This is a practical guide to schools in Bacchus Marsh for 2025, covering both government and non-government options for primary and secondary. The goal is simple: help you shortlist schools that fit your child and your commute, then show you how to verify catchment zones and enrolment rules before you buy or sign a lease.
Bacchus Marsh sits on a real “two-direction” commute map: some families run west/east along the Western Freeway into Melton and Melbourne, while others travel north toward Gisborne and Sunbury. That changes what “convenient” looks like, especially once sport, music and after-school care are in the mix.
What this page includes:
Government agencies don’t publish “league tables”. Media outlets and websites use My School and other public data to create their own rankings, which can miss context. This guide is general information only — always confirm details directly with schools, Find my School and official sites before you make a decision.
Before you buy or sign a lease, do these 3 checks so you don’t end up “one street out” or stuck with an unworkable school run:
School decisions here usually bundle suburb choice, freeway access and the station corridor. These are common starting points for a shortlist:
If you want, we’ll map school zones + commute + realistic price brackets on a quick call.
Talk to a brokerVictorian government schools use school zones. Your residential address usually determines your local government primary and secondary school. Use the official Find my School map with the exact property address, zoom right in to the parcel and check both sides of the street. For must-have schools, confirm directly with the school in writing before you sign a contract.
Government schools don’t charge tuition fees for in-zone students. Core instruction is government funded in Victoria. Schools can request voluntary contributions and charge for optional extras like camps, sport programs, laptops and excursions. If contributions are genuinely difficult, talk to the school — students can’t be excluded from the standard curriculum because a voluntary payment isn’t made.
Catholic and independent schools set their own fees and enrolment priorities. In and around Bacchus Marsh you’ll see independent pathways like Bacchus Marsh Grammar and nearby faith-based options, plus Catholic colleges in the broader Sunbury corridor. Each school publishes a fee schedule and enrolment policy — check what’s included (levies, devices, buses, camps) before comparing net cost.
Commute is part of the decision. For some families, the best “fit” is a strong local school near Darley or the township. For others, a school along the Western Freeway or in the north corridor makes sense because it lines up with work, sport and the weekly routine. Start with the zone rules, then pressure-test the logistics.
Buyer checklist before you commit: screenshot the Find my School result for yourself, confirm the intake year and any program entry dates, ask about OSHC capacity, and price in uniforms, devices and travel. It’s boring, but it prevents expensive surprises.
Known for: a long-established local government secondary with broad subject choice across senior pathways.
Often shortlisted by families who want a practical co-ed government option close to the township, station corridor and local sports precincts.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributions Transport: station access • local bus routesKnown for: a structured independent pathway with strong co-curricular programs and a clear transition into senior years.
Frequently shortlisted by families looking for a consistent Prep-to-Year-12 pathway across campuses and a stable routine around Maddingley and the station.
Independent: fee-paying; see current schedule Transport: private routes • short drive to stationKnown for: a comprehensive secondary with a broad VCE/VET offering in the Macedon Ranges corridor.
Consider it if your household already travels north for work or family support, and you prefer a greener setting with a predictable freeway commute.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributions Transport: Calder Freeway drive • local busesKnown for: a community-focused secondary with practical senior options and an accessible “mid-sized” feel.
Often considered by families on the Bacchus Marsh–Melton side who want Western Freeway access and an option that still supports hands-on pathways.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributions Transport: bus network • Western Freeway accessKnown for: a values-based environment with structured expectations and a clear approach to wellbeing and learning routines.
A steady option for families who want a faith-based pathway within commuting distance, especially when transport and after-school activities are planned in advance.
Independent: fee-paying; see current schedule Transport: drive 20–25 min • local routesKnown for: a larger secondary with a wide mix of senior subjects, VET pathways and sport opportunities.
It can make sense for families on the freeway corridor who want a nearby government option and who prefer to keep Melbourne commuting flexible.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributions Transport: bus network • Western Freeway driveKnown for: a long-running Catholic boys’ college with large grounds, strong sport culture and established alumni networks.
Shortlisted by families whose work and family life already leans toward Sunbury or the airport corridor, where a northern commute can be simpler than the freeway run.
Catholic systemic: fee-paying; see current schedule Transport: rail access • Calder Freeway driveKnown for: vocational pathways and wellbeing programs that support students who want a practical route into trades or further study.
Often considered when families want an option close to Melton Station, with a routine that works around Western Freeway access and reliable pickup points.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributions Transport: rail + bus access • predictable commuteKnown for: broad subject offerings and strong co-curricular programs in a large northern growth corridor.
Consider it if your family already uses Sunbury Station or the Calder corridor regularly, and you want a school routine that aligns with that direction of travel.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributions Transport: rail access • Calder / airport corridorKnown for: a co‑ed government secondary with a supportive wellbeing focus and a smaller-school feel compared with some larger corridor options.
