Education in Western Australia is compulsory and highly competitive, and so are private schools in Perth, Australia’s fourth-most populous city.
Like most cities across Australia, primary and high school education are compulsory in Perth for children aged six and seventeen.
Australia’s pre-tertiary education includes pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, primary school, high school, and senior high school.
Pre-Kindy up to Senior High School in Perth, Western Australia, is often compulsory -and lasts for 13 years.
Generally, education in Perth is compulsory until at least the age of 16.
In Perth, there is an opportunity for every child to attend any school they desire. From public schools, run by the state government’s Department of Education, to private schools, usually affiliated with a religion. Parents can make a proper choice of school for their youngsters.
The student will be, eventually, awarded a credential of the Australian Certificate of Education (WACE); upon completing Year 11 and Year 12 of their high school education.
Education in Perth
Schooling in Perth is quite appealing as some of Australia’s most renowned schools and institutions are situated there, including public and private universities, plus one of Australia’s leading research institutions.
Though there are many schools in Western Australia and the city of Perth to be exact, both public and independent. This article will, however, focus primarily on only the best private schools in Perth.
To find a perfect school for youngsters is usually not a walk in the park. However, it is a responsibility you can never shy away from as a parent.
Below are the top 10 private schools in Perth, WA. These schools consist of denominational, non-denominational, co-educational, single-gender, day and boarding schools. Plus, they also offer quality education to Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 learners in Perth and Western Perth.
Private schools are usually funded and run independently and required payment of tuition and fees to stay afloat. Therefore, tuition plus other fees are a prerequisite for entry into any of the schools we are going to list on this page.
List of Top 10 Private Schools in Perth
| S/N | NAME | GENDER | YEARS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Perth College | Girls | PreK – 12 |
| 2 | Ellenbrook Christian College | Co-ed | PreK – 12 |
| 3 | Perth Individual | Co-ed | PreK – 12 |
| 4 | Bethel Christian School | Co-ed | PreK – 12 |
| 5 | Great Southern Grammar | Co-ed | PreK – 12 |
| 6 | Geraldton Christian College | Co-ed | PreK – 12 |
| 7 | Rehoboth Christian College | Co-ed | Kindy – 12 |
| 8 | Swan Christian College | Co-ed | Kindy – 12 |
| 9 | Wesley College | Co-ed | Kindy – 12 |
| 10 | Scotch College | Boys | Kindy – 12 |
Top 10 Best Private Schools in Perth, Western Australia
1. Perth College
| TUITION FEE | $11,484 – $23,940 (Intl. $23,000 – $34,326) per annum |
| YEARS | Pre-Kindy – 12 |
| PHONE | +61 (8) 9471 2100 |
| info@pc.wa.edu.au | |
| ADDRESS | 31 Lawley Crescent, Mount Lawley WA 6050 |
| WEBSITE | perthcollege.wa.edu.au |
Perth College is an all-girls private Anglican day school with boarding facilities situated in Mount Lawley, the inner suburb of Perth.
Establishes in 1902, the College is one of the oldest private schools in Perth, Western Australia. Currently, it boasts 100 boarding students and approximately 1,000 learners from Early Learning (Kindergarten to Year 4) up to Year 12, the last school year that eventually prepares the student for university and life outside school.
As of this writing, the College maintains a non-selective stance in student enrollment and proudly welcomes learners from all nooks and crannies of the world to the school.
Over the past many years, the College has maintained consistent performance in academics and extra-curricular activities and the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) school rankings, often among the best performing private schools in Western Australia.
Perth College boasts state-of-the-art facilities; these include a Science Centre, Senior Learning and Leadership Centre, Theatre, Swimming Pool, et cetera. These facilities ensure all girls have access to the best education possible.
2. Ellenbrook Christian College
| TUITION FEE | $3,716 – $8,048 per annum |
| YEARS | Pre-Kindergarten – 12 |
| PHONE | (08) 9297 9297 |
| ellenbrook@scea.wa.edu.au | |
| ADDRESS | 5 Santona Boulevard, Ellenbrook WA 6069 |
| WEBSITE | ellenbrook.wa.edu.au |
Ellenbrook Christian College is a Christian co-educational Independent non-denominational school situated in Ellenbrook, the northern suburb of Perth in Western Australia.
The College’s history can be traced to 2001 when it officially opened its doors to 151 students and 13 staff, with Doreen Smith as the first College Council Chair and Jack Joyce as the first Principal.
Ellenbrook Christian College currently caters to approximately 830 students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12.
As a Christian College, it is an affiliate of the Swan Christian Education Association Inc (SCEA).
And, as with most private schools in Perth, Ellenbrook Christian College is grouped into three schools: Early Learning (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 1), Primary School (Year 2 to Year 6), and Secondary School (Year 7 to Year 12).
The College boasts some state-of-the-art facilities across its campus. These include a Technology Centre, Secondary Gymnasium, Performing Arts Buildings, and Auditorium.
