Because Sydney schools are difficult to get into – with most seeming to prefer students who are there for the long haul – this is a city where early planning and investigation are crucial.
Education in Sydney
Education in Australia is administered by the individual states – for Sydney, it’s NSW Education Standards Authority. The school year starts in January and finishes in December - there are four terms and three breaks of between two to three weeks. Children must have turned 5 years old by 31st July in the year they enrol. For late birthdays (May/June/July), it is becoming increasingly common to start in the following year, but children must have enrolled by the time they turn 6.
There are three types of schools: private, Catholic and government, although there is some overlap.
Because private schools are partially funded by the federal government, around a third of families go down this route. This group includes schools that are governed independently, as well as alternative schools such as Rudolf Steiner. But the most renowned are the ‘traditional’ schools with a religious background - Anglican, Catholic and Uniting Church.
Most of the private schools, which consider themselves the backbone of Sydney, are over 80 years old and have a strong similarity with English public schools. They are popular with white-collar professionals and have excellent facilities and good reputations. The majority are single sex, although a few of the boy’s schools take girls in years 10-12. A number are selective. Private schools command a great deal of respect in the Sydney community. Demand for places is strong as the number of schools has grown little in the last 40 years – and with a few of the ultra-elite schools, it is prudent to enrol the child at the time of conception…not an exaggeration.
Around 20 per cent of families in Sydney opt for the Catholic sector, which is made up of two categories: the independent schools mentioned above and systemic schools administered by the Archdiocese. Systemic school fees are comparatively low. The majority of pupils are Catholic but most schools are not exclusive. There is a strong religious ethos and emphasis on pastoral care.
There are also government schools – the state system. In New South Wales, this consists of primary school (kindergarten to year 6) and high school (year 7 to year 12). Confusingly for British parents, primary schools are known as public schools. These schools have a reasonably good reputation and are basically free but there is no rating system, so word of mouth counts for everything. As Sydney has a population of over five million, people tend to go on what they have heard over the years. Good areas tend to have good local schools (and good local schools keep the property values up) as there are catchment areas for each school. If your first choice is not available, there will usually be another good one nearby – and you can even go outside your resident area (but locals/siblings etc get priority). The NSW government website www.education.nsw.gov.au provides a search engine (by area) for all the public schools.
Most schools have a strict uniform code. Sport – and especially competitive sport - is a further important feature of most Australian schools. Half a day is usually allocated, with a great range on offer both within and outside the curriculum. Outdoor education is another significant factor, especially in independent schools. Could be a couple of nights in cabins right through to an arduous week of bivouacking in the Australian bush – all are usually compulsory and feature the likes of canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking and bush skills.
Choosing a school in Sydney
The most common piece of advice given to families moving to Sydney is to find the school before looking for accommodation. And if you have a son, he takes priority - not (no need for feminist panic) because boys are better but because places for boys are considerably rarer than those for girls.
If you go down the government school route, note that some primary schools go up to 900 and some are as small as 100. School size can be an indicator of amenities and extracurricular activities offered but is no guarantee. Some schools have only a small paved play area whereas others will have a large green area and some also have swimming pools.
Some of the government high schools have an unfortunate reputation, where a perceived lack of discipline is seen to affect overall education. The exceptions are the state selective high schools, which have an enviable academic record – but they only enrol the top four to five per cent of students, who apply to the internal school selection committee.
As for selective private schools, bear in mind that the strict requirement of permanent Australian residency often discounts them as a feasible choice. But for those making their permanent home in Sydney – and whose children are highly motivated and strive for academic success - the option is a great one.
At present, the only mandatory HSC (High School Certificate) course is English but there is an long list of elective courses including agriculture, visual arts, maths, languages and technology, to name a few. Students can also take VET (Vocational Education and Training) courses including accounting, hairdressing and tourism.
Bearing in mind that the seasons are reversed, the disparity in school calendars is probably the biggest obstacle for children returning to schools in the northern hemisphere. But the differences in curriculum are not major hurdles and any differences are usually overcome by short periods of extra coaching. Students have a broad subject choice until year 11, and thus are well prepared for both HSC and A levels – and students can also still gain admission to UK universities.
