Top 10 Catholic Girls’ Schools in Melbourne (2024)
Discover Melbourne's best 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 for girls 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 | Loreto Mandeville Hall | 87.8% | Toorak | Catholic | 1235 | ELC3 - Year 12 | $31,980 |
| 2 | Genazzano FCJ College | 84.7% | Kew | Catholic | 738 | ELC3 - Year 13 | $31,325 |
| 3 | Sacré Cœur School | 79.3% | Glen Iris | Catholic | 680 | Prep - Year 12 | $29,638 |
| 4 | Loreto College | 76.7% | Ballarat | Catholic | 946 | Years 7 - 12 | $8,482 |
| 5 | Star of the Sea College | 71.7% | Brighton | Catholic | 1184 | Years 7 - 12 | $12,103 |
| 6 | Siena College | 71.0% | Camberwell | Catholic | 784 | Years 7 - 12 | $17,178 |
| 7 | Sacred Heart College | 69.3% | Geelong | Catholic | 1430 | Years 7 - 12 | $8,437 |
| 8 | Kilbreda College | 67.6% | Mentone | Catholic | 900 | Years 7 - 12 | $7,330 |
| 9 | Ave Maria College | 66.6% | Aberfeldie | Catholic | 823 | Years 7 - 12 | $9,108 |
| 10 | Catholic Ladies College | 66.4% | Eltham | Catholic | 813 | Years 7 - 12 | $11,572 |
*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: Genazzano FCJ College, Kew
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#1 Catholic Girls’ School in Melbourne | Loreto Mandeville Hall | Toorak
Loreto Mandeville Hall in Toorak is ranked the number one Catholic girls’ school in Melbourne. Loreto is the only Catholic school to make the list of Top 10 Private Girls’ Schools in Melbourne in 2024 with a Schools360 score of 87.8%. The school stands out for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development, delivering consistently high NAPLAN results and an impressive median ATAR of 91.0% in 2023. Loreto's focus on student development & wellbeing is reflected in its wellbeing programs, student support and pastoral care services. Loreto maintains a strong reputation for academic achievement with a high percentage of graduates progressing to top-tier universities. Loreto aims to develop students of good character with a strong social justice and community impact focus. Graduates are welcomed into Loreto’s global alumni network which includes a mentoring program.
#2 Catholic Girls’ School in Melbourne | Genazzano FCJ College | Kew
Genazzano FCJ College in Kew is ranked the number two Catholic girls’ school in Melbourne. In 2024 Genazzano achieved a Schools360 score of 84.3%, up from 81.4% the previous year. Established in 1889 by the Faithful Companions of Jesus, the school prides itself on being an inclusive community that celebrates diversity, offers a balanced approach to learning, and emphasises student well-being and personal development. Genazzano has one of the lowest student to teacher ratios of any private school in Melbourne, the school delivers consistent NAPLAN and VCE results, achieving a median ATAR score of 87.2% in 2022 and 87.4% in 2023. With a non-selective enrolment policy, Genazzano offering flexible personalised learning programs for students of all abilities and aspirations through the school’s innovative education hub Studio Beyond. Additionally, the school offers an extensive sporting program, great facilities, and has a history of sporting achievements.
#3 Catholic Girls’ School in Melbourne | Sacré Cœur School | Glen Iris
Sacré Cœur School in Glen Iris rounds out the top three Catholic girls’ schools in Melbourne. Impressively, the Schools360 score increased from 73.3% to 79.3% in 2024. Sacré Cœur excels academically and was the top-performing Catholic girls’ school for the 2023 VCE, achieving a median ATAR of 91.18%. Sacré Cœur places a significant focus on student well-being and personal development, fostering a learning environment that nurtures both academic excellence and personal growth. Additionally, the introduction of a new STEAM learning centre underscores the school's commitment to delivering a modern education, integrating science, technology, mathematics, and creative arts to prepare students for the challenges of the future. The school is a popular choice for parents wanting a modern Catholic education for girls anchored in the Sacred Heart tradition, that aims to develop curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, civic-mindedness and compassion.
