A Rate Challenge Guide

Best Schools in Ballarat VIC (2025)

Date published 20/10/2025

Last updated: 9 February 2026. 09/02/2026 • General information only

This is a practical guide to the best schools in Ballarat VIC for 2025, covering both public and private options for primary and high school. The goal is simple: help you shortlist schools that fit your child and your suburb, then show you how to verify school zones and enrolment rules before you make a move.

We group options the way families actually search—by area, lifestyle and commute. If you’re buying or refinancing in Ballarat, it helps to connect your school shortlist to a realistic budget early; start with Mortgage Broker Ballarat to compare options and plan your numbers.

Government agencies don’t publish ‘league tables’. We use Find my School (zones), My School profiles and official school sources. General information only — always confirm details directly with schools and official sites before you buy.

Speak with a broker today

Plan your move around these schools

Mortgage Broker Ballarat Map realistic price ranges by school zone. Alfredton Property Report 2025 House prices and streets near Ballarat High & Alfredton PS zones. Lake Wendouree Property Report 2025 Data for Lake Wendouree, Wendouree and central school catchments. Ballarat Infrastructure Guide 2025 Hospitals, transport and projects that shape school commutes. Rate Review Calculator Test repayments for Ballarat homes before you buy. Home Loan Guide Deposits, buffers and pre-approvals explained step-by-step. Ballarat Childcare & Kinder Guide 2025 Early-years options to match your chosen primary zone. SMSF Mortgage Broker Ballarat For buyers using super to purchase near preferred schools.

Quick start (how to shortlist in 10 minutes)

Use this guide to shortlist schools in Ballarat VIC, then verify eligibility using official zone/catchment information and the school’s enrolment requirements. There’s no official ranking — “best” is about fit and rules.

Pick 2–4 suburbs based on commute, budget and your child’s needs.
Check your address against the government school zone / catchment map (this often decides eligibility).
Shortlist 3–5 schools (2 safe in-zone options + 1 stretch).
Confirm costs (fees, levies, uniforms, devices, camps) on the school’s official website.
Tour and ask about programs, support services, and transport — then lock in a realistic plan.

Zones & costs (catchments, fees and transport)

Zones & catchments

Start with the official zone or catchment, then confirm with the school for edge-streets or recent boundary changes.

Government schools are zoned. Your address sets your designated neighbourhood school (guaranteed place). Out-of-zone offers depend on capacity and the Department’s rules (siblings, nearest appropriate school, etc.).

If you’re weighing suburbs by school zone, see local transport and services for Ballarat in our Ballarat infrastructure guide, and a deeper local snapshot in the Lake Wendouree property report.

Verify with Find my School using the exact property address (some streets split).
Out-of-zone offers depend on capacity and Department policy—never assume.
If a school is mission-critical, get confirmation in writing before you sign a contract.

Fees & ongoing costs

Indicative fees only — always confirm with the school. Ballarat ranges vary by program, music and sport inclusions.

Government: instruction is free; schools may request voluntary contributions and charge for optional extras (camps, devices).

Catholic & independent: schools publish fee schedules. In Ballarat, Catholic secondaries typically sit in the mid-range for fees; independent day/boarding fees vary widely. Check what’s included and sibling concessions.

If you need to put real numbers next to school fees and housing costs, combine this guide with our Rate Review Calculator and the Home Loan Guide to see how repayments and education costs fit into one budget.

Ask what’s included (devices, camps, music/sport levies, uniforms).
Budget a buffer for Year 7/11 changes (subjects, devices, electives).
Pair this with the Rate Review Calculator to see repayments + school costs together.

Top 10 secondary (high) schools

Ballarat’s top high schools for 2025 at a glance: zone, recent NAPLAN trend, and typical fees.

Ballarat High School

Government • Lake Gardens/Wendouree

Known for: a broad VCE/VET program, established music and rowing, and strong community ties around Lake Wendouree that give day-to-day schooling a grounded rhythm.

Families choose it for balanced academics, practical senior pathways and an easy commute from Wendouree, Lake Gardens and parts of Alfredton. Buses and trains make the schedule workable for working parents, while lakeside facilities support fitness, sport and ensembles. The culture feels friendly and approachable, which helps new arrivals settle quickly into routines and focus on steady progress across Years 7–12.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions Transport: Wendouree Station • bus corridors 🏡 Lake Wendouree Property Report 2025

Lake Wendouree, Ballarat Sports & Events Centre.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Ballarat Clarendon College (Senior)

Independent • Ballarat Central

Known for: academic focus, clear teaching routines and strong co-curricular breadth in sport, music and performing arts within a central, walkable location.

