Sections

Intro

High schools in Sydney provide secondary education for students, typically from Year 7 to Year 12 (ages 12 to 18). These schools focus on academic and personal development, preparing students for further studies, vocational training, or entering the workforce.

Types of High Schools in Sydney

Public High Schools:
- Overview: Government-funded schools that provide free education to Australian residents, with minimal fees for extracurricular activities.
- Catchment Zones: Enrollment is based on residential zones.
- Examples:
  - Sydney Secondary College
  - Fort Street High School
- Selective High Schools:
  - Admission based on competitive entrance exams.
  - Examples include James Ruse Agricultural High School, North Sydney Boys High School, and Sydney Girls High School.
Private High Schools:
- Overview: Independently funded through tuition fees and donations, offering specialized curriculums and extracurricular programs.
- Examples:
  - Sydney Grammar School
  - Knox Grammar School
  - Pymble Ladies’ College
Catholic High Schools:
- Overview: Operated by the Catholic Education Office, providing faith-based education alongside the standard curriculum.
- Examples:
  - St Mary’s Cathedral College
  - Loreto Normanhurst
- Cost: Lower fees compared to private schools.
Independent High Schools:
- Overview: Schools that operate outside the public and Catholic systems, often with unique educational philosophies (e.g., Montessori, Steiner).
- Examples:
  - Ascham School
  - Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School
Specialist High Schools:
- Focus: Specific talents like sports, performing arts, or technology.
- Examples:
  - Newtown High School of the Performing Arts
  - Conservatorium High School (Music-focused)

Curriculum in Sydney High Schools

All high schools in Sydney follow the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) syllabus, with students completing:

Years 7-10: Mandatory core subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- History and Geography
- Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education (PDHPE)
- Creative Arts (Music, Visual Arts)
- Technology and Languages
Years 11-12: Students choose subjects for their Higher School Certificate (HSC). Options include advanced sciences, humanities, creative arts, and vocational courses.

Benefits of High Schools in Sydney

Academic Excellence:
- Selective and private high schools often achieve high results in the HSC and national rankings.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
- Sports, music, debating, and clubs enrich students' experiences.
Diverse Pathways:
- Options for university preparation, vocational training, or direct entry into the workforce.

Top High Schools in Sydney

Public High Schools:
- James Ruse Agricultural High School
- North Sydney Boys High School
- North Sydney Girls High School
- Baulkham Hills High School
Private High Schools:
- Sydney Grammar School
- Pymble Ladies’ College
- The Scots College
- Abbotsleigh
Catholic High Schools:
- St Aloysius’ College
- Loreto Kirribilli
- Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College
Specialist High Schools:
- Newtown High School of the Performing Arts
- Conservatorium High School

How to Enroll in High School

Public Schools:
- Local Schools: Enroll based on residential address.
- Selective Schools: Apply and sit for the selective high school placement test.
- Specialist Schools: Admission may involve auditions, portfolios, or assessments.
Private and Catholic Schools:
- Application: Submit an application directly to the school.
- Assessment: Some schools require entrance exams, interviews, or references.
International Students:
- Must meet visa and English proficiency requirements.
- Apply through the NSW Department of Education or directly to private schools.

Cost of High Schools in Sydney

Public Schools: Free for residents; voluntary contributions for activities.
Private Schools: Tuition fees range from AUD 15,000 to AUD 50,000+ per year.
Catholic Schools: Fees are typically AUD 5,000 to AUD 15,000 per year.

Government Resources

NSW Department of Education: For information on public and selective schools.
Catholic Education Office Sydney: For Catholic school details.

Tips for Choosing a High School

Proximity: Consider travel time and location.
Academic Focus: Check the school’s performance in HSC or other exams.
Extracurriculars: Look for activities that match your child’s interests.
Culture and Values: Ensure the school aligns with your family’s educational philosophy.

High schools in Sydney offer diverse opportunities to cater to the needs and aspirations of all students, whether academic, creative, or vocational.