Image credit: Sacre Coeur School, Glen Iris
Academic Results 2023*
*Note that the Schools360 analysis utilises the available 2023 VCE/ATAR data. Click Here for the latest VCE results or visit the individual school websites
| 2024 Ranking | School | Median ATAR | % ATAR >95 | % ATAR >90 | Median VCE | % VCE scores >40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loreto Mandeville Hall | 91.00% | 30.00% | 53% | 36 | 30% |
| 2 | Genazzano FCJ College | 87.40% | data not available | 38% | 34 | 18% |
| 3 | Sacré Cœur School | 91.18% | data not available | 58% | 36 | 27% |
| 4 | Loreto College | data not available | data not available | 11% | 31 | 6% |
| 5 | Star of the Sea College | 83.70% | 9.00% | 27% | 34 | 14% |
| 6 | Siena College | 82.45% | 17.00% | 30% | 34 | 20% |
| 7 | Sacred Heart College | data not available | data not available | data not available | 32 | 11% |
| 8 | Kilbreda College | data not available | data not available | 14% | 31 | data not available |
| 9 | Ave Maria College | 74.15% | 5% | 16% | 31 | 7% |
| 10 | Catholic Ladies College | data not available | data not available | 20% | 32 | 9% |
#4 Catholic Girls’ School in Melbourne | Loreto College | Ballarat
Loreto College Ballarat secures fourth position and is the top-ranked regional regional Catholic girls’ school. With a Schools360 score of 76.7%, Loreto College stands out for its strong focus on wellbeing, mentorship, and pastoral care. The school has an impressive campus featuring heritage buildings, modern facilities and open green spaces, that provide a conducive environment for students' intellectual, spiritual and personal growth. Loreto College offers a diverse curriculum, and a comprehensive music program, ensuring that students have opportunities to excel both academically and creatively. Loreto College has a reputation for being a welcoming, friendly community where each person is valued and where spirituality and learning are nurtured. As the first Loreto school in Australia, Loreto College Ballarat continues to be a leading choice for regional families seeking a high quality Catholic education with a global perspective.
#5 Catholic Girls’ School in Melbourne | Star of the Sea College | Brighton
Star of the Sea College, located in the Bayside suburb of Brighton, is fifth in our ranking of the best Catholic girls’ schools in Melbourne. Star is dedicated to providing a contemporary education that nurtures the holistic development of each student, and achieved a Schools360 score of 71.7%. The school delivers consistently strong NAPLAN results, its median ATAR was 82.6% in 2022 and 83.7% in 2023. Beyond academics, Star is known for its robust community engagement, exemplifying a strong sense of inclusivity and belonging. The school also takes pride in its sustainability initiatives, showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility. Star offers an enriching and rewarding academic environment, cultivating excellence through a well-rounded curriculum, and a vibrant and supportive environment. Star of the Sea Brighton remains a popular choice for families seeking a supportive and enriching learning environment.
#6 Catholic Girls’ School in Melbourne | Siena College | Camberwell
Sixth in our ranking of the best Catholic girls’ schools in Melbourne is Siena College. With a Schools360 score of 71.0%, this single-sex girls’ school located in Camberwell has a reputation for nurturing academic and personal growth. Siena College, in keeping with the Dominican tradition, maintains a focus on academic excellence. The school delivers consistently solid NAPLAN and VCE results; in 2022 the school’s median ATAR was 86.1%, and 82.45% in 2023. Offering a diverse curriculum, Siena College is committed to meeting the evolving educational expectations of society and the Church. The school prioritises the spiritual, academic, social, emotional, and physical development of its students, making religious education an integral part of the learning program across all year levels.