Families shortlist Clarendon for high expectations paired with purposeful support and well-sequenced senior subject depth. Students can extend in areas that suit their interests without losing balance across everyday commitments. The campus connects easily to buses and Ballarat Station, making public transport straightforward. Pastoral systems emphasise steady progress over hype, so motivated learners can build habits and confidence as they step into Year 11–12 pathways and beyond.

See current fee schedule (day) Transport: Ballarat Station • central buses 🏡 Lake Wendouree Property Report 2025

Sturt St, CBD amenities, arts precinct.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Ballarat Grammar

Independent • Wendouree

Known for: day and boarding options, extensive music and sport, and a lake-side setting with impressive facilities that encourage participation and leadership.

Grammar suits families seeking a holistic program with academic stretch and plenty of co-curricular choice, including outdoor education and ensembles. Day students commute easily via Wendouree Station and bus links, while boarding provides structure for regional households. Wellbeing and pastoral systems are visible through the senior years, supporting pathways to university, trades and apprenticeships. The campus feel is energetic yet organised, helping students balance homework with teams, clubs and community commitments.

See current fee schedule (day/boarding) Transport: Wendouree Station • bus links 🏡 Lake Wendouree Property Report 2025

Lake Wendouree, Victoria Park.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Damascus College

Catholic • Mount Clear

Known for: a spacious green campus, values-based culture and a balanced mix of VCE and VET pathways supported by strong wellbeing and community service programs.

Families across Mount Clear and Buninyong appreciate the calm environment and practical approach to senior options. The timetable works well with bus connections and short drives to the CBD, and the grounds invite outdoor learning and sport. Damascus emphasises respect, participation and steady improvement, helping students try new subjects while keeping a realistic workload. It’s a sensible choice for households who want both character development and clear academic direction.

See current Catholic fee schedule Transport: buses • 8–10 min to Ballarat Station (drive) 🏡 Ballarat Infrastructure Guide 2025

Yarrowee Creek trail, Canadian forest access.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Loreto College (girls)

Catholic • Ballarat Central

Known for: visible leadership opportunities, performing arts, and a supportive girls’ school culture with clear senior subject choice and alum networks.

Loreto’s central location makes travel uncomplicated from multiple suburbs by bus or a quick drive. Parents value the school’s emphasis on character, participation and purposeful study routines through the middle years, building confidence for VCE. Co-curricular options are broad but manageable, and communication is consistent. Many families note that the environment feels structured without being stiff, which helps students balance commitments at busy times of year.

See current Catholic fee schedule Transport: Ballarat Station • CBD buses 🏡 Ballarat Infrastructure Guide 2025

Sturt St, hospitals precinct, CBD.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Mount Clear College

Government • Mount Clear

Known for: clear VCE/VET/VM pathways, friendly culture and a distinctive bush-adjacent setting close to Federation University and trail networks.

Mount Clear works well for families in Mount Clear, Mount Helen and Buninyong who want straightforward senior options and approachable staff. Students can blend academic and applied learning to suit their goals, with timetables that accommodate bus users. The sense of space, local clubs and access to tracks make before- and after-school routines practical, while consistent communication helps parents stay on top of deadlines and subject choices in Years 10–12.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions Transport: bus corridors • Uni (Fed Uni) nearby 🏡 Ballarat Infrastructure Guide 2025

Federation University, Canadian forest trails.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Mount Rowan Secondary College

Government • Wendouree

Known for: a smaller-cohort feel, updated facilities and practical senior pathways that suit students who prefer a calm, close-knit environment.

Families choose Mount Rowan when they value familiarity between students and staff and quick access to support. The Wendouree location keeps travel simple, with straightforward bus and train links. Hands-on programs sit alongside academic classes, allowing students to explore interests without losing core skills. Communication is direct and approachable, helping households keep track of assessments, subject selections and work experience planning across the senior years.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions Transport: Wendouree Station • bus links 🏡 Lake Wendouree Property Report 2025

Stockland Wendouree, sporting facilities.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Phoenix P–12 Community College

Government • Sebastopol/Redan

Known for: comprehensive P–12 continuity, trades/technology options and a wellbeing focus that supports a wide range of learners.

South-side families appreciate the linked campuses and predictable routines as children move from primary into secondary. Phoenix offers academic and applied pathways with clear communication about requirements, alongside community-oriented events that help new students connect quickly. Bus corridors across Sebastopol and Redan make transport practical, while careers teams help older students shape realistic plans toward university, TAFE or apprenticeships without last-minute scrambling in Year 12.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions Transport: bus network • close to Sebastopol amenities 🏡 Ballarat Infrastructure Guide 2025

Sebastopol shops, Delacombe Town Centre (short drive).

