As a parent, choosing the right high school for your child is one of the most important education decisions you will make. You'll likely be looking at a school’s academic results, HSC results, learning environment, subject options, school fees, travel time, school culture and support systems which can all have a lasting impact on your child’s confidence and future pathways. You may be comparing public selective schools, public Sydney schools and private schools.
Many parents use HSC rankings to compare top high schools and which has the highest ATAR outcomes or best university pathways. While these rankings are useful and we dive deep into different comparisons, we'd likely to note that they should not be the only factor in your decision. A strong ATAR pathway, a high number of Band 6 results or a school known for the highest ATAR results does not automatically make that school the best fit for your child. To help you make a more informed choice, we've updated our Sydney high school guide to compare the best high schools in Sydney, including public selective schools, public Sydney schools, private schools and independent schools. We'll also explain how to read the rankings and what else you should consider when choosing a high school for your child.
Quick Answer: What Are the Best High Schools in Sydney in 2026?
In 2026, Sydney’s top-performing high schools are mostly a mix of public selective schools and high-performing private Sydney schools. Top selective public schools include North Sydney Boys High School, James Ruse Agricultural High School, North Sydney Girls High School, Baulkham Hills High School, Hornsby Girls High School, Normanhurst Boys High School, Sydney Boys High School and Sydney Girls High School. Top private and independent schools include Sydney Grammar School, Abbotsleigh, Reddam House, St Aloysius’ College, Pymble Ladies’ College and Knox Grammar School.
Table of Contents
Best High Schools in Sydney Based on 2025 HSC Results
The table below compares the best high schools in Sydney based on 2025 HSC rankings data. These rankings are based on the percentage of HSC exams sat that achieved a Distinguished Achievers (DA) result in 2025. In this article, we refer to this as the HSC Band 6 Rate (%) because it shows the percentage of HSC exam entries that achieved a top-band result and we've included comparison columns for 2024 and 2023 to help you see whether each school’s results have been consistent over time.
What is a Band 6 result?
A Band 6 result is the highest performance band a student can achieve in a New South Wales HSC subject. It usually means a student has achieved a mark between 90 and 100 in that subject.
How do we calculate Band 6 Rates (%)?
2025 Band 6 Count (HSC) ÷ 2025 HSC Exams Sat × 100
For example, in 2025, North Sydney Boys High School had 663 Band 6 results out of 926 HSC exams sat, giving it a 2025 HSC Band 6 Rate of 71.6%.
Top 100 High Schools in Sydney
Please kindly note that the table below includes a mix of co-ed schools, girls schools and boys schools across Sydney, so you should consider both academic results and the type of school environment your child is most likely to thrive in.
Rank | School Name | Type | Location | 2025 HSC Exams Sat | 2025 Band 6 Count (HSC) | 2025 HSC Band 6 Rate (%) | 2024 HSC Band 6 Rate (%) | 2023 HSC Band 6 Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Sydney Boys High School | Public selective | Crows Nest, NSW 2065 | 926 | 663 | 71.6% | 64.9% | 69.0% |
2 | James Ruse Agricultural High School | Public selective | Carlingford, NSW 2118 | 1001 | 705 | 70.4% | 62.9% | 60.0% |