Public High School

Sydney is home to several outstanding public high schools renowned for their academic excellence and comprehensive educational programs. Here are some of the top-performing institutions:

James Ruse Agricultural High School
- Location: Carlingford, NSW
- Overview: A selective co-educational high school specializing in agricultural education, consistently achieving top ranks in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations.
North Sydney Boys High School
- Location: Crows Nest, NSW
- Overview: A selective boys' school known for its strong academic performance and diverse extracurricular activities.
North Sydney Girls High School
- Location: Crows Nest, NSW
- Overview: A selective girls' school celebrated for its academic excellence and supportive learning environment.
Baulkham Hills High School
- Location: Baulkham Hills, NSW
- Overview: A selective co-educational high school with a reputation for high academic achievement and a wide range of extracurricular programs.
Sydney Boys High School
- Location: Surry Hills, NSW
- Overview: A selective boys' school offering a rigorous academic curriculum alongside extensive sports and arts programs.
Sydney Girls High School
- Location: Surry Hills, NSW
- Overview: A selective girls' school known for its academic rigor and vibrant co-curricular activities.
Hornsby Girls High School
- Location: Hornsby, NSW
- Overview: A selective girls' school recognized for its outstanding academic results and supportive community.
Normanhurst Boys High School
- Location: Normanhurst, NSW
- Overview: A selective boys' school focusing on academic excellence and personal development.
Girraween High School
- Location: Girraween, NSW
- Overview: A selective co-educational high school noted for its strong academic performance and inclusive environment.
Fort Street High School
- Location: Petersham, NSW
- Overview: A selective co-educational high school with a rich history of academic excellence and diverse extracurricular offerings.

These schools have been recognized for their exceptional performance in standardized assessments and their dedication to providing quality education. When selecting a school, it's essential to consider factors such as proximity, specific programs offered, and the individual needs of your child. Visiting schools and engaging with staff can provide valuable insights to inform your decision.

Private High School

Sydney is home to numerous esteemed private high schools, each offering unique educational philosophies and programs. Here are some notable institutions:

Pymble Ladies’ College
- Location: Pymble, NSW
- Overview: An independent, non-selective school for girls, Pymble Ladies’ College is known for its commitment to academic excellence and a wide range of co-curricular opportunities.
Loreto Kirribilli
- Location: Kirribilli, NSW
- Overview: A Catholic girls' school celebrated for its exceptional reputation and commitment to holistic education.
St Catherine’s School
- Location: Waverley, NSW
- Overview: Australia's oldest Anglican girls' school, St Catherine's embodies a legacy of academic excellence and a steadfast commitment to student development.
Abbotsleigh
- Location: Wahroonga, NSW
- Overview: An Anglican day and boarding school for girls, Abbotsleigh focuses on empowering young women through a balanced education that nurtures both academic and personal development.
MLC School
- Location: Burwood, NSW
- Overview: A Uniting Church day school for girls, MLC School is recognized for its innovative curriculum and strong emphasis on student well-being.
Kambala
- Location: Rose Bay, NSW
- Overview: An Anglican day and boarding school for girls, Kambala offers a comprehensive education with a focus on academic excellence and personal growth.
The Scots College
- Location: Bellevue Hill, NSW
- Overview: A Presbyterian boys' school that combines traditional values with innovative educational practices, emphasizing leadership and character development.
Knox Grammar School
- Location: Wahroonga, NSW
- Overview: A Uniting Church boys' school offering a comprehensive education with a strong emphasis on academic achievement, sports, and co-curricular activities.
Sydney Grammar School
- Location: Darlinghurst, NSW
- Overview: A non-denominational boys' school renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and emphasis on classical education.
St Aloysius’ College
- Location: Milsons Point, NSW
- Overview: A Catholic boys' school dedicated to fostering intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth, with a strong tradition of academic excellence.

When selecting a private high school in Sydney, consider factors such as the school's educational philosophy, curriculum, extracurricular offerings, location, and alignment with your child's needs and interests. Visiting schools, attending open days, and engaging with current students and staff can provide valuable insights to inform your decision.