Google Map loads only when clicked.

St Patrick’s College (boys)

Catholic • Lake Wendouree

Known for: strong VCE breadth, team sport and a visible alumni network that supports mentoring and post-school pathways.

St Patrick’s combines academic focus with a well-resourced sport program and a structured approach to study habits. The location near Lake Wendouree works for families using either Ballarat or Wendouree trains, and co-curricular commitments are manageable alongside homework. Parents often mention consistent communication and clear expectations across Years 7–12, which helps boys stay engaged through the middle years and make confident, informed subject decisions for VCE.

See current Catholic fee schedule Transport: Wendouree/Ballarat Stations • bus links 🏡 Lake Wendouree Property Report 2025

Lake Wendouree, hospitals precinct.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Woodmans Hill Secondary College

Government • Ballarat East

Known for: compact cohorts, hands-on learning options and approachable staff who know families by name.

Woodmans Hill appeals to households in Ballarat East, Brown Hill and Warrenheip seeking a friendly, practical environment. The college blends applied and academic subjects with straightforward communication about expectations and timelines. Proximity to the Western Freeway keeps commutes efficient, while local clubs and reserves support after-school sport. Students benefit from faster feedback cycles and a culture that prioritises steady improvement over flash in the pan results.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions Transport: buses • quick to Western Fwy 🏡 Ballarat Infrastructure Guide 2025

Gong Gong, Black Hill Reserve, freeway access.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Top 10 primary schools

A quick list of primary schools by zone and recent results to help shortlist fast.

Alfredton Primary School

Government • Alfredton

Known for: strong community participation, walkability from family streets west of the lake and a practical focus on core literacy and numeracy.

Parents highlight friendly staff, clear routines and specialists that keep younger learners curious. Morning drop-offs are straightforward—many families walk, ride or take a short drive. Events are well supported, helping new households connect quickly after a move. Transition links into local secondaries are communicated early, so friendships carry forward and families can plan ahead without last-minute stress around Year 6–7 changeover.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions per policy 🏡 Alfredton Property Report 2025

Parks, Ballarat High zone proximity.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Ballarat Primary School (Dana St)

Government • Ballarat Central

Known for: an inner-city “walk to school” feel and heritage character close to Sturt St, libraries and civic spaces that broaden learning.

Dana St serves families who prefer compact, community-minded environments where communication is direct and teachers are approachable. Classrooms blend strong foundations with creative projects, while the location makes public transport and after-school activities simple to manage. New families moving into central streets tend to settle quickly thanks to active events, visible leadership and routines that keep mornings predictable through the week.

Govt: instruction free; see Parent Payments page 🏡 Ballarat Infrastructure Guide 2025

CBD, hospitals precinct, Station.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Black Hill Primary School

Government • Black Hill

Known for: close community ties, access to reserves and trails, and a calm campus feel that supports focus in the early years.

Families appreciate strong foundations, sensible homework and steady progress without unnecessary pressure. Proximity to nature reserves offers plenty of active play before and after school. The commute to the CBD is short, helping parents manage pickups around work. Communication is consistent, and teachers are approachable, which makes transitions smooth for children starting Prep or joining mid-year after a local move.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions 🏡 Ballarat Infrastructure Guide 2025

Black Hill Reserve, quick CBD access.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Buninyong Primary School

Government • Buninyong

Known for: a village atmosphere, active parent body and strong participation in sport and arts that bring the community together.

Buninyong PS blends solid classroom practice with specialist programs and local partnerships. Many children walk or ride through the village each morning, and events are well advertised so new families can plug in quickly. Communication is clear, transitions are structured, and the tone feels welcoming. It’s a good fit if you want community ties and fresh air without long cross-town commutes every day.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions 🏡 Ballarat Infrastructure Guide 2025

Town centre, Federation Uni/Canadian forest (drive).

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Miners Rest Primary School

Government • Miners Rest

Known for: a growing northern community, modern facilities and quick freeway access that keeps family logistics simple.

The school balances core literacy and numeracy with specialist subjects and friendly communication. Drop-off and pick-up are designed to keep traffic moving, and many households come from newer estates nearby. Prep transitions are organised and inclusive, while events and classroom helpers create easy ways to get involved. A practical choice if you want contemporary spaces without sacrificing everyday convenience for work commutes.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions 🏡 Ballarat Infrastructure Guide 2025

Parks, freeway links, Wendouree shopping (drive).