3 | Sydney Grammar School | Private | Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 | 1251 | 763 | 61.0% | 56.4% | 52.3% |
4 | North Sydney Girls High School | Public selective | Crows Nest, NSW 2065 | 908 | 549 | 60.5% | 50.1% | 54.7% |
5 | Normanhurst Boys High School | Public selective | Normanhurst, NSW 2076 | 750 | 433 | 57.7% | 55.0% | 46.4% |
6 | Sydney Boys High School | Public selective | Surry Hills, NSW 2010 | 1205 | 653 | 54.2% | 49.4% | 42.7% |
7 | Baulkham Hills High School | Public selective | Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153 | 1209 | 623 | 51.5% | 54.1% | 55.8% |
8 | Hornsby Girls High School | Public selective | Hornsby, NSW 2077 | 711 | 363 | 51.1% | 52.0% | 41.8% |
9 | St Aloysius’ College | Private | Milsons Point, NSW 2061 | 1016 | 488 | 48.0% | 44.7% | 52.5% |
10 | Reddam House | Private | Woollahra, NSW 2025 | 830 | 390 | 47.0% | 54.9% | 54.2% |
11 | Abbotsleigh | Private | Wahroonga, NSW 2076 | 1086 | 495 | 45.6% | 48.9% | 45.7% |
12 | Ascham School | Private | Edgecliff, NSW 2027 | 634 | 288 | 45.4% | 40.7% | 40.0% |
13 | Sydney Girls High School | Public selective | Surry Hills, NSW 2010 | 999 | 442 | 44.2% | 43.1% | 38.0% |
14 | Ravenswood School for Girls | Private | Gordon, NSW 2072 | 806 | 344 | 42.7% | 29.9% | 31.5% |
15 | Conservatorium High School | Public | Sydney, NSW 2000 | 235 | 100 | 42.6% | 45.4% | — |
16 | Presbyterian Ladies’ College Sydney | Private | Croydon, NSW 2132 | 922 | 391 | 42.4% | 33.6% | 34.6% |
17 | Penrith Selective High School | Public selective | Penrith, NSW 2750 | 917 | 382 | 41.7% | 35.3% | 31.1% |
18 | Pymble Ladies’ College | Private | Pymble, NSW 2073 | 1585 | 644 | 40.6% | 41.5% | 38.1% |
19 | Roseville College | Private | Roseville, NSW 2069 | 690 | 280 | 40.6% | 39.4% | 31.7% |
20 | Fort Street High School | Public selective | Petersham, NSW 2049 | 898 | 361 | 40.2% | 38.2% | 37.5% |
21 | SCEGGS Darlinghurst | Private | Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 | 656 | 256 | 39.0% | 44.3% | 46.4% |
22 | Merewether High School | Public selective | Broadmeadow, NSW 2292 | 1041 | 403 | 38.7% | 35.7% | 27.2% |
23 | Al-Faisal College | Private | Minto, NSW 2566 | 710 | 274 | 38.6% | — | — |
24 | Al-Faisal College Auburn | Private | Auburn, NSW 2144 | 710 | 274 | 38.6% | 41.4% | 41.7% |
25 | Meriden School | Private | Strathfield, NSW 2135 | 1186 | 452 | 38.1% | 48.1% | 44.4% |
26 | Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus | Public selective | North Curl Curl, NSW 2099 | 784 | 298 | 38.0% | 44.6% | 38.7% |
27 | Girraween High School | Public selective | Girraween, NSW 2145 | 801 | 303 | 37.8% | 35.1% | 32.5% |
28 | SHORE – Sydney Church of England Grammar School | Private | North Sydney, NSW 2060 | 1237 | 465 | 37.6% | 39.3% | 37.4% |
29 | Alpha Omega Senior College | Private | Auburn, NSW 2144 | 671 | 242 | 36.1% | 42.5% | 35.4% |
30 | Knox Grammar School | Private | Wahroonga, NSW 2076 | 2013 | 724 | 36.0% | 42.9% | 45.6% |
31 | Loreto Kirribilli | Private | Kirribilli, NSW 2061 | 821 | 291 | 35.4% | 41.5% | 37.8% |
32 | Caringbah High School | Public selective | Caringbah, NSW 2229 | 876 | 301 | 34.4% | 20.7% | 28.0% |
33 | Queenwood | Private | Mosman, NSW 2088 | 519 | 177 | 34.1% | 33.6% | 27.8% |
34 | Gosford High School | Public selective | Gosford, NSW 2250 | 993 | 336 | 33.8% | 26.0% | 22.9% |
35 | Kincoppal-Rose Bay School of the Sacred Heart | Private | Rose Bay, NSW 2029 | 628 | 212 | 33.8% | 23.4% | 26.3% |
36 | Wenona School | Private | North Sydney, NSW 2060 | 954 | 322 | 33.8% | 39.3% | 34.1% |
37 | Kambala | Private | Rose Bay, NSW 2029 | 451 | 152 | 33.7% | 45.9% | 35.7% |
38 | Northholm Grammar School | Private | Arcadia, NSW 2159 | 244 | 81 | 33.2% | 35.1% | 27.1% |
