Several schools within the Adventist Schools Victoria (ASV) network have been recognised among Australia’s leading affordable private schools following the release of a new national education analysis.
A study published by News Corp identified the Top 100 Affordable Private Schools in Australia, assessing more than 800 schools using national MySchool data. Schools were evaluated across academic achievement, student attendance, class sizes and socio-educational context, with eligibility limited to those charging average annual fees of $10,000 or less.
Five ASV campuses were included in the Victorian rankings, with four also appearing among the top schools nationally.
Nunawading Christian College ranked fifth in Victoria and eighth nationally. Other recognised schools included Mernda Hills Christian College (11th in Victoria, 34th nationally), Edinburgh College (20th in Victoria, 67th nationally), Heritage College (23rd in Victoria, 73rd nationally) and Gilson College (44th in Victoria).
ASV CEO Steve Cowley said the results reflect the intentional focus Adventist education places on both academic excellence and student wellbeing.
“Adventist schools have always sought to provide an education that is academically strong, relationally supportive and financially accessible,” he said.
“This recognition demonstrates that affordability and educational quality can go hand in hand. Families should not have to choose between excellence, accessibility and finding a school that aligns with their values.”
The national analysis placed significant weighting on Year 7 and Year 9 NAPLAN outcomes alongside engagement indicators such as attendance and student–teacher ratios.
Meggan James, principal of Nunawading Christian College, said the recognition affirms the college’s commitment to academic rigour within a Christ-centred, values-driven culture.
“We are encouraged to see NCC’s results recognised nationally,” she said. “Adventist education is about developing the whole person, and at NCC we are committed to high-quality learning that strengthens critical thinking while shaping character, faith and purpose in every student.”
In other news, ASV has opened its latest Early Learning Centre (ELC), which means that every ASV school campus now operates an ELC.
