 7 - 12 | $4,070 |
| 9 | Padua College | 60.8% | Mornington | Catholic | 2506 | Years 7 - 12 | $7,720 |
| 10 (=) | Penola Catholic College | 59.8% | Broadmeadows | Catholic | 1437 | Years 7 - 12 | $3,815 |
| 10 (=) | Emmanuel College | 59.8% | Point Cook | Catholic | 2368 | Years 7 - 12 | $6,308 |
| 10 (=) | MacKillop College | 59.8% | Werribee | Catholic | 1713 | Years 7 - 12 | $6,467 |
*Avg. Fees calculated using the most recent published tuition fees for Years 7, 9 & 12 (as at 1 July 2024).
Each of these schools is committed to delivering quality education with Catholic values, fostering a nurturing environment that encourages both academic excellence and moral development. Each institution stands out with its own unique strengths, ranging from innovative teaching methodologies to a rich array of extracurricular activities. Dive into this comprehensive overview of Melbourne’s best Catholic schools for girls to help guide your decision-making journey for your child's future.
Image credit: Loyola College, Watsonia
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#1 Catholic Co-ed School in Melbourne | St Aloysius College | North Melbourne
St Aloysius College in North Melbourne is ranked as the #1 Catholic co-ed school in Melbourne. Achieving a Schools360 score of 71.0%, St Aloysius has undergone a significant transformation. Formerly a single-sex girls’ school, St Aloysius began welcoming boys into Year 7 in 2023 and is set to become fully co-educational by 2028. With a close-knit community of fewer than 500 students across Years 7-12, the school has a strong focus on student wellbeing. In 2023 the school’s median VCE score was 30 and over 20% of students achieved an ATAR above 90%. St Aloysius is one of only a small handful of Australian schools to deliver the Universal Learning Programme, aimed at collaboration, digital literacy and problem-solving skills. One of the oldest schools in Melbourne, St Aloysius continues to invest in campus upgrades to modernise its learning environment. With an ambitious vision for the future, St Aloysius is a top choice for families seeking a co-educational Catholic education.
#2 Catholic Co-ed School in Melbourne | St Mary's College | St Kilda
St Mary's College in St Kilda is ranked the number two co-educational Catholic school in Melbourne. With a Schools360 score of 66.4%, has a reputation as an inclusive learning environment in the Edmund Rice tradition. Formed in 2021 from the merger of Christian Brothers College St Kilda and Presentation College Windsor, St Mary's has a small, close-knit community of just over 500 students. In 2023, the school’s median ATAR was 72.45% and median VCE study score was 31. St Mary’s College is focused on supporting diverse learning needs, offering targeted programs like guided study, homework club, and acceleration programs. The school has a low student to teacher ratio, and scores highly on student wellbeing, student support, and school diversity. St Mary’s College prides itself on its dedication to excellence in learning, compassion, and justice, and is an excellent co-ed option for inner-Melbourne families seeking a quality Catholic education.
#3 Catholic Co-ed School in Melbourne | Loyola College | Watsonia
Loyola College in Watsonia rounds out the top three Catholic co-ed schools in Melbourne. This Ignatian school achieved a Schools360 score of 66.0%. Academically, Loyola College delivers solid NAPLAN results, has well established acceleration and enhancement programs, and offers a diverse range of VCE, VET and VCE VM options for students. In keeping with its Ignatian tradition, the school has a strong focus on community and an impactful social justice program. Loyola College offers a well-rounded education that balances academic progression, personal development and student wellbeing. The school has an ambitious future vision and continues to invest in modernising its facilities, including a new STEM centre due to open in 2025. With an average tuition fee of $8,605 Loyola College remains a popular choice for families in Melbourne’s North-east, providing value, and a quality Catholic education with a strong community focus.
