Ballarat Schools Guide: Government, Catholic, and Independent Options

Schools in Ballarat

Ballarat is one of Victoria's most historically significant cities and its school system reflects this heritage — several of its schools are among the oldest in Australia. The city has a comprehensive range of public, Catholic, and independent schools that serve Ballarat itself and a broad surrounding catchment including Daylesford, Creswick, and Ararat.

Government Schools

Ballarat government high schools include Ballarat High School (one of Victoria's oldest state high schools), Mount Clear College, and Sebastopol College. Ballarat High has a performing arts program. Government primary schools in Ballarat's inner suburbs (Soldiers Hill, Ballarat Central, Wendouree) are generally well-regarded. The Department of Education's Victorian government school system applies.

Catholic Schools

Catholic Education Diocese of Ballarat operates a significant school network. Schools include Ballarat Clarendon College (co-ed, secondary), St Patrick's College (Ballarat, boys), Mount St Joseph Girls' College (Ballarat), and a network of primary schools. Catholic schools in Ballarat are generally affordable relative to the independent alternatives.

Independent Schools

Ballarat Grammar (co-ed, Anglican, P-12) is Ballarat's most prominent independent school and one of regional Victoria's strongest academic performers. Ballarat Clarendon College (formerly combined with Grammar, now Catholic-independent) also competes in this space. Loreto College (Ballarat, girls) is another well-regarded independent option.

Finding and Enrolling

Victorian government school enrolments are at education.vic.gov.au. Contact Catholic Diocese of Ballarat and Ballarat Grammar directly. Open days are typically held in Terms 2-3 for the following year.

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