Schools in Glen Waverley — Education Guide 2026
Schools are a major factor in where families choose to live, and Glen Waverley has a mix of public and private options worth understanding before you commit to a postcode. Here is what the education landscape looks like.
Education Overview
Glen Waverley is a family suburb and the schools reflect that. Well-maintained government primary schools with engaged parent communities feed into secondary colleges with solid reputations. Private options are available within a reasonable commute. Before-and-after school care is widely available.
School Types
Government Schools
- Free, zoned by address. Your address determines your designated school.
- Quality varies. Request the school’s annual report for enrolment numbers, NAPLAN results, and staff retention data.
- Most offer before-and-after school care through external providers.
Catholic Schools
- Moderate fees ($2,000–$5,000/year primary, $6,000–$10,000/year secondary in Glen Waverley).
- Often have smaller class sizes than government schools.
- Parish membership is sometimes required. Check with individual schools.
Independent / Private Schools
- Fees range widely ($8,000–$35,000/year depending on the school).
- Many require enrolment years in advance, particularly for popular entry points (Prep, Year 7).
- Scholarships are available at most private schools — apply early.
What to Look For
- NAPLAN results: Useful but not the full picture. Look at value-added data (growth between Year 3 and Year 5) rather than raw scores.
- Class sizes: Ask directly. Smaller usually means more attention.
- Staff turnover: High turnover is a red flag. Stable staff usually indicates a healthy school.
- Walk the school: Visit on a regular school day, not just open day. The atmosphere tells you more than any brochure.
Childcare & Kinder
Childcare places in Glen Waverley are competitive. Waitlists of 12+ months are common. Put your name down early — ideally during pregnancy for long day care. Three and four-year-old kindergarten programs are subsidised and typically accessed through local childcare centres or standalone kindergartens.
Related: For Families | Cost of Living | Neighbourhood Guide