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Mount Clear Primary School

Government • Mount Clear

Known for: a leafy setting, supportive culture and smooth links to Mount Clear College for families planning long-term.

Mount Clear PS offers caring staff, structured routines and engaging specialists in a setting that encourages outdoor play. Bus options and short drives are workable, and the school communicates clearly around events and transitions. Parents highlight the steady approach to core skills and the community feel that helps new families settle quickly when moving into the corridor from other parts of Ballarat or interstate.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions 🏡 Ballarat Infrastructure Guide 2025

Yarrowee Creek trail, Canadian forest.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Ballarat North Primary School

Government • Ballarat North

Known for: established programs, reliable routines and convenient access for northern suburbs that keeps mornings predictable.

BNPS prioritises early literacy and numeracy with support for consolidation and room for extension. Families like the straightforward commute to work after drop-off and the nearby parks and clubs for after-school sport. Communication is practical, and classrooms feel orderly without being rigid. It’s a dependable option if you want consistency, community feel and a sensible approach to homework across the primary years.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions 🏡 Ballarat Infrastructure Guide 2025

Shops/parks, quick drive to CBD.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Newington Primary School

Government • Newington

Known for: a friendly, well-located campus near Victoria Park with accessible clubs and extra-curriculars that keep kids active.

Newington blends strong classroom teaching with specialist programs and a calendar that encourages participation. The location suits families who prefer walking or short rides, and many weekend sport options sit on nearby ovals. Communication is clear, and transitions are handled thoughtfully so Prep families feel supported while older siblings continue into local secondary pathways without losing social connections.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions 🏡 Lake Wendouree Property Report 2025

Victoria Park, Sturt St, CBD buses.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Pleasant Street Primary School

Government • Newington

Known for: strong community support, engaging specialists and easy access to sport and arts venues near Lake Wendouree and central precincts.

Pleasant Street pairs clear expectations with a warm tone that keeps students motivated. Families value approachable teachers and communication that’s timely without being overwhelming. Many children cycle or scoot when the weather allows, and after-school activities are close enough to fit around work hours. It’s an appealing choice for households wanting a lively but well-organised primary experience.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions 🏡 Lake Wendouree Property Report 2025

Victoria Park, Lake Wendouree (walk/ride).

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Wendouree Primary School

Government • Wendouree

Known for: a welcoming culture, accessible staff and local sport links that help families plug into the community quickly.

Wendouree PS focuses on consistent routines and early skill building, backed by practical communication with parents. Proximity to shops, bus routes and the train station simplifies daily logistics, while nearby clubs make it easy to keep children active. Families often mention the friendly tone and steady support that make the first years of school feel manageable and positive.

Govt: instruction free; voluntary contributions 🏡 Lake Wendouree Property Report 2025

Stockland Wendouree, transport hub.

Google Map loads only when clicked.

Quick comparison table

Scan-friendly view of the secondary (high) and primary shortlists. Tap a school name to jump to the full profile, then use Website/Map links to verify.

School	Sector	Level	Area	Links
Ballarat High School	Government	Secondary	Lake Gardens/Wendouree	Website · Map
Ballarat Clarendon College (Senior)	Independent	Secondary	Ballarat Central	Website · Map
Ballarat Grammar	Independent	Secondary	Wendouree	Website · Map
Damascus College	Catholic	Secondary	Mount Clear	Website · Map
Loreto College (girls)	Catholic	Secondary	Ballarat Central	Website · Map
Mount Clear College	Government	Secondary	Mount Clear	Website · Map
Mount Rowan Secondary College	Government	Secondary	Wendouree	Website · Map
Phoenix P–12 Community College	Government	Secondary	Sebastopol/Redan	Website · Map
St Patrick’s College (boys)	Catholic	Secondary	Lake Wendouree	Website · Map
Woodmans Hill Secondary College	Government	Secondary	Ballarat East	Website · Map
Alfredton Primary School	Government	Primary	Alfredton	Website · Map
Ballarat Primary School (Dana St)	Government	Primary	Ballarat Central	Website · Map
Black Hill Primary School	Government	Primary	Black Hill	Website · Map
Buninyong Primary School	Government	Primary	Buninyong	Website · Map
Miners Rest Primary School	Government	Primary	Miners Rest	Website · Map
Mount Clear Primary School	Government	Primary	Mount Clear	Website · Map
Ballarat North Primary School	Government	Primary	Ballarat North	Website · Map
Newington Primary School	Government	Primary	Newington	Website · Map
Pleasant Street Primary School	Government	Primary	Newington	Website · Map
Wendouree Primary School	Government	Primary	Wendouree	Website · Map

How this list was built

This isn’t an “official ranking”. We don’t create league tables — instead, we shortlist schools families most often compare in Ballarat, then help you verify eligibility and fit.

