Each year, Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) results offer a snapshot of academic achievement across the state, providing insight into which schools are excelling in student outcomes. With the release of the 2024 VCE data, families, educators and students alike are looking closely at the top-performing schools to understand what sets them apart.
In this blog, we break down the top 10 schools based on key performance indicators, including the percentage of study scores 40 or above, median VCE scores, total number of students, school location, and whether they offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. These rankings not only celebrate academic excellence but also reflect the broader commitment to quality teaching and student support within Victoria’s secondary education system.
VCE 2024: Statewide Overview
In 2024, more than 61,998 students successfully completed their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). These students represented a wide range of government, independent, and Catholic schools across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Their achievements reflect the collective effort of students, teachers, and school communities navigating the challenges of senior secondary education.
In terms of study scores:
- 9.1% of all VCE study scores were 40 or above, a key indicator of strong subject performance.
- The median VCE study score across the state was 30, consistent with previous years and reflective of the scaling system used in VCE assessment.
- Students who achieved study scores of 40+ were typically within the top 9% of all candidates in a given subject.
These statistics provide valuable context for understanding how the top 10 schools compared to the state average. With some schools reporting more than 30% of study scores above 40, their performance significantly exceeds the state benchmark.
Understanding How VCE Scores Shape School Rankings
School rankings based on VCE results rely heavily on two key metrics: the percentage of study scores of 40 or above, and the median VCE study score. These indicators help measure academic achievement and consistency across student cohorts and subjects.
Here’s how each is used:
- Study Scores of 40 or Above (%):
- Every VCE subject is graded on a scale from 0 to 50, with a score of 30 representing the state average. A score of 40 or higher indicates a student performed in roughly the top 9% for that subject. Schools with a high proportion of 40+ scores are seen as fostering strong academic performance across a broad range of students and subjects.
- Median VCE Score:
- The median is the middle score when all study scores are arranged from lowest to highest. A higher median (typically 33 or above) suggests that strong performance isn’t limited to a small number of top achievers—it reflects consistent results across the entire student body.
VCE scaling adjusts study scores based on subject difficulty, affecting your ATAR. Understanding it helps you choose subjects wisely and set realistic expectations for your results.
Key Statistics from the 2024 VCE Results: Top 10 Schools in Victoria
The following table outlines the top 10 schools in Victoria based on 2024 VCE performance. These schools have been ranked according to the percentage of study scores of 40 and above—a key benchmark for academic excellence in the VCE. We've also included each school's median VCE score, locality, whether they offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), and the number of students completing the VCE in 2024.
1. Ballarat Clarendon College (Ballarat)
With 34.7% of study scores at 40 or above and a median score of 37, Ballarat Clarendon College has once again topped the VCE rankings. As a regional independent school with a strong academic culture and selective entry pathways, it consistently achieves outstanding results. Its success may also be attributed to a structured senior years program and strong teacher-student relationships.
2. Huntingtower School (Mount Waverley)
This small independent school continues to impress with 31.7% of its study scores above 40 and a median of 37. Huntingtower’s focused learning environment and emphasis on individualised attention appear to foster high academic standards across its VCE cohort. With only 182 students, the results suggest depth rather than just standout top-end performance.
3. MacRobertson Girls' High School (Melbourne)
A government selective-entry school, Mac.Rob ranks third with 31.1% of study scores at 40+ and a median score of 37. Its reputation for academic excellence, competitive entrance exams, and highly motivated students make it a perennial top performer. The large cohort size (566 students) adds further weight to its impressive results.
4. Mount Scopus Memorial College (Burwood)
Mount Scopus posted 30.8% of 40+ scores and a median of 37, reaffirming its place among Victoria’s top schools. As a leading Jewish day school, its strong academic support, values-based education, and well-resourced learning environment contribute to its consistent success.
5. St Catherine’s School (Toorak)
With 30.8% of scores above 40 and a median of 36, this independent girls’ school stands out for its personalised learning and small VCE cohort (132 students). Its focus on holistic education, along with academic rigour, has helped students excel across a range of subjects.
6. Ruyton Girls' School (Kew)
Ruyton achieved 30.2% of study scores at 40+ and a median of 37, reflecting consistent high performance. This independent girls’ school is known for fostering leadership and academic ambition. Its strong results indicate both broad student achievement and effective teaching strategies.
7. Haileybury College – Girls (Keysborough)
Haileybury’s girls’ cohort recorded 29.9% of 40+ scores with a median of 36. As part of a large multi-campus independent school, Haileybury offers a wide range of subjects and a structured approach to learning. Strong internal benchmarking and early preparation contribute to its academic outcomes.
8. Bialik College (Hawthorn)
Bialik achieved 29.7% of scores over 40 and a median of 36, making it one of the top-performing smaller schools (171 students). The college’s focus on community, academic excellence, and personalised support likely plays a key role in its students’ strong results.
