Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) logo

Methodist Ladies' College (MLC)

MLC

Secular, Founded 1882

Updated July 2026

3–18Ages
GirlsGender
Day & BoardingType
Non-profitOwnership

Curriculum

Accreditations

Languages

English flagEnglish

Methodist Ladies' College is a leading non-denominational, independent day and boarding school for girls from Prep to Year 12, located in Kew, Melbourne. It is renowned for its extensive curriculum, innovative wellbeing approach, and commitment to empowering young women to thrive in a globalised world.

Term structure

Four terms

Teaching approach

The school is committed to excellence and innovation in all-girls education, fostering an inclusive environment underpinned by the values of respect, responsibility, compassion, and courage. It emphasizes a holistic approach where learning and wellbeing are fully integrated to nurture independent, resilient, and ambitious learners. The school promotes female identity and empowerment, encouraging students to be confident global citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.

Programmes

The school offers a broad curriculum from Prep to Year 12, including the VCE, VCE VET, and IB pathways in the senior years. The academic structure is divided into Junior School (Prep–Year 6), Junior Secondary School (Years 7–8), Middle School (Years 9–10), and Senior School (Years 11–12). The program includes specialized offerings such as the MLC Kindle Early Learning Centre, an acclaimed Education Outdoors program, and over 60 subjects across various disciplines.

Outcomes

Methodist Ladies' College consistently ranks among the top 1% of private schools in Victoria for both primary and secondary education. Students achieve high results in VCE and IB, with many consistently attaining top-tier ATAR scores. The school’s focus on academic rigour, combined with its wellbeing and co-curricular programs, aims to develop independent, resilient, and ambitious learners prepared for a globalised world.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Dedicated department

Learning support

The school integrates learning and wellbeing support, providing individualised attention through fortnightly one-on-one check-ins and group wellbeing sessions. Teachers are positioned to identify emerging concerns early, facilitating intervention to ensure students thrive. The school also employs dedicated boarding staff, including nurses and year-level supervisors, to monitor student progress and provide pastoral care.

Frequently asked questions(7)
What curriculum does Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) offer?
Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) offers IB Diploma.
How much is tuition at Methodist Ladies' College (MLC)?
Annual tuition at Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) is A$19.4K–A$61.3K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
What ages does Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) teach?
Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
Is Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) a day or boarding school?
Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) is a day and boarding school.
What accreditations does Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) hold?
Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) holds accreditations including IB.
Is Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) co-educational?
Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) is a girls school.
Where is Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) located?
Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) is an international school in Melbourne, Australia.

Tuition & fees

Annual tuition by grade

2026
Annual tuition by grade
GradeAgesAnnual
Kindle Infant - 2 days (Thu, Fri)0–1A$21.2K
Kindle Infant - 3 days (Mon, Tue, Wed)0–1A$31.9K
Kindle Infant - 5 days Full time0–1A$53.1K
Kindle Toddler - 2 days (Thu, Fri)1–2A$21.2K
Kindle Toddler - 3 days (Mon, Tue, Wed)1–2A$31.9K
Kindle Toddler - 5 days Full time1–2A$53.1K
Kindle Three year old - 2 days (Thu, Fri)3–3A$19.4K
Kindle Three year old - 3 days (Mon, Tue, Wed)3–3A$29K
Kindle Three year old - 5 days Full time3–3A$48.4K
Kindle Four year old - 5 days Full time4–4A$48.4K
Kindle Four year old - Sessional Kindergarten4–4A$25.4K
Prep (Local)5–5A$27K
Year 1 (Local)6–6A$27.9K
Year 2 (Local)7–7A$29K
Year 3 (Local)8–8A$32.7K
Year 4 (Local)9–9A$34K
Year 5 (Local)10–10A$37.4K
Year 6 (Local)11–11A$38.7K
Year 7 (Local)12–12A$40.4K
Year 8 (Local)13–13A$40.9K
Year 9 (Local)14–14A$41.3K
Year 10 (Local)15–15A$43.1K
Year 11 (Local)16–16A$43.8K
Year 12 (Local)17–17A$43.8K
Prep-Year 9 (International)5–14A$56.7K
Years 10-12 (International)15–17A$61.3K

Source:PDFInternational%20Student%20Schedule%20of%20Fees%20and%20Charges.pdfPDFMLC%20Fee%20Payment%20Information.pdfPDFSchedule%20of%20Fees%20and%20Charges.pdfPDFmlc_campus-map-brochure.pdf

