Schools in Kensington (2026): Complete Education Guide
Kensington (3031) has educational options at every level, from early learning through to secondary school. This guide covers school types, costs, zone information, enrolment processes, and the key factors to consider when choosing a school in the Kensington area. Whether you are new to the suburb or planning ahead for your children’s education, the information below covers the practical details you need.
Primary Schools
Government primary schools in Kensington enrol students based on zone boundaries. Check the Victorian Government’s Find My School website for current zones. Public school enrolment is free (voluntary contributions of $200-500/year are common but not compulsory).
Catholic primary schools in the area charge $2,000-5,000 per year. Independent schools range from $10,000-25,000 per year at primary level.
Secondary Schools
Government secondary schools follow zone-based enrolment with select-entry options for academically gifted students. Private secondary schools in the Kensington area range from $15,000-35,000 per year.
After-School Care
Before-school care (6:30-8:30am) and after-school care (3:30-6pm) programs run at most primary schools and some independent providers. Fees: $15-25 per session before the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
After-school care programs typically include homework supervision, outdoor play, art activities, and afternoon snack. Some centres offer specialist programs (coding, music, sport) for an additional fee. Waitlists for popular programs can be long – register when your child starts school, not when you need it.
School Costs Comparison
| School type | Annual fees | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Government primary | $0 (voluntary levy $200-500) | Tuition, basic materials |
| Government secondary | $0 (voluntary levy $300-700) | Tuition, basic materials |
| Catholic primary | $2,000-5,000 | Tuition, some activities |
| Catholic secondary | $5,000-12,000 | Tuition, some activities |
| Independent primary | $10,000-25,000 | Tuition, activities, facilities |
| Independent secondary | $15,000-35,000 | Tuition, activities, facilities |
Additional costs regardless of school type: uniforms ($200-500/year), books and stationery ($100-300/year), excursions and camps ($200-600/year), sport and extracurricular ($100-500/year).
Choosing a School
Key factors for Kensington families:
- Zone boundaries for government schools – your address determines eligibility. Check findmyschool.vic.gov.au for current zones.
- NAPLAN results available on the My School website (myschool.edu.au) for comparative academic data
- School culture – visit open days, talk to current parents, and observe how students and teachers interact
- Commute – walking distance to school reduces daily logistics and improves your child’s independence
- Before/after-school care availability if both parents work
- Class sizes – government schools typically have 22-28 students per class, private schools 18-24
- Special programs – language immersion, STEM focus, performing arts, sport academies vary by school
Tutoring and Extra Support
Tutoring options near Kensington:
- Private tutors: $40-80/hour for one-on-one sessions
- Tutoring centres: $30-60/hour for small group sessions
- Online tutoring: $25-50/hour via platforms like Cluey Learning and Tutoring For Excellence
- Peer tutoring: Some secondary schools run free peer tutoring programs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools near Kensington?
School quality depends on your child’s needs. Check NAPLAN results on My School (myschool.edu.au), attend open days, and talk to local parents. Government schools in Kensington’s zone are free and generally well-regarded by the local community.
How much do private schools cost in Kensington?
Catholic schools: $2,000-12,000/year. Independent schools: $10,000-35,000/year depending on primary or secondary level. Government schools are free with optional voluntary contributions of $200-700/year.
How do school zones work in Kensington?
Your residential address determines your designated government school. Check Find My School (findmyschool.vic.gov.au) for current zone boundaries. You can apply to attend a school outside your zone, but priority is given to in-zone students.
Data sourced from Victorian Department of Education, My School, ACECQA. Compiled April 2026.