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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 · Published 25 July 2026

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This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. The Daily Geelong is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

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.

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