Image credit: Assumption College, Kilmore
#4 Catholic Co-ed School in Melbourne | Assumption College | Kilmore
Assumption College in Kilmore is the ranked fourth, and is the highest ranking school in regional Victoria. This Catholic co-educational college achieved a commendable Schools360 score of 65.1%. Assumption College prides itself on catering to the diverse needs of all of its students, and are committed to their personal, social, and spiritual growth. The school has a strong focus on student wellbeing and has a dedicated wellbeing centre. Assumption College offers comprehensive student support and individualised learning programs catering to the diverse needs and interests of students. Uniquely, as a regional school Assumption College has a working farm, providing students with a platform for comprehensive study of farming practices – plants, animals, practical skills and more. The school offers a range of educational pathways ranging from VCE to School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Assumption College has a rich history and is widely recognised as one of the best Catholic co-ed schools in the state.
#5 Catholic Co-ed School in Melbourne | St Monica’s College | Epping
St Monica’s College in Epping secures fifth position as one of the best Catholic co-ed schools in Melbourne. With a Schools360 score of 65.0%, St Monica’s College narrowly missed out on fourth place. The school provides an inclusive learning environment with strong student support programs and individualised learning opportunities for students of all abilities. The school offers two unique specialist programs: Horizons is an interactive program designed for high-ability students to maximise their learning, whilst, the Arrunga program caters to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, providing additional support from experienced teachers for positive academic, social and emotional outcomes. St Monica’s College is a respected co-educational Catholic school known for its holistic approach to education, offering a quality education and an inclusive learning environment.
#6 Catholic Co-ed School in Melbourne | Emmaus College | Vermont South
Emmaus College in Vermont South is ranked the #6 Catholic co-ed school in Melbourne with a Schools360 score of 62.1%. Emmaus College prides itself on offering a faith-based education and a welcoming community for all. The school provides tailored pathways to ensure every student has the support needed for future success including pathways to VCE, or a Vocational Major where students can participate in Structured Workplace Learning or a School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship. Emmaus College operates a separate campus in Burwood for Year 9 students, offering a unique exploratory educational program that specifically focuses on deep learning for students at this level. Emmaus College provides value to families in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs seeking a quality faith-based education in a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.
#7 Catholic Co-ed School in Melbourne | Saint Ignatius College | Geelong
Saint Ignatius College in Geelong, ranked seventh on our list of the top Catholic co-ed schools. With a Schools360 score of 61.1%, the college is dedicated to developing well-rounded students through a holistic approach to education in the Ignatian tradition. Saint Ignatius College has a balanced focus on academic rigour, faith, and well-being, fostering a sense of belonging and personal growth. The school offers range of leadership, social justice, and immersion programs for students to learn and develop personally. Saint Ignatius College offers a diverse curriculum with a range of educational pathways and individualised learning opportunities. With average tuition fees of $6,000 the school offers families in the Geelong region a quality, well-rounded Catholic education, value for money, and a strong sense of community.
#8 (=) Catholic Co-ed School in Melbourne | Caroline Chisholm Catholic College | Braybrook
Caroline Chisholm Catholic College ranks equal eighth in our list of the best Catholic co-ed schools in Melbourne. The school achieved a commendable Schools360 score of 60.8%. CCCC is a multi-campus school located in Braybrook, the school offers a unique co-educational model with single-sex campuses for Years 7-9, and a combined co-ed campus for senior years (Years 10-12). The school delivers solid NAPLAN results and offers multiple educational pathways including VCE, VCE-VM and VET subjects, as well as a learning diversity program that provides an inclusive education by ensuring all students are supported in their learning. CCCC takes pride in offering an inclusive and faith-filled environment for students to realise their potential. With average fees of $4,070 the school offers value to families in Melbourne’s western suburbs wanting a quality education and inclusive community.
#8 (=) Catholic Co-ed School in Melbourne | Padua College | Mornington
Padua College shares eighth place in our ranking of the best Catholic co-ed schools. Padua College achieved a Schools360 score of 60.8% reflecting its commitment to academic and personal growth. and student wellbeing. Located on the Mornington Peninsula, Padua College educates over 2,500 students across 4 campuses. The school has a strong focus on student wellbeing and personal development, offering individualised learning opportunities and comprehensive student support programs. Padua College’s co-curricular options include the Liverpool Football Club International Academy, which is a unique coaching model that aims to enhance academic achievement and foster critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and self-regulation. The school stands out in its sustainability commitment which includes an active sustainability ‘Green Team’ and the unique Koala Habitat Project.