#7 Catholic Girls’ School in Melbourne | Sacred Heart College | Geelong
Sacred Heart College in Geelong is ranked as the number seven Catholic girls' school and is the second highest-ranked regional Catholic school with a Schools360 score of 69.3%. Sacred Heart is one of the largest Catholic schools in regional Victoria, with nearly 1,500 students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds across the Greater Geelong area. The college is deeply rooted in the Mercy tradition, blending rich history with a modern and dynamic school environment. Sacred Heart College offers a robust, practical-based curriculum, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program, and strong STEM program enabled by the school’s Design Futures Lab and Makerspace. Sacred Heart is recognised for its sustainability initiatives, reflecting the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship. With excellent resources, modern facilities, and inspirational teachers, Sacred Heart College fosters a supportive and ambitious learning environment.
#8 Catholic Girls’ School in Melbourne | Kilbreda College | Mentone
Kilbreda College in Mentone is ranked as the eighth-best Catholic girls' school in Melbourne. With a Schools360 score of 67.6%, the college is known for its welcoming and inclusive environment. Kilbreda College excels in inclusive education practices and student support programs, ensuring that every student is challenged and supported to grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially. The school has a unique partnership with St Bede’s College, a Catholic boys’ school also located in Mentone, together they offer co-educational learning opportunities for Year 11 and 12 students. This collaboration allows VCE students from both schools to access a broader range of subjects, providing a more comprehensive educational experience in the senior years. Kilbreda College provides students with opportunities to engage in social justice initiatives and to have a positive impact on their community.
#9 Catholic Girls’ School in Melbourne | Ave Maria College | Essendon
Ave Maria College is the ninth ranked Catholic girls' schools in Melbourne. Ave Maria College achieved a Schools360 score of 66.6% and has a reputation for delivering comprehensive career readiness programs. Ave Maria College offers a contemporary curriculum that includes data analysis, software development, enterprise skills, and design thinking, to develop students’ critical and creative thinking abilities in an increasingly digital world. The college also provides extensive sporting opportunities, including the first All-Girls Liverpool Football Club International Academy in Victoria. Located in Aberfeldie, a small suburb neighbouring Essendon, Ave Maria is a top choice for families in Melbourne’s inner North-West who want a traditional Catholic faith-based education that is modern and future-focused.
#10 Catholic Girls’ School in Melbourne | Catholic Ladies College | Eltham
Catholic Ladies College in Eltham secures its spot in the top ten Catholic girls' school in Melbourne. CLC achieved a Schools360 score of 66.4%, scoring well in student wellbeing, learning support, and pastoral care. The college places significant emphasis on a holistic approach to education. CLC offers a diverse, practical-based curriculum; its learning programs foster creative and critical thinking with real-world applications, connecting students with universities, industries, and experts. The school promotes individualised learning, helping each student discover their passions and offers a broad range of co-curricular options from drones and robotics clubs, to cheerleading and hip-hop dance programs. CLC has a comprehensive careers program designed to empower students with the knowledge and inspiration to dream big, and remains a popular choice for families in Melbourne’s North-east.
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 | Loreto Mandeville Hall | 93% | 82% | 85% | 87% | 92% |
| 2 | Genazzano FCJ College | 82% | 87% | 90% | 83% | 82% |
| 3 | Sacré Cœur School | 92% | 82% | 63% | 78% | 75% |
| 4 | Loreto College | 63% | 83% | 78% | 82% | 85% |
| 5 | Star of the Sea College | 75% | 72% | 67% | 70% | 75% |
| 6 | Siena College | 75% | 70% | 68% | 70% | 70% |
| 7 | Sacred Heart College | 62% | 73% | 72% | 70% | 75% |
| 8 | Kilbreda College | 65% | 73% | 63% | 65% | 75% |
| 9 | Ave Maria College | 70% | 75% | 62% | 62% | 62% |
| 10 | Catholic Ladies College | 62% | 73% | 67% | 67% | 65% |
Image credit: Star of the Sea College, Brighton
