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The Best High Schools in Perth Molding the Best and the Brightest in the City
Did you know Perth is home to the oldest continually operating public high school in Western Australia? Perth Modern School was established in 1911 and is a good example of our city’s diverse, high-quality options.
Along with Perth Modern, we’ll review the best high schools in the city that give students plenty of opportunities to thrive. We hope it can help you with one of the most important decisions for your child’s future.
1. Perth Modern School
Location: 90 Roberts Rd, Subiaco
Contact: +61893926855
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
Fees: Government-funded school
Google reviews score | 3.6/5 |
Parenting Australia score | 4.9/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Curriculum | 4.5/5 |
Facilities | 4.5/5 |
Culture | 4/5 |
Extracurriculars | 4.5/5 |
Perth Modern School is well-known for its challenging academic programs, including the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB). These programs are perfect for students who want to push their limits and get ready for university and beyond.
It’s WA’s only fully selective public school, admitting students solely on academic merit. This ensures a motivated, high-achieving student body, fostering a culture of excellence and intellectual growth.
A niece who goes there loves that extracurricular activities are abundant, including sports teams, music ensembles, drama clubs, and various academic societies. It gives her the chance to develop her talents, leadership skills, and social networks.
Of course, it also means the school’s admission process is more rigorous compared to others. Plus, the pressure to maintain high academic performance can be challenging for some students.
Pros
- Academic merit-based admission
- Plenty of extracurricular activities
- No tuition fees
Cons
- Competitive admission process
Customer Reviews
The school is excellent in every way with superb teaching and wonderful students
“One of our sons attends Perth Modern School. It is for gifted and talented children. The entrance examination is tough. To get there our son walks to the bus then takes the train and walks again so it’s a long journey. Despite this, it is really worthwhile as the school is excellent in every way with superb teaching and wonderful students with fine facilities Our son loves to go to school every day and comes back with stimulating ideas and interests Perth Modern takes students from all over the State and there are residential facilities available through the State government.” – Jeremy Holton, Google Review
The teachers were just absolutely amazing and so very helpful and encouraging
“Went to this high school from years 8-12 and it was the best school I could have hoped to go to. Wonderful teachers, amazing music program, terrific manual arts and home economics programs. I was going there under different circumstances to the majority of other students there, through some very trying times and the teachers were just absolutely amazing and so very helpful and encouraging. I was so proud to go there and be able to walk around it with my mother and grandfather as they were both students there also. There are certainly a lot of wonderful memories within those school grounds.” – Julie Windsor, Google Review
2. Christ Church Grammar School
Location: Queenslea Dr, Claremont
Contact: +61894421555
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–5 PM
Fees: $$$
Google reviews score | 3.2/5 |
Parenting Australia score | 4.9/5 |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Curriculum | 4.5/5 |
Facilities | 4.5/5 |
Culture | 4.5/5 |
Extracurriculars | 4.5/5 |
Christ Church Grammar School is committed to holistic education, emphasizing both academic excellence and character development. Its “Making of Men” program aims to instil values like integrity, respect, and responsibility to be positive contributors to society.
Its comprehensive and diverse curriculum includes the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and various advanced placement courses. This academic rigour ensures students are well-prepared for tertiary education and future careers.
But it’s not all just academic stuff here: extracurriculars include a wide range of sports, arts, music, and community service programs. Heath Ledger, who actively participated in school plays, is a popular alumnus of Christ Church.
The downside is its pricey tuition fees. At approximately AUD 30,000 to AUD 35,000 per year, not all families can afford this high school for their boys.
Pros
- Focus on holistic education
- Emphasis on advanced placement courses
- Wide range of extracurricular activities
Cons
- High tuition fees
Customer Reviews
Very disciplined and focused, with a very high academic standard
“I attended CCGS boarding school in 1982 for a year after living my entire life in the Pilbara. It was hard work, very disciplined and focused, with a very high academic standard. It is a very fond memory for me, though difficult at the time, and it has been the foundation of a long and successful career for me.” – Daryl, Google Review
A perfect balance between academics and sports
“We have 2 sons at CCGS, 1 in the senior school, the other in the junior school. CCGS has a fantastic culture with a perfect balance between academics and sport creating huge opportunities for the boys.” – David Solomons, Google Review
3. Rossmoyne Senior High School
Location: Keith Rd, Rossmoyne
Contact: +61892351600
Hours: Mondy to Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
Fees: Government-funded school
Google reviews score | 3.4/5 |
Parenting Australia score | 4.9/5 |
Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Curriculum | 4.5/5 |
Facilities | 4/5 |
Culture | 4/5 |
Extracurriculars | 4.5/5 |
Rossmoyne Senior High School has a prestigious Specialist Music Program, which is recognized as one of the best in Western Australia. This program offers students intensive music training, performance opportunities, and access to high-quality instruments and facilities—a unique feature in a high school setting.
It offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes the WACE and a variety of vocational education and training programs. These aim to provide students with a strong foundation for both university and career pathways.
Support services at this school are extensive, with dedicated academic advisors, counsellors, and specialised programs for students with diverse learning needs.
However, total enrollments can reach up to 2,500 students, which can lead to overcrowded classes and a competitive academic environment that may be challenging for some students.
Pros
- Unique Specialist Music Program
- Specialised programs for diverse learning needs
- No tuition fees
Cons
- Larger student population
Customer Reviews
Has a great history of having amazing teachers
“This school was a great school, would recommend Rossmoyne Senior High School(RSHS) as it has a great history of having amazing teachers and a massive background of academic prowess.” – Jonosserno, Google Review
Gets you a guarantee into UWA University
“Lovely school. Would recommend it. Gets you a guarantee into UWA University.” – Jordan Ghorbani, Google Review
4. International School of Western Australia
Location: 193 St Brigids Terrace, Doubleview
Contact: +61892851144
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
Fees: $$$
Google reviews score | 3.8/5 |
Parenting Australia score | 4.9/5 |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Curriculum | 4.5/5 |
Facilities | 4.5/5 |
Culture | 4.5/5 |
Extracurriculars | 4.5/5 |
The International School of Western Australia has a global curriculum that provides students with a flexible and internationally recognized education. This prepares them for global opportunities and fosters a diverse, multicultural learning environment.
Aside from WACE, graduates of this high school get internationally recognized qualifications, making it easier for students to gain admission to universities and colleges worldwide.
It offers sports teams, music ensembles, drama clubs, and community service initiatives. Plus, the International Baccalaureate includes mandatory subjects in languages, humanities, sciences, and mathematics, ensuring a balanced education.
All these contribute to a well-rounded global education but at a steep price. Depending on the year level, yearly tuition fees at the ISWA can be from AUD 24,000 to AUD 38,000.
Pros
- Balanced global curriculum
- Wide range of extracurriculars
- Preparation for international universities and colleges
Cons
- High tuition fees
Customer Reviews
Amazing teachers, super-inclusive environment
“Very happy with the school – we were looking for a non-religious, co-ed private school that offers all the enrichment and academic standards you would expect from a private school and have not been disappointed so far. Amazing teachers, super-inclusive environment and children have learnt so much since joining. Beautiful new campus, and a good balance of locals/expats. One only thing wished the autumn holidays would align 100% with the WA holidays, but otherwise great overlap in school holidays.” – Tuligh, Google Review
I really love that my kids get exposed to different cultures
“We moved to Perth from Melbourne and chose The International School of WA for so many reasons. The school is k-12 and co-ed, they offer Spanish which is useful when we visit South America (for our family), a brand new campus with great facilities and the support they give to our children is just amazing! I was so stressed out about moving schools, but the staff at the international school have made it easy and seamless. The caring nature and open-minded attitudes toward different cultures of all the parents and staff is another win for us. I really love that my kids get exposed to different cultures and can connect with children in a similar situation to our family as we are both from abroad. It has been a breath of fresh air compared to our previous school.” – Laura Burgess, Google Review
5. Willetton Senior High School
Location: Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton
Contact: +61893347200
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7.30 AM–3.30 PM
Fees: Government-funded school
Google reviews score | 3.8/5 |
Parenting Australia score | 4.9/5 |
Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
Score consistency | 4.5/5 |
Curriculum | 4/5 |
Facilities | 4/5 |
Culture | 4/5 |
Extracurriculars | 4/5 |
Athletic young students can look forward to Willetton Senior High School’s acclaimed Specialist Basketball Program. This program is recognized for developing athletic talent and providing students with opportunities to compete at high levels.
A prominent alumnus of this school is Mitch Marsh, an Australian cricketer who has represented Australia internationally. He has credited his success to the school’s strong athletic programs and supportive environment.
The school also has vocational education and training programs to allow students to gain practical skills and qualifications directly relevant to the workforce. It’s great that there’s an alternative pathway for those who may not be pursuing traditional academic routes.
The downside is that around student population can be over 2,600 in an academic year, making classes larger and more crowded than high schools with fewer enrollees.
Pros
- Specialist Basketball Program
- Vocational education programs
- No tuition fees
Cons
- Larger class sizes
Customer Reviews
Truly a remarkable teacher and environment
“Miss Loh has made my kids feel at ease and at home. Truly a remarkable teacher and environment.” – Jordan Sayers, Google Review
The facilities are awesome
“This is a lovely school, the teachers are very kind, most of the time. The facilities are awesome and the wide range of academic opportunities that are available is great for a student to open their pathways after they graduate high school. The arts centre is an amazing building that is used to house school productions. The tech facilities are very modern and easy to use. The wide range of facilities allows for students to do their best in the things they love doing.” – Dext, Google Review