Often shortlisted as a practical northern alternative when your household already travels toward Sunbury or the airport precinct and wants a calmer routine with reliable transport back-ups.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributions Transport: buses • Calder corridor accessNote: some families compare strictly local Bacchus Marsh primaries with options along the Melton or Gisborne corridors when work, childcare and sport are already in that direction. Always confirm year levels, intake priorities and before/after school care availability directly.
Known for: a central, walkable primary with strong community involvement and easy access to services.
Often shortlisted by families who want a short school run and a routine that works around the main street, station corridor and local sport.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributionsKnown for: an independent primary pathway that feeds into later years with consistent routines and co-curricular options.
Shortlisted by families who want continuity through the middle years and prefer to keep school logistics centred around Maddingley and the station corridor.
Independent: fee-paying; see current scheduleKnown for: a smaller “village feel” primary that suits families living north of Darley or on rural blocks.
Often considered when your lifestyle prioritises space and quieter roads, and the school routine needs to work with longer drive times.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributionsKnown for: a well-established local primary with strong community ties and a practical routine for Darley families.
Frequently shortlisted where the daily run needs to fit with Halletts Way access, local sport schedules and after-school care.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributionsKnown for: a growing catchment that can suit families on the Melton-side of Bacchus Marsh, depending on your address and routine.
Often compared by households balancing space and affordability with a freeway commute and predictable childcare hours.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributionsKnown for: an established primary with strong community engagement in the north corridor.
Consider it when your weekly life already runs via Gisborne and the Calder Freeway, and you want school and work travel to align.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributionsKnown for: a community-scaled primary serving Melton’s north, with steady programs and a practical, family-friendly rhythm.
Often compared by families living closer to the freeway who want a short drive and reliable before/after-school routines.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributionsKnown for: a larger primary with specialist programs and a broad peer group, within a practical drive for some Bacchus Marsh families.
It’s commonly compared when families are weighing affordability, commute, and the availability of OSHC or sport programs in the Melton direction.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributionsKnown for: a friendly campus serving the north-side estates, with a practical routine for families around Darley.
Often shortlisted when OSHC hours and a predictable school run matter as much as classroom programs, especially for two working parents.
Government: no tuition fees for in-zone students; voluntary contributionsKnown for: a parish-linked school with a strong emphasis on community, wellbeing and consistent routines.
A common shortlist choice for families who want a faith-based option close to the township and who prefer a smaller-school feel.
Catholic systemic: fee-paying; see current scheduleThis is a fast scan tool — it doesn’t replace zone checks or school tours. Use it to shortlist, then verify with official sources below.
| School | Sector | Level | Area | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacchus Marsh College | Government | Secondary (7–12) | Bacchus Marsh / Maddingley | Website · Map |
| Bacchus Marsh Grammar (Senior) | Independent | Secondary (7–12) | Maddingley | Website · Map |
| Gisborne Secondary College | Government | Secondary (7–12) | Gisborne | Website · Map |
| Kurunjang Secondary College | Government | Secondary (7–12) | Kurunjang (Melton) | Website · Map |
| Melton Christian College (Secondary) | Independent | Secondary | Brookfield (Melton) | Website · Map |
| Melton Secondary College | Government | Secondary (7–12) | Melton | Website · Map |
| Salesian College Sunbury | Catholic | Secondary (7–12) | Sunbury | Website · Map |
| Staughton College | Government | Secondary (7–12) | Melton South | Website · Map |
| Sunbury College | Government | Secondary (7–12) | Sunbury | Website · Map |
| Sunbury Downs College | Government | Secondary (7–12) | Sunbury | Website · Map |
| Bacchus Marsh Primary School | Government | Primary (P–6) | Bacchus Marsh | Website · Map |
| Bacchus Marsh Grammar (Primary) | Independent | Primary (P–6) | Maddingley | Website · Map |
| Coimadai Primary School | Government | Primary (P–6) | Coimadai | Website · Map |
| Darley Primary School | Government | Primary (P–6) | Darley | Website · Map |
| Exford Primary School | Government | Primary (P–6) | Exford | Website · Map |
| Gisborne Primary School | Government | Primary (P–6) | Gisborne | Website · Map |
| Kurunjang Primary School | Government | Primary (P–6) | Kurunjang (Melton) | Website · Map |
| Melton West Primary School | Government | Primary (P–6) | Melton West | Website · Map |
| Pentland Primary School | Government | Primary (P–6) | Darley | Website · Map |
| St Bernard’s Parish Primary School | Catholic | Primary (P–6) | Bacchus Marsh | Website · Map |
Tip: don’t compare pre-2023 NAPLAN directly to 2023+ without context — reporting changes can distort “rank” assumptions.