What we looked at

Eligibility: zone/catchment rules (government), enrolment policies and capacity.
Pathways: VCE/VET/VM breadth, specialist programs, support and extension.
Practicality: commute time, transport, before/after-school care, daily logistics.

How to validate quickly

Use Find my School for zones with the exact address.
Use My School for profiles and context (don’t over-weight one score).
Confirm the latest information on each school’s website and by contacting the school directly.

General information only. Policies and boundaries can change. Always verify with official sources and the school.

Maps (click to load)

To keep the page fast, maps load only when you click. Each school card includes a “Load map” button. Here’s a general Ballarat map for orientation.

Loads a Google Map embed.

Compare & verify (the checklist families actually use)

A school can look great on paper and still be wrong for your child or your address. Use this checklist to verify the rules, compare fairly, and reduce last-minute surprises during a move.

1) Confirm zones precisely: Use Find my School with the exact property address. Some streets split; zoom to the parcel and side of street. If a school is mission-critical, get written confirmation from the school/Department before you sign.

2) Read My School profiles properly: Focus on enrolment trends, student background, funding and multi-year NAPLAN growth (not just bands). Don’t compare pre-2023 to 2023+ directly (scale changed). Compare like-for-like communities.

3) Fees & extras: Government instruction is free; schools may request voluntary contributions and charge for optional extras (camps/devices). Catholic/independent schools publish fee pages with inclusions, sibling discounts and concessions—check what’s included.

4) Programs & placement: For SEAL/extension, trades, IB or languages, confirm entry tests and timing early; ask how many places are offered and typical waitlist movement.

5) Visit & observe fit: Walk the campus. Ask about behaviour policies, learning support/extension, homework and reporting. A balanced culture that matches your child beats headline metrics.

6) Commute logistics: Time the school run at bell times. Check bus corridors, rail options (Ballarat & Wendouree), bike paths and parking. Confirm OSHC hours and holiday programs.

7) Transitions: Ask how Prep/Year 7 transitions work and what feeder links exist. Good transitions reduce risk during a home move.

8) Keep records: Save fee schedules, zoning screenshots and tour emails. We’ll sync finance timelines with any enrolment acceptance dates so you don’t rush decisions — our Mortgage Broker Ballarat team can help line up contracts, pre-approvals and settlement dates around school cut-offs.

Official links (verify everything)

Find my School (zones) · My School profiles · VIC Parent Payments policy · Mortgage Broker — Ballarat page

Buyer steps (tie school choices to a real budget)

School shortlists often change the suburb shortlist — and that changes price ranges. These steps keep the move realistic and reduce stress.

1) Lock your “must-have” schools

Confirm zones/catchments for your preferred address range (not just the suburb name).
Ask about enrolment cut-offs, proof-of-address rules and waitlists.
Time school tours around likely inspection weekends.

2) Run the numbers early

Use the Rate Review Calculator to stress-test repayments at today’s rates.
Work through the Home Loan Guide (deposit, buffers, pre-approval timing).
If you want local help, start with Mortgage Broker Ballarat.

FAQ

How do Ballarat school zones work?

Most schools follow an official zone or designated neighbourhood area. Start with the zone map, then email the school to confirm edge-streets or recent changes. If you’re buying, check timing — contracts can settle after an enrolment window, so plan dates with your conveyancer.

What’s the best way to read NAPLAN trends?

Treat them as one input, not a verdict. Look for multi-year movement, compare like-for-like schools, and consider programs that don’t show in a single score — languages, music, sport or VCE pathways. Visit the school if possible; culture matters as much as numbers.

Fees changed since last year — why?

Fees can shift with program additions (music, sport, camps), staffing and facilities. Use the school’s latest handbook or published fee schedule and confirm directly. If budgeting a move, allow a buffer for uniforms, devices and regular activities.

Which suburbs are popular for school access?

Zones near central Ballarat and transport corridors are often in demand. Families balance a preferred school with commute time and housing budget. If you’re shortlisting suburbs, view recent sales and rental availability alongside your target zone.

How early should we apply or register?

Earlier is better, especially if you’re moving. Some schools have dates for expressions of interest and documentation. Keep proof of address and prior reports handy, and confirm cut-offs so you’re not rushing during settlement.

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