Best schools in Sydney
Ascham School
New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,100 students
Founded in 1886, making it one of the oldest girls’ schools in Australia, Ascham follows the ‘Dalton Plan’ in senior school, an educational philosophy created by Helen Parkhurst in 1916. Located in the prestigious eastern suburbs, with large grounds and lovely harbour views. The academics are rigorous and girls head off to top tier universities.
Click here to read our full review of Ascham School.
Cranbrook School
PYP/ New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 3-18; co-ed (lower school), boys (middle and senior school),; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,400 students
Established in 1918 in Bellevue Hill, overlooking Sydney Harbour. The junior school (K-Year 6) is on two campuses. Non-selective but as one of the best schools in the Eastern suburbs, the first challenge is securing a place. Drama, art, music and games are all compulsory with sport playing a large part in Cranbrook life. Commendable results with the majority moving on to universities in the city and only around 5-10 per cent going overseas.
Click here to read our full review of Cranbrook School.
Kambala
New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 950 students
Founded in 1887, located for the last 100 years on a campus between Rose Bay and Vaucluse, completed by astonishing views. Charming buildings with great modern additions. Praise for teachers with impressive results both in HSC and from the small number of International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates. Majority of students are Australian, with a few girls from overseas. Non-selective, with places sought after and scholarships available.
Click here to read our full review of Kambala.
Pymble Ladies College
New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 5-18; girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 2,280 students
Expanded exponentially from the original 60 to 2,250 girls, on a beautiful site in the green North Shore commuter belt. Junior school operates as a separate unit with its own facilities and there is a senior school centre providing five separate schools on one campus. Consistently ranking in the top performing schools in Sydney and top of the non-selective schools in New South Wales. Fantastic sporting opportunities and a serious music school.
Click here to read our full review of Pymble Ladies College.
Queenwood
New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC/ IB Diploma; ages 5-18; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,500 students
Founded in 1926, on two campuses, in the desirable waterside suburb of Mosman. The senior school, complete with library and 600 seat theatre overlooks the harbourside beach of Balmoral, whilst the junior school is in a nearby residential area. Non-selective, entry open all year round although places are not always available. Commendable results in HSC but excellent International Baccalaureate Diploma average scores.
Click here to read our full review of Queenwood School for Girls.
Reddam House
New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 800 students
Founded in 2000 by South African, Graeme Crawford, an educational empire builder. The early learning, primary and middle schools are located in the Woolahra site in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs with the university style campus of the senior school based in Bondi. The school has become more diverse and now teaches students from over 40 nationalities. Recently, HSC results have surged up the rankings.
Click here to read our full review of Reddam House.
St Catherine's School
New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 5-18; girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,000 students
The oldest girls’ Anglican school in Australia, founded in 1856 in the village-style community of Waverley, catering mainly to local families from Randwick, Bronte and Bondi. The school still has a strong Christian ethos, with weekly chapel services. Entry mainly into Kindergarten and years 5, 7 and 11. HSC results are more than respectable, placing them in the top 10 per cent of the state. Some international boarding students.
Click here to read our full review of St. Catherine's School.
The Scots College
New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; boys; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,950 students
Established in 1893 to educate the children of early Scottish settlers. The school soon moved to its current prestigious location in Bellevue Hill, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, where a road separates the juniors from the senior school and boarding houses. Non-selective with entry points at pre-school, infants and years 3 and 7. Academic schooling combined with a rigorous outdoor activity programme.
Click here to read our full review of The Scots College.
