VCE
6000 students, 1000 places. Competition has never been tougher for Melbourne’s best schools
Many families are turning to tutors before the select-entry schools exam. But educators say a revamped test will ensure it is fair.
- Jackson Graham and Caroline Schelle
Latest
Dozens caught cheating at Mazenod College using AI in key exam
Despite almost a quarter of its year 12 students being involved, the college did not believe the behaviour had been coordinated among them.
- Caroline Schelle
‘Desperately unfair’ VCE calculator shortcuts to be banned for exams
The exam authority has moved to crack down on the advanced functions of some calculators from 2027, but some say they haven’t gone far enough.
- Caroline Schelle
The curriculum changes coming for Victorian prep students from next year
Victoria’s curriculum is ahead of many other states in moving away from a “standardised industrial model”. But experts say there is still more work to be done.
- Jackson Graham and Noel Towell
VCE gender gap: How boys and girls are closing the school subject divide
While boys are still dominating STEM subjects and girls are outperforming in the humanities, it’s physical education that’s bringing students together.
- Caroline Schelle and Craig Butt
- Exclusive
- Education
The most common reason for special exemptions in VCE exams
Demand for special conditions for VCE exams has soared, with nearly 20 per cent more applications in 2025 than the previous year.
- Caroline Schelle
- Exclusive
- Education
‘Not all about chasing ATARs’: VCE subjects show a clear public-private divide
A new analysis of enrolment data by this masthead reveals not only a gap in the number of courses on offer, but the subjects themselves.
- Jackson Graham and Craig Butt
Classical Greek set to be lone odyssey for eager Victorian students
As one prestigious school prepares to drop the subject after 147 years, teachers and passionate students are worried about the future for classical Greek.
- Caroline Schelle
The Melbourne private schools still taking year 7 enrolments for 2027
Among Melbourne’s most in-demand private schools, girls are more likely to find a place than boys. But applying at birth isn’t essential everywhere.
- Jackson Graham
- Exclusive
- Education
‘Missed the boat’: Why the race for private school spots now starts in primary
Two-thirds of year 6 students attended a Victorian state school last year. But once students reach year 7, things change dramatically.
- Bridie Smith and Craig Butt