3. Perth Individual
| TUITION FEE | $11,616 – $26,008 per annum |
| YEARS | Pre-Kindergarten – 12 |
| PHONE | 08 9362 3186 |
| admin@pi.wa.edu.au | |
| ADDRESS | 150 Burswood Rd Burswood, WA, 6100 |
| WEBSITE | pi.wa.edu.au |
Even though it offers a Montessori method of education, Perth Montessori School, currently referred to as Perth Individual, provides an Independent, non-denominational, and co-educational education to learners aged 3 to 18 years old.
However, unlike other private schools in Perth, we have listed on this page each class in Perth Individual has three age ranges: 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12 being the final class.
Perth Individual is divided into three schools: Montessori Playgroup (0 to 4 Years), Middle Primary (Years 1 to 3) – CYCLE 2, Cycle 1 (Years 3 to 6), and High School (Years 7 to 12). Unlike mainstream schools, Montessori schools levels are called Cycles.
Established in 1980, Perth Individual is one of a few Independent schools in Perth, Western Australia, providing Montessori education for children aged 3 to 18-year old.
Enrollment into Perth Individual is subject to a one-time Confirmation Fee which varies from Cycle to Cycle.
Perth’s Individual enrollment fee is as follows:
- Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Pre-Primary (Years 1 to 6): $1,331
- High School (Years 7, 8, and 9): $1,569
- High School (Years 10, 11, and 12): $785
At Perth Individual, Fees consist of Tuition fees, Building Fund Levy, and Development Levy and range from $2,904 to $3,514 per term for domestic students and can go up as high as $3,042 to $6,502 per term for international students.
Private Primary Schools Perth, WA
4. Bethel Christian School
| YEARS | Pre-Kindergarten – 12 |
| PHONE | (08) 9842 2100 |
| office@bethel.wa.edu.au | |
| ADDRESS | 20 Bethel Way, Albany WA 6330 |
| WEBSITE | bethel.wa.edu.au |
Bethel Christian School, often abbreviated as BCS, is a co-educational independent non-denominational Christian school. It was founded in 1981 and currently provides primary and secondary education to approximately 322 students from Kindergarten to Year 12.
BCS is situated in the port city of Albany in the Great Southern region in the state of Western Australia.
Bethel Christian School is one of the best private schools in Perth. Since its inception in 1981, BCS is committed to providing a stimulating education in a safe and caring environment – providing a platform where learners are nurtured and provided the best possible education to achieve their potential.
At BCS, the aim is to be a place where students are respected and deeply valued.
Please visit the school website for other information about the Bethel Community, Application for Enrolment, and Enrolment Conditions.
5. Great Southern Grammar
| TUITION FEE | $1,950 – $12,488 (Boarding: $20,484 – $22,132) per annum |
| YEARS | Pre-Kindergarten – 12 |
| PHONE | +61 8 9844 0300 |
| reception@gsg.wa.edu.au | |
| ADDRESS | 244 Nanarup Road Albany, WA 6330 |
| WEBSITE | gsg.wa.edu.au |
Great Southern Grammer is a non-denominational co-educational Christian private school situated in the town of Kalgan, Perth.
The school was established, with 36 students in rented premises at Mount Melville, a south-western suburb of Albany, in 1999. A year later, it relocated its campus to the Lower Kalgan, its current site.
As a full-fledged institution, it caters to students from Pre-Kindy up to Year 12. In other words, it offers quality education for pupils in pre-kindergarten, primary and secondary levels.
Though a day school, it also has boarding facilities; and currently catering to approximately 140 boarders.
Great Southern Grammer has a non-selective policy; and is divided into four schools: Junior School, catering for pupils from Kindergarten to Year 6.
The Middle School serves students in Year 7 to Year 9, and the Senior School provides final years studies for students from Year 10 to Year 12.
The school is currently ranked one of the best in Western Australia. This rating is based on the overall school performance.
Christian Schools Perth, Western Australia
6. Geraldton Christian College
| TUITION FEE | $2,180 – $5,680 per annum |
| YEARS | Pre-Kindergarten – 12 |
| PHONE | (08) 9938 9100 |
| admin@gcc.wa.edu.au | |
| ADDRESS | 15 Cedar Cres, Strathalbyn WA 6530 |
| WEBSITE | gcc.wa.edu.au |
Geraldton Christian College, founded in 1977, is an independent, co-educational, non-denominational Christian college situated in the coastal city of the Australian state of Western Australia. As a Christian college, it is a member of Christian Education National.
In its early days in 1977, the school opened with only two teachers and 38 students from Years 1 to 7.
Today, the College boasts state-of-the-art facilities and caters to approximately 350 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 in a safe and caring environment.
And, like some of the schools that we have listed thus far, Geraldton Christian College has a non-selective policy.
In other words, a child can get enrolled in the school without needing to worry about fulfilling any criteria set out by the school.
The College is unarguably one of the most affordable private schools in Perth, with an annual school fee ranging from $2,180 to $5,680 for Kindergarten to Year 12.