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Abbotsleigh School
Anglican; ages 5-18; Reggio Emillia/ New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,400 students
Balgowlah Heights Public School
Non-denominational; ages 4-11; New South Wales; co-ed; day; state; 625 students
Barker College
Anglican; PYP/ New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; boys; co-ed (classes 10-12); day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 2,000 students
Beauty Point Public School
Non-denominational; New South Wales; ages 4-11; co-ed; day; state; 215 students
Beecroft Public School
Non-denominational; New South Wales; ages 4-11; co-ed; day; state; 710 students
Brigidine College St Ives
Catholic; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 12-18; girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 850 students
Double Bay Public School
Non-denominational; New South Wales; ages 4-11; co-ed; day; state
Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner
Non-denominational; Rudolf Steiner/ New South Wales; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; private non-profit; 500 students
Hills Grammar School (The)
Non-denominational; PYP/ New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; co-ed; independent; private non-profit; 1,100 students
International Grammar School Sydney
Non-denominational; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,000 students
Kincoppal-Rose Bay School
Catholic; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 960 students
King’s School (The)
New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; boys; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,700 students
Knox Grammar School
Uniting Church; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; boys; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,900 students
Loreto Kirribilli
Catholic; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,040 students
Loreto Normanhurst
Catholic; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 12-18; girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 900 students
Lycée Condorcet – International French School
Non-denominational; French curriculum/ OIB; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,070 students
Marist College North Shore
Catholic; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 12-18; boys; day; independent; private non-profit; 660 students
Masada College North Shore
Jewish; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; co-ed; independent; private non-profit; 640 students
Meriden School
Anglican; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 850 students
Middle Harbour Public School
Non-denominational; New South Wales; ages 4-11; co-ed; day; state; 510 students
MLC School
Uniting Church; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,300 students
Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College
Catholic; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 12-18; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,030 students
Moriah College
Jewish; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,600 students
Newington College
Uniting Church; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; boys; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,600 students
Northbridge Public School
Non-denominational; New South Wales; ages 4-11; co-ed; day; state; 600 students
Pittwater House School
Non-denominational; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 800 students
Presbyterian Ladies College
Presbyterian; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,600 students
Pymble Public School
Non-denominational; New South Wales; ages 4-11; co-ed; day; state; 890 students
Ravenswood School for Girls
Uniting Church; PYP/ New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,140 students
Redlands
Anglican; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day and homestay; independent; private non-profit; 1,600 students
Roseville College
Anglican; PYP/ New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 820 students
Roseville Public School
Non-denominational; New South Wales; ages 4-11; co-ed; day; state; 620 students
SCEGGS Darlinghurst
New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 3-18; girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 900 students
Shore School (Sydney Church of England Grammar School)
Anglican; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; boys; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,600 students
St Aloysius’ College
Catholic; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 8-18; boys; independent; private non-profit; 1,190 students
St Andrew’s Cathedral School
Anglican; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,030 students
St Ignatius’ College Riverview
Catholic; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 10-18; boys; day and boarding from year 6; independent; private non-profit; 900 students
St Ives North Public School
Non-denominational; New South Wales; ages 4-11; co-ed; day; state; 900 students
Sydney Grammar School
Non-denominational; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; boys; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,800 students
Trinity Grammar School
Anglican; PYP/ New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; boys; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,900 students
Wenona School
Non-denominational; New South Wales/ New South Wales HSC; ages 4-18; girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 815 students
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on The Good Schools Guide International search.
Government Selective
Places at these non-denominational, state, day schools are only offered to permanent Australian residents. The selection process is rigorous, leading to extremely high academic standards.
More information: www.education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes
Baulkham Hills High School
Co-ed, fully selective since 1995. 1,180 students
Fort Street High
Co-ed, established in 1849 (Fort Street High is the oldest selective high school in New South Wales). 920 students
Hornsby Girls' High
Girls, founded in 1930. 715 students
James Ruse Agricultural High
Co-ed, selective (agricultural curriculum since 1959). 850 students
Normanhurst Boys' High
Boys, opened in 1958, fully selective since 1994. 715 students
North Sydney Boys' High
Boys, established in 1912. 915 students
North Sydney Girls' High
Girls, established in 1914. 925 students
Sydney Boys' High School
Boys, established in 1883 (Sydney Boys' High was the first state secondary school and shares a site with the girls' school). 1,150 students
Sydney Girls' High School
Girls, established in 1883 (Sydney Girls' High is the oldest state girls school in New South Wales). 920 students