From experience (and note that it only mentions 1st year specifically), the higher scores for public school students is more a result of private school students' mentalities - to quote a friend, in first year they tend to think they're "top shit" because of their private education and as a result don't put in as much effort into Uni because they think they'll breeze through it like with VCE. Hence private school students tend to do a lot better than they did 1st year come 2nd year onwards...
Lol I find this funny. It's people like that (not you EZ) who think they're "top shit" that make me want to get a high enter. I have nothing against private schools... just the conceited attitudes which
generally radiate from them

Anyway, I really believe teachers have a significant impact on the education you receive. Personally, I love every single teacher I have this year and so learning is enjoyable and engaging.
Yeah it's true a public school environment isn't as stimulating as that of a private school's... but I've found that only to be the case UP TO year 12. What I found was that in year's 7-10, the general consensus of students was that I've you studied or got good grades, you were a 'nerd'...and so that restricted MANY from reaching their full potential. Then years 10-11 were when the sifting process began...things began to improve (slightly) as the rebels of the year level drop out for apprenticeships or went to VCAL. This year however, I've noticed a BIG change in attitudes. All of a sudden, people wanted to do good!! Surprise, surprise... And now those receiving the high marks are envied for their hard-work and what not. haha and that's the story of a typical public school.
Btw, going back to what I said about the student making the school, have a look at Glen Waverly. Their average study score every year is almost on par with MHS, MacRob and other elite private schools. I remember a few years back my friend telling me something like 7 people from G.W. got 99.95 in the one year...which needless to say is absolutely crazy!