#10 (=) Catholic Co-ed School in Melbourne | Penola Catholic College | Broadmeadows
Penola College in Broadmeadows shares tenth place in our ranking of the best Catholic co-ed schools in Melbourne. With a Schools360 score of 59.8%, the college emphasises literacy as a major focus across all learning areas, Penola’s Literacy Improvement Program is designed to improve student outcomes across all subjects and year levels of the college. Penola College provides students with a diverse range of learning opportunities and educational pathways including VCE, VCE VM and VET options. The school has a comprehensive student support program to assist students of all abilities and interests and a low student to teacher ratio of 10:1. The school has an ambitious School Improvement Plan aimed at increasing student engagement in learning. Penola College average tuition fees are $3,815 providing families in Melbourne’s north with an economical option for a quality Catholic education.
#10 (=) Catholic Co-ed School in Melbourne | Emmanuel College | Point Cook
Emmanuel College shares tenth place in our ranking of Melbourne’s best co-educational Catholic schools. This multi-campus school located in the western suburbs of Melbourne achieved a Schools360 score of 59.8%. Emmanuel College operates two campuses, a dedicated campus for boys in Altona North, originally St Paul’s College, and a co-educational campus in Point Cook. Emmanuel College has a Project Based Learning pedagogical approach which challenges students to collaborate with each other, work within teams, use digital resources and communicate to an audience. With a focus on career-readiness, the school offers a range of alternative pathways including vocational programs to give students practical work skills which are accepted and accredited by industry. Emmanuel College has a diverse community of over 2,300 students and is a popular choice for families in Melbourne’s west.
#10 (=) Catholic Co-ed School in Melbourne | MacKillop College | Werribee
MacKillop College in Werribee rounds out the top ten Catholic co-ed schools in Melbourne. With a Schools360 score of 59.8% MacKillop College offers students a broad, comprehensive and well-balanced contemporary curriculum. The school delivers consistent NAPLAN results and achieved a median ATAR of 71.7% in 2023. MacKillop College scores highly on student wellbeing, school diversity, student support and inclusive educational practices. The school has a dedicated Individualised Learning Needs Department, who work with students to enrich or modify the curriculum in order to meet individual needs and ensure students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities and to experience success. The school encourages students to reach their full potential as life-long learners by providing an innovative, challenging and collaborative learning environment.
Below is a comparison of scores for each building block of our 360 assessment. To learn more about our school ranking methodology click here and view the school profiles to see in-depth analysis.
| Schools360 ranking | School | Academic Excellence | Wellbeing & Development | Learning Opportunities | Learning Environment | Institutional Excellence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Aloysius College | 72% | 75% | 70% | 70% | 67% |
| 2 | St Mary's College Melbourne | 62% | 77% | 63% | 67% | 65% |
| 3 | Loyola College | 58% | 72% | 67% | 70% | 67% |
| 4 | Assumption College | 45% | 83% | 68% | 65% | 75% |
| 5 | St Monica's College | 48% | 75% | 75% | 70% | 62% |
| 6 | Emmaus College | 60% | 67% | 63% | 62% | 58% |
| 7 | Saint Ignatius College Geelong | 52% | 65% | 62% | 68% | 63% |
| 8 | Caroline Chisholm Catholic College | 55% | 70% | 63% | 58% | 58% |
| 9 | Padua College | 48% | 75% | 62% | 60% | 65% |
| 10 (=) | Penola Catholic College | 43% | 68% | 65% | 63% | 68% |
| 10 (=) | Emmanuel College | 48% | 70% | 60% | 65% | 60% |
| 10 (=) | MacKillop College | 52% | 67% | 60% | 62% | 63% |
Image credit: Emmaus College, Vermont South
