About Melbourne High School

Melbourne High School is Victoria’s only academically selective boys’ school. It is the oldest and most prestigious government secondary school in Victoria. The school offers a broad academic and cocurricular program for Years 9 to 12 and has an unsurpassed record of achievement in academic, sporting and cultural attainment. It counts among its former students many prominent leaders in all walks of life.

The school’s academic program extends both depth and breadth of learning. Specific extension and enrichment opportunities and special interest activities are available. The school offers an extensive VCE program, including options for university extension and VET studies.

The school offers the richest co-curricular program available, with over 40 sports, 30 musical ensembles, performing and visual arts festivals, national and overseas tours, outdoor education and over 40 special interest clubs and societies, including Army and Air Force cadets.

Year 9 entry is via an examination conducted in Term 2 of the previous year and is open to boys currently enrolled in their second year of secondary school, generally Year 8, in any government or non-government school in Australia or overseas. Students need to be either Australian citizens or holders of a permanent resident visa. There is a smaller Year 10 intake and limited places at other year levels.

About your child

Melbourne High School has a statewide charter to provide a program tailored for academically talented students. It is able to foster the highest individual expectations and attainment in all aspects of academic, personal and co-curricular development. With virtually no student discipline issues, the focus can be entirely directed to high-quality teaching and learning in a collegial and personalised environment.

The school sets demanding goals for every student. Your son will be working at the highest academic level and at an increased pace. There is an expectation that all students will participate in as many aspects of the co-curricular program as possible. He will have the great advantage of pursuing his education amongst peers who will challenge him and celebrate and share in his achievements.

Students are encouraged to develop challenging academic and educational goals. Every student is supported through a dedicated pastoral care program, and there is an extensive transition program for all new students. A detailed career exploration and further study program are offered to prepare students for the future. Student learning is closely monitored, and written reports are provided each term to parents, with the opportunity to discuss student progress with each subject teacher.

Our students hail from all over greater metropolitan Melbourne and beyond, and come from a diverse range of cultural and social backgrounds. The school takes great pride in the richness of community this engenders. We believe this diversity is an essential preparation for life in an international, multicultural world.

About the environment

The school is located in South Yarra and is easily accessible by public transport. The ‘Castle on the Hill’ is one of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings. It contains state-of-the-art educational facilities — including extensive ICT; an indoor swimming pool and gymnasium; and specialist science, music and visual arts, and library wings — set among grounds adjacent to the Yarra River. The school also maintains its own outdoor education centre. All students are equipped with iPads as learning devices.

The school takes seriously its role of developing the leaders of tomorrow. There is a direct emphasis upon the development of democratic values and responsible citizenship. Social justice, equality, opportunity, cultural and religious diversity and individual difference are central to the school’s ethos and are explicitly fostered through the school’s community involvement and leadership programs.

The school ethos also emphasises the celebration of individual and team success, excellence and attainment in all endeavours. The school’s motto ‘Honour the Work’ encapsulates our pride in a rich and successful heritage, strong sense of ethos and educational purpose.

Indigenous Access Scholarship

Year 9 or 10 entry. Eligible for EMA, ABSTUDY or Centerlink benefit card. Based on application and interview.

General Excellence Scholarship

Year 9 or 10 entry. Eligible for EMA or Centerlink benefit card. Based on application and interview.