9. Melbourne Girls Grammar (South Yarra)
With 28.7% of scores above 40 and a median of 36, this prestigious independent girls’ school maintains its high academic standing. A commitment to student wellbeing, along with strong academic foundations and subject diversity, supports a balanced and high-achieving environment.
10. Melbourne High School (South Yarra)
As a selective-entry public school for boys, Melbourne High recorded 28.5% of 40+ scores and a median of 36—a standout result for a large VCE cohort of 705 students. Its rigorous academic environment and culture of high expectations continue to deliver results that rival top independent schools.
Strong Performers Outside the Top 10
While the spotlight often falls on the top 10, several other Victorian schools delivered outstanding results in 2024 and deserve recognition for their academic achievements. These schools may not have topped the overall rankings, but they demonstrated excellence through high percentages of study scores over 40, strong median VCE scores, and consistent student performance.
Here are a few standout schools just outside the top 10:
- Presbyterian Ladies' College (Burwood)
- With a strong academic reputation and one of the few schools offering both the VCE and IB programmes, PLC consistently performs well. Its diverse curriculum and supportive learning environment contribute to impressive outcomes year after year.
- Korowa Anglican Girls' School (Glen Iris)
- Korowa continues to build on its academic profile, showing strong median scores and a high proportion of 40+ results. A personalised approach to learning and an emphasis on student wellbeing are central to its success.
- Camberwell Grammar School (Canterbury)
- A high-achieving boys' school with a strong academic culture and broad co-curricular program, Camberwell Grammar has earned a place among the state’s best, particularly in mathematics and sciences.
- Loreto Mandeville Hall (Toorak)
- Loreto has developed a strong academic record across multiple subjects, supported by a commitment to holistic education and values-based leadership.
- Suzanne Cory High School (Werribee)
- As another selective-entry government school, Suzanne Cory is rapidly gaining a reputation for academic excellence in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Its results reflect the calibre of students and teaching support provided.
These schools may not have cracked the top 10 this year, but they remain highly regarded for their academic rigour, supportive learning environments, and strong student outcomes.
VCE Tutoring is vital for success in the tough curriculum. It gives personalised help, guides through hard topics, boosts understanding, and offers one-on-one support.
How Did 2024 VCE Results Stack Up Against 2023?
Each VCE cohort faces its own unique challenges, and comparing results across years helps to track statewide trends in academic achievement. While individual school rankings shift slightly from year to year, the overall performance in 2024 remained consistent with 2023, with a few notable changes.
Key Comparisons:
- Percentage of 40+ Study Scores (Statewide):
- In both 2023 and 2024, approximately 9.1% of all study scores across the state were 40 or above. This indicates stable performance at the top end, with no significant increase or decline in high-achieving results overall.
- Median Study Score (Statewide):
- The median VCE study score remained steady at 30, continuing a long-standing trend and reflecting the standardised nature of VCE scoring.
- Top Performing Schools:
- Ballarat Clarendon College maintained its top position, affirming its reputation for academic consistency.
- MacRobertson Girls' High School and Melbourne High School both climbed slightly in the rankings compared to 2023, highlighting particularly strong cohort performance this year.
- Some traditionally high-ranking schools like Presbyterian Ladies’ College and Korowa Anglican Girls' School saw slight changes in position, though their results remained strong overall.
- Cohort Size and Diversity:
- Schools with smaller VCE cohorts—such as St Catherine’s School and Ruyton Girls' School—continued to deliver high percentages of 40+ scores, showing that academic excellence isn’t limited to large institutions.
Why the 2024 VCE Results Matter
Beyond the rankings and percentages, the 2024 VCE results carry significant weight for students, schools, and the broader education community in Victoria. These outcomes not only shape individual futures but also reflect the effectiveness of teaching and learning across the state.
For Students:
The VCE results form the basis for the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank), which determines eligibility and entry into university courses. For many Year 12 students, these results represent the culmination of years of hard work, setting the stage for future study, training or career pathways.
For Schools:
VCE outcomes offer schools important feedback on the impact of their curriculum, teaching quality, and academic support structures. High performance can enhance a school’s reputation, while year-on-year improvements reflect growth and adaptability.
For Parents and the Community:
These results help families make informed decisions when choosing schools. They also provide transparency and accountability in the education system, helping communities understand how local schools are performing.
For Education Policymakers:
On a systemic level, VCE data highlights broader trends in student achievement, equity, and school performance—informing policy, resource allocation, and curriculum development.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 VCE results showcase not only academic excellence but also the dedication of students, educators, and school communities across Victoria. While rankings offer useful insights, they should be seen as part of a broader picture—one that values growth, wellbeing, and a love of learning just as much as top scores.
As students take their next steps—whether into university, TAFE, or the workforce—these results stand as a testament to their perseverance and potential. And for families, schools and policymakers, they offer both a moment of reflection and a guide for future improvement.
