Five schools competed in the inter-school Corriedale competition at the Sheep and Wool Show on Friday, while another nine are showing their sheep against some of Australia's best studs later this weekend.

Catholic College Bendigo agriculture teacher Danielle Weeks said it was the second year the school had competed at the show, with seven students taking part this year.

"We have 58 entries overall into the Polwarth category," she said.

"The other studs are really supportive of the school kids and give them great advice.

"They get a great level of expertise from talking to other breeders."

The Corriedale category has been the stand alone category for schools for 17 years, with breeders providing sheep for school students to raise.

Former student at Woodleigh School, near Frankston, Grace Calder said competing with her school encouraged her to start a stud of her own at Hastings.

"Every one of these students will tell you that they love competing at the show," she said.

"I just loved it when I was at school - I still visit the school probably three times a week to help out."

Ms Calder said competing at the show was a highlight for students studying agriculture at the school and she always enjoyed seeing their progress.

Corriedale school competition steward Bruce Hamblin said the competition would encourage students to consider careers in agriculture.

"It would be fantastic if some of the students stay on with sheep and eventually show their animals in the main show," he said.

"It's a great learning experience.

"At some of the schools, the students have to take courses in agriculture during their schooling."

Mr Hamblin said the school-based portion of the show continued to grow.

"We started off with probably 10 students competing, but now we have more than 200," he said.