To keep this page fast on mobile, school maps are click-to-load. Use “Open in Google Maps” for instant navigation, or tap “Load map” on any school card if you want the embed.
This reduces heavy third-party embeds on first load while keeping maps available for decision-making.
1) Confirm zones precisely: Use Victoria’s official Find my School map with the exact property address. Zoom right in to the lot and check both sides of the street. If a particular zone is critical, email the school with the address and keep written confirmation before you exchange.
2) Read My School data properly: Focus on enrolment trends, student background, funding and multi-year NAPLAN growth rather than a single year’s ranking. Don’t directly compare pre-2023 data to 2023+ (the reporting scale changed). Compare schools serving similar communities.
3) Understand fees and contributions: For government schools, core instruction is free for residents in-zone. Schools can request voluntary contributions and charge for optional extras such as camps, sport, devices and excursions. Catholic and independent schools publish fee schedules and explain discounts or levies — check what’s actually included before comparing affordability.
4) Programs, pathways and places: For accelerated learning, specialist programs, VCE subjects or VET, confirm entry criteria and timelines early. Ask how many places are available, how waitlists work and what backup options look like if your first preference doesn’t land.
5) Visit and check culture: Use tours and open days to ask about behaviour, learning support and extension, homework expectations and reporting. A school that fits your child’s needs and temperament is usually more important than headline scores.
6) Commute logistics: Time the school run at bell times from your likely address. Check bus corridors, parking, after-school activities and OSHC hours — especially if you juggle Melbourne commuting or shift work.
7) Transitions and moves: Ask how Prep and Year 7 transitions work, how new students are supported mid-year, and what the practical “first term” looks like for uniforms, devices and friendships. Good transitions reduce disruption if you’re moving house and school together.
8) Keep a paper trail: Save fee schedules, zone screenshots and tour notes. When you’re ready, we can line up pre-approvals and finance timelines with key enrolment dates, so you’re not making rushed offers just to secure a place.
Find my School (VIC school zones & designated schools) · My School (national profiles & NAPLAN data) · Victoria – Parent Payments policy · Victoria – going to school (fees, enrolment, starting school)
Once you’ve narrowed down zones and school types, it’s usually time to reality-check borrowing power and likely price brackets. The Rate Challenge Home Loan Guide steps through deposits, buffers and pre-approvals with examples for Victorian buyers.
If you’ve got a shortlist of schools, the next step is matching them to a suburb and a budget that actually works — without rushing a contract.
Victoria uses school zones to define which government primary and secondary school your address is linked to. The Find my School website shows designated schools for each address. In-zone students have strong priority; out-of-zone places depend on capacity and local policy. Always confirm with the school when a particular zone is critical.
Core instruction at Victorian government schools is government funded, so there are no tuition fees for in-zone students. Schools can request voluntary contributions and charge for optional extras such as camps, devices, sport programs and excursions. If contributions are difficult, talk to the school — support arrangements are usually available.
Yes. Some families travel east toward Melton and Melbourne via the Western Freeway, while others travel north toward Gisborne and Sunbury via the Calder corridor. The best school on paper can become stressful if it adds 40 minutes a day at bell times, so test the drive and the back-up options before committing.
Many non-government schools recommend registering interest years ahead for high-demand entry points such as Prep and Year 7. Each school sets its own timelines and priorities (siblings, interviews, past student links, etc.). Check closing dates early and keep a second option in reserve.
Ask about behaviour expectations, learning support and extension, homework loads, communication with families and how new students are welcomed. Look at how students and staff interact. A school that fits your child’s personality usually matters more than small differences in test scores.
Focus on multi-year growth, enrolment trends and comparable communities rather than a single-year ranking. The NAPLAN reporting scale changed in 2023, so earlier results aren’t directly comparable. Use data to form questions for tours, not to make a final decision on its own.
Sometimes. Out-of-zone places depend on capacity after in-zone students and priority categories are placed. Policies vary by school and year level. If a specific school is essential, confirm in writing before you sign a contract and keep a realistic back-up plan.
It can be a major stabiliser. Older students may use rail as a back-up on days when traffic or sport clashes make car travel tricky, and parents often plan drop-offs around the station precinct. Still, test parking and transfers at real bell times because peak congestion can change the experience.
Availability and hours vary by school and provider, and popular programs can book quickly. Confirm start/finish times, late-fee rules and whether services run on curriculum days. If two working parents need guaranteed coverage, OSHC capacity can be just as important as zoning.
No. Education departments and My School publish data, not official league tables. Rankings created by third parties can miss context such as student background and growth. Treat any “top school” list as a starting point for deeper research.