Five weighted factors (ICSEA, advantage mix, teacher resourcing, enrolment growth and ICSEA trend) with the full breakdown shown on every school page.

Read the full methodology →

Guides for choosing a school

Plain-English explainers written for Australian parents.

Choosing a school

How to Choose a School in Australia: The Complete Parent Checklist

A step-by-step framework for choosing a primary or high school: what the data can tell you, what it can't, the questions to ask on a tour, and how to decide.

Understanding the data

What Is ICSEA? A Plain-English Guide for Parents

ICSEA explained: what the Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage measures, how it is calculated, what a 'good' ICSEA is, and how to use it without misreading it.

Choosing a school

Public vs Catholic vs Independent Schools in Australia: What the Data Says

An even-handed comparison of government, Catholic and independent schools: cost, results, class sizes, who attends, and how to decide which sector suits your family.

Understanding the data

NAPLAN Explained: How to Read the Results and What They Don't Tell You

What NAPLAN tests, the four proficiency levels, how to interpret your child's report and a school's results, and the limits of using NAPLAN to compare schools.

Understanding the data

VCE Study Scores Explained: What Is a Good Score and How to Read School Results

How VCE study scores work, what the median study score and the percentage of scores 40+ tell you about a school, how ATAR is calculated from them, and the limits of ranking schools on results.

Pathways

Selective Schools, Opportunity Classes and Gifted Programs: A State-by-State Guide

How academically selective entry works in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA, SA and the ACT, when to apply, what is tested, and how to prepare without burning your child out.

All guides →

Free academic assessment

Know exactly where your child stands.

School rankings describe the community. A free Success Tutoring assessment describes your child: a clear picture of their English and Maths against the Australian Curriculum, and a plan to get ahead.

Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT

Frequently asked questions

How are Australian schools ranked on this site?

Every school receives a Success Index from 0 to 100 built from official ACARA data: ICSEA, the share of students in the top socio-educational quarter, students per teacher, five-year enrolment growth and ICSEA trend. Components are percentiles against schools of the same type, so primary schools are only compared with primary schools.

Where does the data come from?

All school profile, location, staffing and enrolment figures come from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) Data Access Program, the same source behind the My School website. We refresh it automatically when ACARA publishes a new year.

Does a high ranking mean a school has the best teachers?

No. ICSEA and the Success Index describe a school community's socio-educational advantage and momentum, which correlate with academic results but do not measure teaching quality, wellbeing or fit for your child. Use rankings to build a shortlist, then visit schools and ask questions.

How do I find the best schools near me?

Use the search box to look up your suburb or postcode, or open Schools Near Me to use your location. Every suburb, postcode and council area page lists local schools ordered by Success Index.

What is a free academic assessment?

Success Tutoring offers a no-cost assessment of your child's English and Maths against the Australian Curriculum, identifying strengths and gaps, followed by a personalised learning plan. You can book one from any page on this site.