7. Rehoboth Christian College
| TUITION FEE | $5,627 – $8,743 per annum |
| YEARS | Kindergarten – 12 |
| PHONE | +61892749900 |
| enrolments@rehoboth.wa.au | |
| ADDRESS | 92, Kenwick Road, Kenwick WA 6107 |
| WEBSITE | rehoboth.wa.edu.au |
Rehoboth Christian College is a private co-educational day primary and high school. It is a dual-campus institution and has facilities in two suburbs: Wilson and Kenwick – all in Perth in Western Australia.
While the former caters primarily to pupils from Kindergarten to Year 6, the latter serves students from the early learning phase up to secondary school.
As an independent school, Rehoboth Christian College is a member of the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia and the Christian Education National.
Rehoboth Christian College is one of the oldest schools in Western Australia, having been established initially as a primary school in 1966.
However, it transitioned into a full-fledged College a decade later and began catering to learners from pre-kindergarten up to secondary school.
Today, the College boasts students enrollment of approximately 805 learners across its two campuses. And it is rated among the best private schools in Perth.
8. Swan Christian College
| TUITION FEE | $3,716 – $8,048 per annum |
| YEARS | Kindergarten – 12 |
| PHONE | (08) 9374 8300 |
| enrolments@swan.wa.edu.au | |
| ADDRESS | 381 Great Northern Hwy, Middle Swan, WA 6056 |
| WEBSITE | swan.wa.edu.au |
Swan Christian College is an independent co-educational non-denominational Christian primary and secondary school.
And, like many Christian affiliated schools, SWAN Christian College is a member of the Swan Christian Education Association (SCEA) and the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA).
Founded in 1983, Swan Christian College is not the oldest private school in Perth.
As of this writing, the college has 200 staff and 1,500 students from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Swan Christian College has had excellent WACE achievements in recent years and strives to remain one of the most sought-after private schools in Perth and Western Australia.
At Swan Christian College, the child’s well-being is a top priority, including physical, emotional, social, mental, and spiritual needs.
Private High Schools Perth
9. Wesley College
| TUITION FEE | $8,441 – $25,541 (Intl. Student: $8,441 – $38,188) per annum |
| YEARS | Kindergarten – 12 |
| PHONE | +61 8 9368 8000 |
| centralreception@wesley.wa.edu.au | |
| ADDRESS | Corner of Coode and Angelo Streets, South Perth WA 6151 |
| WEBSITE | wesley.wa.edu.au |
Wesley College is an independent co-educational, day and boarding school situated in the southern suburb of Perth in Western Australia.
The school was founded in 1923 initially as a boys’ school. It started with an initial enrolment of 39 boys and grew steadily in population over the past years. Currently, its boarding facilities serve 150 students.
Wesley is not fully co-educational, as it only offers mixed-gender academics for pupils from Kindy up to Year 6 and boys only from Year 7 to Year 12.
Today, it is one of the fastest-growing independent schools in Perth, with an enrollment of approximately 1,300 learners with 110 staff members.
Wesley College consists of three schools: Junior School (Kindergarten – Year 4), Middle School (Year 5 – Year 8), and Senior School (Year 9 – Year 12).
Since its inception, the school boasts top academic performance, with its students doing exceedingly well in academics and extra-mural activities, including sports and arts.
As an independent school, Wesley College is a member of several educational associations including, the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia.
10. Scotch College
| TUITION FEE | $7,120 – $28,600 (Intl. Student: $35,360 – $40,600) per annum |
| YEARS | Kindergarten – 12 |
| PHONE | +61 8 9383 6800 |
| mail@scotch.wa.edu.au | |
| ADDRESS | 76 Shenton Road, Swanbourne, WA 6010 |
| WEBSITE | scotch.wa.edu.au |
Scotch College is a single-gender dual-campus private early learning, primary and secondary Uniting Church school situated in the suburb of Swanbourne in the city of Perth, Western Australia.
Established in 1897, it provides day and boarding facilities to boys from pre-kindergarten to Year 12. The College currently caters to approximately 1,900 students across its campuses. In addition, its boarding facilities cater to 160 students.
Also, Scotch College is one of a few private schools in Perth that offers the International Baccalaureate Programmes for Kindy to Year 12.
And, to date, it still operates the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) course and Vocational Education Training (VET).
As with many private schools in Perth, Scotch College is grouped into three schools: Junior School (Pre-Kindergarten – Year 5), Middle School (Year 6 – Year 8), and Senior School (Year 9 – Year 12).
Summary – Best Private Schools in Perth
Being the largest city in Western Australia and the fourth largest city in Australia with approximately 2.1 million people, it is safe to assume that education in Perth might be too competitive both for domestic and international students. If that is your assertion, however, you might be right!
Perth is home to some of Australia’s most prestigious independent schools and institutions, no doubt. But it can be challenging and time zapping, in some cases, to find the right private schools in Perth to send your youngsters to.
To parent searching for the best Independent schools in Perth, we hope this article has helped you discover some of the leading private schools catering to learners from Pre-Kindergarten up to Year 12.
And yes! Some of these schools offer the International Baccalaureate Programmes to learners from Primary to High School Years.
