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Best Schools in Geelong: Public & Private by Area

Explore top schools across Geelong, from Geelong Grammar to Bellarine Peninsula. Compare public, private and Catholic options for your family.

By Geelong Daily · 3 July 2026 at 9:37 pm ·

Updated 4 July 2026 at 3:08 am

Verified by The Daily Geelong editorial team

This story was reviewed by our Geelong editorial team. Last verified today.

2 min read · 276 words

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Best Schools in Geelong: Public & Private by Area
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Geelong's school system is anchored by some of Victoria's most prestigious independent schools (The Geelong Grammar School, Geelong College, Sacred Heart College), excellent public secondary schools (The Geelong High School, Belmont High), and a strong Catholic school network across the Geelong metropolitan area and the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula growth corridors.

Independent schools — The Geelong Grammar School (Corio campus, boarding; Newtown campus, day; Timbertop Year 9 campus, mountain education) is one of Australia's most prestigious and best-known independent schools, with significant alumni including Charles III (who studied at Timbertop). The Geelong College (Newtown, coeducational) is the co-ed alternative. Sacred Heart College (Newtown, girls) and Christian College (Highton, Christian) are the main mid-fee independent options. Fees at Geelong Grammar and The Geelong College range from $20,000 to $45,000+ per year.

Public schools — The Geelong High School (Newtown) is among the most established public secondary schools in Victoria. Belmont High School (Belmont), Newcomb Secondary College (Newcomb), and Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College (Geelong West, girls) are the main public secondary options across the Geelong metropolitan area. The Surf Coast Secondary College (Torquay) and Bellarine Secondary College (Ocean Grove) serve the coastal growth corridor.

Catholic schools — Catholic Education Geelong operates 40+ schools across the region. St Joseph's College (Newtown, boys) and Clonard College (Geelong, girls) are the main Catholic secondary schools. Fees are moderate relative to independent school equivalents.

Primary schools by area — the Newtown and Geelong West public primary schools have strong reputations. The Surf Coast primary schools (Torquay, Jan Juc) are popular with the sea-change family demographic.

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.

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Published by The Daily Geelong

This article was produced by the The Daily Geelong editorial desk and covers community in Geelong. See our editorial standards for how we use AI.

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