Melbourne Grammar School: A Complete Overview
Quick summary: Melbourne Grammar School (founded 1858) is one of Victoria’s most prestigious Anglican independent schools — co-ed Prep–Year 6 at Grimwade House, then boys-only Years 7–12 with boarding. 2026 domestic fees: $36,754 (Prep) to $46,589 (Year 12); boarding adds $36,830/yr. 2025 VCE: median ATAR 92.55; 15% of students scored 99+. Main entry: Prep and Year 7.
Melbourne Grammar School (MGS) is a leading Anglican independent day and boarding school in inner Melbourne. With more than 1,800 students across three campuses, it combines strong academic outcomes with a broad co-curricular program and a long-standing reputation among Victoria’s elite private schools.
Melbourne Grammar School at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1858 |
| Type | Independent Anglican school (private) |
| Students | 1,800+ (Prep–Year 12) |
| Structure | Co-ed Prep–Year 6; boys-only Years 7–12 |
| Curriculum | Victorian Curriculum (Prep–10); VCE (Years 11–12) |
| Motto | Ora et Labora (“Pray and Work”) |
| Main address | 355 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 |
| Phone | +61 3 9865 7555 |
| mgs@mgs.vic.edu.au | |
| Official site | mgs.vic.edu.au |
Campuses and learning structure
MGS is deliberately split across developmental stages. Each campus has tailored academic and wellbeing programs.
| Campus | Location | Year levels | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grimwade House | Caulfield | Prep–Year 6 | Co-educational |
| Wadhurst | South Yarra | Years 7–8 | Boys only |
| Senior School | South Yarra | Years 9–12 | Boys only (~800 students, 100+ boarders) |
At the end of Year 6, boys move to Wadhurst and then the Senior School. Girls at Grimwade complete Year 6 and typically continue secondary education elsewhere — an important point for families comparing all-through co-ed options.
The St Kilda Road / South Yarra location sits opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens, with heritage bluestone buildings and modern facilities. Students have easy access to Melbourne’s cultural institutions, public transport, and city-based learning opportunities.
2026 tuition and boarding fees (domestic)
Fees below are from the official 2026 fee schedule published by Melbourne Grammar School. Consolidated charges cover compulsory resources such as book lists, camps, and outdoor education programs (amounts vary by year level).
| Year level | Tuition | Consolidated charge | Total per annum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep | $36,470 | $284 | $36,754 |
| Year 6 | $37,530 | $2,256 | $39,786 |
| Year 7 | $43,390 | $1,267 | $44,657 |
| Year 9 | $46,230 | $1,955 | $48,185 |
| Year 10 | $46,230 | $6,025 | $52,255 |
| Year 11 | $46,230 | $175 | $46,405 |
| Year 12 | $46,230 | $359 | $46,589 |
| Boarding (Years 7–12) | $36,200 | $630 | $36,830 (in addition to tuition) |
International student fees (2026): Year 7 totals $63,757/yr; Year 12 totals $67,529/yr. International boarding adds $51,380/yr on top of tuition. Families should budget for registration, uniforms, and optional programs separately.
VCE results and academic reputation
Melbourne Grammar delivers the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) in Years 11 and 12. The school consistently ranks among Victoria’s strongest performers.
| Metric | 2025 results (Class of 2025) |
|---|---|
| Median ATAR | 92.55 |
| Median study score | 36 |
| Students with ATAR 99+ | 15% of cohort |
| Students with ATAR 95+ | 38.5% of cohort |
| Students with ATAR 90+ | 61% of cohort |
| Perfect ATAR (99.95) | 5 students |
Graduates regularly progress to the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and other leading Australian institutions — as well as competitive overseas universities. For families planning the full Melbourne pathway, see our Monash University guide.
Admissions and enrolment intakes
Entry to Melbourne Grammar is competitive. The school publishes clear intake years on its admissions page.
| Entry year | Intake size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | Main intake | Co-ed at Grimwade House; relatively even boys/girls mix |
| Year 3 | Small intake | Limited places |
| Year 7 | Main intake | Boys enter Wadhurst; key secondary entry point |
| Year 9 | Additional intake | Smaller number of places |
| Other years | Occasional | Subject to availability |
The typical process includes an application, registration fee, school reports, and in some cases interviews or assessments. Scholarships recognise academic, musical, and other talents; bursaries support families who may not otherwise afford full fees. Contact the admissions team early — popular year levels fill well ahead of the school year.
Academic program and educational philosophy
MGS aims to develop independent, creative thinkers with the confidence to contribute meaningfully to society. Learning is framed by Anglican values and a culture that prizes curiosity, integrity, and service.
- Prep–Year 10: Victorian Curriculum with strong cores in English, mathematics, science, humanities, and languages, plus arts and technologies.
- Years 11–12: Broad VCE subject choice with extension options for competitive university entry.
- Wellbeing: Integrated with academics — resilience, confidence, and healthy lifestyles are treated as central to success.
Values, ethos and student life
The school’s values framework centres on Learning & Wellbeing, Courage & Integrity, Respect & Compassion, and Service & Contribution. These are reinforced through classroom practice, chapel services, leadership roles, and community programs.
- Anglican tradition shapes spiritual life, but students from diverse faiths and backgrounds are welcomed.
- Leadership opportunities begin in junior years (class captains, house leaders) and extend to senior prefect roles.
Co-curricular activities and sport
MGS offers an extensive program beyond the classroom.
- Sport: As a member of the Associated Public Schools of Victoria (APS), MGS competes in athletics, rowing, Australian rules football, cricket, soccer, tennis, and swimming.
- Arts: Music ensembles, orchestras, choirs, drama, debating, and public speaking.
- Outdoor education: Camps
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