One-Sentence Conclusion
Data side: According to News Corp's latest "Top 100 Private Schools in Australia," 18 out of the top 20 are single-gender schools, with only two being co-ed, indicating that "gender-segregated education" remains dominant among Australia's top private schools.
Research side: Academic studies emphasize that the quality of a school and the family's background have a greater impact. When controlling for socioeconomic factors, academic differences between single-gender and co-ed schools significantly narrow. Therefore, "fit > school type."

Why Are Single-Gender Schools More Common at the Top?

History and Resource Accumulation
Many of Australia's top schools are over a century old, with strong alumni networks, resources, and a deep campus culture, resulting in long-standing "dominance" at the top (which aligns with the concentration of traditional elite schools in rankings).

Targeted Teaching
Single-gender schools can optimize classroom organization, curriculum, and mentorship systems based on gender characteristics. For example, girls' schools can strengthen participation and confidence in STEM subjects, while boys' schools can address boys' learning motivations and classroom behaviors. Several Australian and international studies suggest that girls in single-gender schools are more willing to speak up, engage in STEM, and show leadership.

The "Structural Advantage" of Rankings
Top single-gender schools are often independent (Independent) schools located in high socio-economic status (SES) areas, charging higher fees and making greater investments, which "amplifies" academic performance, thus positioning them favorably on comprehensive rankings.

Key Reminder: The "dominance" seen in rankings does not automatically mean the school is the "best fit" for your child. When considering socioeconomic background, school investment, and other factors, the academic performance gap between single-gender and co-ed schools significantly narrows.

The Unique Value of Co-Ed Schools: A Soft Skills Training Ground for the "Real World"

Collaboration and Mutual Understanding
In a co-ed environment, boys and girls learn to respect each other, communicate, and collaborate early on. Through debates, project-based learning, student councils, and clubs, they develop cross-gender cooperation and leadership skills.

Diverse Perspectives and Leadership Platforms
Co-ed schools foster natural dialogues on gender diversity, showing students that leaders can be of any gender in every field and position. This helps break down stereotypes and boosts social skills and inclusivity.

Pros and Cons of Single-Gender vs. Co-Ed Schools (Parent's Quick Guide)

Single-Gender Schools (Boys' or Girls' Schools)

Advantages:

Curricula and teaching strategies can be tailored to gender-specific needs.

Higher classroom participation (especially for girls in STEM) and self-confidence are often reported.

Strong traditional resources and alumni networks.

Considerations:

Less daily interaction with the opposite sex, which needs to be supplemented through cross-school projects or extracurricular activities.

Some academic advantages might be due to family background and school resources, not the school type itself.

Co-Education Schools (Co-Ed Schools)

Advantages:

More in line with future university and workplace gender communities, with more natural soft skills and social training.

Exposure to both male and female leadership examples in all subjects, clubs, and sports.

Considerations:

Gender roles may become fixed in the classroom, and comparison dynamics may arise. Schools need to balance this through anti-bias teaching, mentoring systems, and class participation mechanisms.

6 Key Questions Parents Ask

Are Single-Gender Schools Always More "Academic"?
No, not necessarily.
Some rankings are influenced by school resources and student demographics; when these variables are controlled, the performance gap between single-gender and co-ed schools significantly narrows.
Focus first on teaching quality, culture, and support systems.

Are Girls Better in STEM at Girls' Schools?
Generally, yes, there's a positive trend.
Multiple Australian and international studies suggest girls' schools help boost confidence and participation in subjects like mathematics and science.
However, whether this translates into university majors and career paths depends on curriculum depth, mentoring, and competition resources.

Do Boys Thrive More in Boys' Schools?
Many boys' schools provide structured support through project-based learning, mentoring, and character education, catering to boys' concentration and communication styles.
However, a strong anti-bullying and emotional support system is crucial.

Do Co-Ed Schools Lead to More "Distraction"?
It depends on the school's classroom management and assessment mechanisms.
Excellent co-ed schools retain multi-dimensional interaction without sacrificing academic rigor through visible participation, tiered assignments, peer reviews, and public speaking or debating.

What Does the 18/20 Single-Gender School Phenomenon in Rankings Mean?
It indicates that, within the current resource structure, single-gender schools still have advantages and recognition at the top levels of private schooling.
But for individual families, "fit" should come first: Does the school's teaching culture and resources align with your child's personality and goals? That is more important than the school label.

How Do I Make a Practical Decision?

Use the following checklist to assess both quantitative and qualitative factors.

Academics & Support:

Recent NAPLAN/ATAR/IB results.

Differentiated teaching and subject competitions.

Learning support/ESL/Writing centers.

Student Care:

Mentoring systems, psychological counseling, anti-bullying programs, digital citizenship education.

Frequency and channels of parent-school communication.

Curriculum & Activities:

Does the school have programs for girls’ STEM promotion or boys’ literacy development?

Debate, mock trials, robotics, Duke of Ed, outdoor leadership camps.

Leadership & Role Models:

Student council/Prefect system.

Gender representation in leadership roles in various subjects, clubs, and sports.

Post-Secondary Pathways & Alumni:

Recent university destinations (STEM/Business/Humanities).

Alumni mentorship and internship channels.

Cultural Fit:

Visit classrooms and clubs.

Deep conversations with current parents/students about their "real-life experience."

Ensure the school’s values and discipline align with your family’s.

Selection Advice for Different Child Profiles

Highly self-driven with clear goals: Prioritize resource density (competitions/research/mentorship), school type is secondary.

Needs structured management and strong rhythm: Focus on traditional boys'/girls' schools with strong academic and character education systems.

Values social and communication skills: Co-ed schools naturally provide cross-gender collaboration scenarios, enhanced by debate/theater/student council.

STEM girls: Prioritize schools with female STEM programs/mentorship networks. While girls’ schools are typically "more supportive," some co-ed schools excel in female STEM engagement.

Conclusion
Rankings may grab attention, but what matters most is finding what’s truly "suitable" for your child.
Consider school type as just one dimension—not the only deciding factor. Match your child’s profile with the school culture and resources, while also considering location, boarding, and budget. This approach leads to a well-balanced, long-term decision.