Government co-ed secondary school in Melba, ACT, enrolling 953 students in years 7–12.
NAPLAN 36 points below national year-level averages; the result is a B- overall.
Melba Copland Secondary School is also known as MCSS and MCSS Melba.
Melba Copland Secondary School draws students from the Melba Copland Secondary School (7-10) (and 1 more zone).
Melba Copland Secondary School has an overall SchoolRank score of 44.4/100, rated "Slightly below average". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades B− (Slightly below average) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1041 (65th percentile; the national average is 1,000).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Melba Copland Secondary School, Year 7 students averaged 511 across the tested NAPLAN domains, below the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 526, well below the national average of 569 for that year level. National averages are specific to each year level, because NAPLAN scores are scaled so older year levels score higher. A school-wide average can't be compared with a single national figure.
Melba Copland Secondary School is a medium-sized government secondary school with approximately 953 students. It offers education for years 7-12. As a government school, enrolment is generally available to students living within the school's designated catchment zone. Families outside the zone may apply for out-of-area placement subject to availability.
Melba Copland Secondary School is a government school, so there are no tuition fees. Families may be asked to contribute to voluntary school fees covering materials, excursions, and activities. The school grades B− (Slightly below average) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
Melba Copland Secondary School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 11.3:1. This is below the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning students generally receive more individual attention. Support staff make up 30% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 86%, which is below average.
The Year 12 completion rate is 75%.
Melba Copland Secondary School is located in Melba, ACT, in a major city. Its ICSEA is 1041 (65th percentile; the national average is 1,000). ICSEA measures the advantage of a school's community, from its parents' education and occupation, not the school's quality. A school with a lower ICSEA and strong academic results may be teaching particularly effectively.