Other fees(19)
Other fees
Application fee· Per application (non-refundable and non-transferable)A$100
Enrolment fee· First student, payable upon acceptance of offerA$1.3K
Enrolment fee· Each subsequent sibling, payable upon acceptance of offerA$1K
Deposit· Tuition Fees in Advance, payable approx. 18 months prior to commencement and credited against the second invoiceA$3.5K
Boarding· Years 7-12 Full Boarding per annum (Tiddeman House)A$39.8K
Boarding· Years 7-12 Weekly Boarding per annum (Tiddeman House, Local students only)A$31.5K
Uniform· Estimated cost in first year for full set of uniformA$1.7K
Materials· Variable annual Software and Online Resources costs (billed in February)A$450
Materials· Estimated textbook costs for students in Years 7-12A$625
Materials· Technology Levy per annum for Prep-Year 2 (Local students)A$405
Materials· Technology Levy per annum for Years 3-6 (Local students)A$1.1K
Materials· Technology Levy per annum for Years 7-12 (Local students)A$1.4K
Materials· Years 11 and 12 IB Diploma Fee per annumA$2.1K
Materials· Year 5 MLC Banksia Education Outdoors program per annumA$745
Materials· Year 6 MLC Banksia Education Outdoors program per annumA$815
Materials· Year 7 MLC Banksia Education Outdoors program per annumA$950
Materials· Year 8 MLC Banksia Education Outdoors program per annumA$950
Materials· Year 9 MLC Marshmead Education Outdoors program per annum (Boarders do not pay this)A$6.8K
Insurance· Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) required for international students; cost varies

Discounts

  • Full-payment discount: 1.5%
  • Sibling discount: 250

Admissions

Methodist Ladies' College is a non-denominational, open-entry school that welcomes families from all backgrounds, cultures, and faiths. Prospective families can explore the school through Open Mornings, information sessions, and student-led tours, or by attending a dedicated Boarding House tour. The admissions process is supported by an experienced team, and families are encouraged to begin their journey by downloading a prospectus or submitting an enquiry via the College website.

Calendar

The school operates on a four-term academic year. In 2026, Term 1 commences on 30 January and concludes on 2 April; Term 2 runs from 21 April to 26 June; Term 3 runs from 21 July to 18 September; and Term 4 runs from 5 October to 4 December. The 2027 academic year follows a similar structure, with Term 1 commencing on 1 February and Term 4 concluding on 3 December.

Facilities

Swimming poolSports fieldTennis courtsGymnasiumFitness centrePlaygroundLibraryScience labsArt roomMusic roomDance studioTheatre / auditoriumBoarding

About the campus

Located on a campus in Kew, the school features a mix of heritage-listed and contemporary buildings, including the Nicholas Learning Centre for Junior Secondary students and the Dr Wood Learning Centre for Year 9. Shared facilities include a multi-sports Physical Education Centre, a purpose-built Music School, science laboratories, a television studio, a commercial training restaurant, and multiple libraries. The school also maintains two remote Education Outdoors campuses in regional Victoria, known as MLC Banksia and MLC Marshmead.

Co-curriculars

The school provides an extensive co-curricular program featuring over 30 sports and 30 music ensembles catering to all ages and abilities. Students may participate in activities such as debating, public speaking, drama, community service, and leadership opportunities. Additionally, the school offers specialized programs including MLC Gymnastics, MLC Dance, and MLC Swimming.

  • Julia Shea
    Julia SheaPrincipal

    Julia Shea commenced as MLC’s ninth Principal at the start of 2023. She is a leading advocate for all-girls education with extensive experience in single-sex settings, a background in maths and science, and a track record of driving educational excellence. Prior to MLC, she served as the Principal of St Peter’s Girls’ School in Adelaide for nine years.

  • Margaret HortonSenior Vice Principal

    Margaret has extensive educational experience from Prep to VCE and was appointed Senior Vice Principal in 2014. She previously held positions at MLC including Vice Principal, Head of Junior Secondary School, and Head of Middle School. She oversees Learning and Curriculum, staffing and operations, and Learning Diversity.

  • Mark GrayVice Principal

    Mark was appointed Vice Principal in December 2014 after joining the College in 2003. He oversees Student Wellbeing, Education Outdoors, Sport, Music, Boarding, Emergency Management, Chaplaincy, and Tours & Exchanges.

  • Louise PeytonHead of Junior School

    Louise joined MLC in 2020, bringing impressive junior school leadership experience, much of it dedicated to independent girls’ education. Her background includes a role as Head of Primary at a co-educational International Baccalaureate school in Darwin.

  • Cathie IrelandHead of Junior Secondary School

    Cathie joined MLC in 2018 as the Head of Junior Secondary School. She possesses a wealth of experience in a variety of leadership and consultancy roles across all year levels and in many different environments.

  • Melissa LangeHead of Middle School

    Melissa was appointed Head of Middle School in 2018 after serving as Head of Junior Secondary School for nine years. She has extensive educational experience teaching students from Years 7 to 12 and has held varied leadership roles in a broad range of settings.

  • Deb JarvisHead of Senior School

    Deb brings over 15 years of experience in education and leadership, with a strong background in high-performing schools. She is committed to fostering academic rigour while championing health, wellbeing, and empowerment among students.