Perth Schools Guide: Choose Public, Catholic, or Independent Options

Schools in Perth

Perth's school system spans public schools run by the WA Department of Education, a large Catholic Education WA (CEWA) network, and a healthy independent sector. Western Australia's selective school system is one of the most competitive in the country.

Government Schools

WA has a dedicated selective entry high school: Perth Modern School (Subiaco, Year 7-12, co-educational). Entry is via the Gifted and Talented (Selective Entrance) Test and Perth Modern is consistently one of WA's top academic performers. Other government schools with academic programs include North Lake Senior Campus, Shenton College, and Churchlands Senior High School (with a performing arts selective stream).

Government school catchments apply for neighbourhood enrolments. Many Perth suburbs have strong neighbourhood public high schools.

Catholic Schools

Catholic Education WA (CEWA) operates over 160 schools in WA, including many in Perth. Notable schools include Aquinas College (Salter Point, boys, Years 7-12), Santa Maria College (Attadale, girls), CBC (Christian Brothers College, St Abilene, boys), Loreto Nedlands (girls), and Iona Presentation College (Mosman Park). CEWA schools range from inner-Perth to outer suburbs and regional WA.

Independent Schools

Perth's prestigious independent schools include Wesley College (South Perth), Christ Church Grammar School (Claremont), Methodist Ladies' College (Claremont), Trinity College (East Perth), Hale School (Wembley Downs, boys), and Presbyterian Ladies' College (Peppermint Grove). Fees range from $15,000 to $35,000+. Families in the western suburbs and river suburbs are typically closest to these schools.

Finding and Enrolling

Government schools: enrol through the WA Department of Education (education.wa.edu.au). Selective school applications (Perth Modern and other programs) close in Term 3 for the following year. Contact CEWA and independent schools directly for their application processes.