Melbourne Grammar School: A Complete Overview

Melbourne Grammar School is a leading Anglican independent day and boarding school in Melbourne, known for its strong academic outcomes, holistic education model and long tradition of excellence. It offers co‑educational primary education from Prep to Year 6 and a boys‑only secondary school from Years 7 to 12 across three closely linked campuses.

Overview of Melbourne Grammar School

Melbourne Grammar School is an Australian private Anglican school that combines a co‑educational preparatory school with a boys’ middle and senior school. Founded in 1858, it educates more than 1,800 students from Prep to Year 12 and is regarded as one of the most prestigious schools in Victoria. The school’s motto, Ora et Labora (“Pray and Work”), reflects its commitment to integrating rigorous scholarship with spiritual and moral formation.

Location and contact details

Address: 355 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia, opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Phone: +61 3 9865 7555;
central email contact: mgs@mgs.vic.edu.au
Campuses: Grimwade House in Caulfield (Prep–Year 6, co‑ed), Wadhurst in South Yarra (Years 7–8, boys) and Senior School in South Yarra (Years 9–12, boys).

The school’s St Kilda Road/South Yarra location places students close to Melbourne’s cultural and sporting heart, with easy access to public transport and city‑based learning experiences. Its heritage bluestone buildings and modern facilities together create an inspiring, university‑style environment.

Campuses and learning structure

Melbourne Grammar is structured deliberately around key developmental stages, with each campus offering tailored academic and wellbeing programs.

Grimwade House (Prep–Year 6): Co‑educational junior campus in Caulfield providing foundational literacy, numeracy and inquiry‑based learning, supported by specialist teachers in areas such as music, languages and physical education.
Wadhurst (Years 7–8): Purpose‑built middle school for boys that bridges primary and senior schooling, focusing on early adolescent needs, strong pastoral care and a broad academic program.
Senior School (Years 9–12): Home to around 800 boys, including just over 100 boarders, offering an extensive curriculum leading to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).

Across all campuses, there is a high staff‑to‑student ratio and a strong emphasis on personalised learning, ensuring each student is known and supported academically and pastorally.

Academic program and educational philosophy

The school’s stated purpose is to develop independent and creative thinkers who have the confidence and capacity to make meaningful contributions to the world. Learning is framed by Anglican values and by a culture that prizes curiosity, integrity, and service.

Curriculum from Prep to Year 10 follows the Victorian Curriculum, with a strong core in English, mathematics, science, humanities and languages alongside the arts and technologies.
In Years 11 and 12, students undertake the VCE with access to a wide range of subjects and extension options, including advanced studies that prepare them for competitive university entry.
The school consistently records strong VCE results and a high proportion of graduates progressing to leading Australian and international universities.

Melbourne Grammar integrates wellbeing with academic learning, promoting resilience, confidence, and healthy lifestyles as central to student success.

Values, ethos and student life

The school’s values framework centres on Learning & Wellbeing, Courage & Integrity, Respect & Compassion, and Service & Contribution. These values are actively taught through classroom practice, chapel services, leadership opportunities and community engagement programs.

Student life is deliberately rich and varied:

Anglican tradition shapes spiritual life, but the school explicitly welcomes students from diverse faiths and belief systems.
Leadership is encouraged from the junior years through roles such as class captains, house leaders and senior prefect positions.

This values‑driven culture aims to form young people who are principled, inclusive and community‑minded.

Co‑curricular and sport

Melbourne Grammar offers an extensive co‑curricular program designed to complement classroom learning and foster character development.

As a member of the Associated Public Schools of Victoria (APS), the school competes in sports such as athletics, rowing, Australian rules football, cricket, soccer, tennis, and swimming.
Students can participate in music ensembles, orchestras, choirs, drama productions, debating, public speaking and a wide range of clubs and societies.
Outdoor education programs, including camps and expeditions, encourage teamwork, resilience and respect for the environment.

These opportunities help students discover interests, build friendships and develop confidence beyond the classroom.

Boarding life

Boarding has been part of Melbourne Grammar School since its earliest years and is available for boys from Years 7 to 12. Boarders live in three Victorian terrace houses close to the main campus, creating a family‑style environment that balances independence with structured support.

Junior boarders in Years 7–8 live in Creswick House, while senior boarders in Years 9–12 live in Perry House and School House.
A dedicated boarding team oversees academic progress, wellbeing and daily routines, with supervised study sessions and subject tutors (particularly in mathematics and languages).
Boarders have full access to the school’s sporting facilities and co‑curricular program, and many boarding scholarships are available for regional, interstate and international students.

This boarding model is designed to be a “home away from home”, helping students develop independence, social skills and lifelong friendships.

Admissions, fees and reputation

Entry to Melbourne Grammar is competitive, with main intake years at Prep and Year 7, and smaller intakes at Year 3 and Year 9. The process typically includes an application, registration fee, school reports and, in some cases, interviews or assessments.

Tuition and boarding fees are reviewed annually and sit in the higher range for Victorian independent schools; detailed schedules are published for domestic and international families.
The school’s long history, strong VCE outcomes, extensive co‑curricular offerings and central location contribute to its status as one of Australia’s most sought‑after independent schools.

With its blend of academic rigour, Anglican ethos, supportive community and broad opportunities, Melbourne Grammar School offers a comprehensive education for students seeking both excellence and character development.