Western Australia's leading schools for the 2025 academic year have been identified, with the rankings determined by the performance of their highest-achieving Year 12 students in ATAR courses. The list provides a snapshot of academic excellence across the state, highlighting both selective and non-selective institutions.
Methodology Behind the Rankings
The rankings are based on an analysis of the highest ATAR score achieved by a student from each school. This method focuses on peak academic performance, showcasing the top-tier outcomes that schools can help their students reach. It is important to note that this ranking does not reflect the median or average ATAR of a school's cohort, but rather the pinnacle of achievement within it.
This approach offers one perspective on a school's capacity to nurture academic talent, particularly for high-achieving students aiming for the most competitive university courses. The data underscores the results from the 2024 academic year, which form the basis for the 2025 school rankings.
The Top Performing Schools
Topping the list is Perth Modern School, the state's only fully academically selective public school. Its position is consistent with its long-standing reputation for producing some of WA's highest ATAR scores. Following closely are several other high-performing institutions, including a mix of independent and public schools.
The rankings reveal a diverse educational landscape. While selective schools naturally feature prominently, many non-selective schools also secured high places, demonstrating their effectiveness in supporting gifted students within a broader intake. The list includes schools from various educational sectors, reflecting pockets of academic excellence across different systems.
Understanding the Broader Picture
Education experts caution that while these rankings are of public interest, they represent just one measure of a school's success. An ATAR is a single point-in-time assessment and does not capture the full breadth of a student's development, wellbeing, or the value-added by a school over a student's journey.
Parents and students are encouraged to use this data as part of a broader research process. Factors such as curriculum offerings, extracurricular activities, pastoral care, and overall school culture are equally vital in choosing the right educational environment. The ATAR ranking is a useful, but limited, tool for understanding a school's academic outcomes.
The publication of these rankings annually sparks conversation about educational standards and equity in Western Australia. It highlights the ongoing achievements of students and teachers while reminding the community of the multifaceted nature of a quality education.