39 | St Catherine’s School | Private | Waverley, NSW 2024 | 703 | 233 | 33.1% | 39.5% | 38.0% |
40 | Tara Anglican School for Girls | Private | North Parramatta, NSW 2151 | 567 | 184 | 32.5% | 23.5% | 34.1% |
41 | Loreto Normanhurst | Private | Normanhurst, NSW 2076 | 1008 | 316 | 31.4% | 23.9% | 26.8% |
42 | Al Noori Muslim School | Private | Greenacre, NSW 2190 | 674 | 208 | 30.9% | 30.4% | 40.5% |
43 | The King’s School | Private | North Parramatta, NSW 2151 | 1353 | 417 | 30.8% | 34.3% | 35.5% |
44 | Hurlstone Agricultural High School | Public selective | Glenfield, NSW 2167 | 1041 | 306 | 29.4% | 28.6% | 29.2% |
45 | Parramatta Marist High School | Private | Westmead, NSW 2145 | 724 | 212 | 29.3% | 25.1% | 21.7% |
46 | St George Girls High School | Public selective | Kogarah, NSW 2217 | 858 | 249 | 29.0% | 32.2% | 24.0% |
47 | Sydney Technical High School | Public selective | Bexley, NSW 2207 | 817 | 234 | 28.6% | 26.8% | 24.6% |
48 | Cranbrook School | Private | Bellevue Hill, NSW 2023 | 981 | 279 | 28.4% | 28.6% | 29.0% |
49 | Brigidine College St Ives | Private | St Ives, NSW 2075 | 818 | 228 | 27.9% | 18.7% | 19.7% |
50 | Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College | Private | North Sydney, NSW 2060 | 944 | 260 | 27.5% | 23.6% | 20.6% |
51 | Barker College | Private | Hornsby, NSW 2077 | 1963 | 540 | 27.5% | 27.6% | 29.7% |
52 | Emanuel School | Private | Randwick, NSW 2031 | 480 | 130 | 27.1% | 28.6% | 22.8% |
53 | Newington College | Private | Stanmore, NSW 2048 | 1046 | 281 | 26.9% | — | — |
54 | Brigidine College Randwick | Private | Randwick, NSW 2031 | 668 | 178 | 26.7% | 23.5% | 26.3% |
55 | Tangara School for Girls | Private | Cherrybrook, NSW 2126 | 234 | 60 | 25.6% | 20.0% | 23.0% |
56 | The Illawarra Grammar School | Private | West Wollongong, NSW 2500 | 472 | 120 | 25.4% | 21.9% | — |
57 | Frensham School | Private | Mittagong, NSW 2575 | 382 | 96 | 25.1% | 27.0% | 27.0% |
58 | Willoughby Girls High School | Public | Willoughby, NSW 2068 | 757 | 189 | 25.0% | 25.3% | 24.3% |
59 | MLC School | Private | Burwood, NSW 2134 | 477 | 119 | 25.0% | — | 23.8% |
60 | St Ignatius’ College | Private | Lane Cove, NSW 2066 | 1335 | 333 | 24.9% | 22.7% | 21.7% |
61 | Moriah College | Private | Bondi Junction, NSW 2022 | 552 | 137 | 24.8% | 34.6% | 34.3% |
62 | Newcastle Grammar School | Private | Newcastle, NSW 2300 | 668 | 165 | 24.7% | 20.2% | 25.8% |
63 | Smith’s Hill High School | Public | Wollongong, NSW 2500 | 751 | 185 | 24.6% | 25.5% | 26.8% |
64 | Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus | Public | Balgowlah, NSW 2093 | 796 | 195 | 24.5% | 23.8% | 25.3% |
65 | Chatswood High School | Public selective | Chatswood, NSW 2067 | 1526 | 368 | 24.1% | 25.1% | 23.0% |
66 | St Luke’s Grammar School | Private | Dee Why, NSW 2099 | 735 | 173 | 23.5% | 28.2% | 29.7% |
67 | St Vincent’s College | Private | Potts Point, NSW 2011 | 786 | 185 | 23.5% | 20.1% | 24.2% |
68 | St Patrick’s College Strathfield | Private | Strathfield, NSW 2135 | 1056 | 248 | 23.5% | 19.4% | — |
69 | Masada College | Private | St Ives, NSW 2075 | 244 | 57 | 23.4% | 32.6% | 22.6% |
70 | Marist Catholic College North Shore | Private | North Sydney, NSW 2060 | 531 | 123 | 23.2% | 21.4% | — |
71 | Danebank – An Anglican School for Girls | Private | Hurstville, NSW 2220 | 419 | 95 | 22.7% | 26.8% | 21.9% |
72 | St Augustine’s College | Private | Brookvale, NSW 2100 | 1038 | 235 | 22.6% | 24.2% | 17.7% |
73 | St Joseph’s College | Private | Hunters Hill, NSW 2110 | 1037 | 233 | 22.5% | 19.6% | 19.8% |
74 | Cherrybrook Technology High School | Public | Cherrybrook, NSW 2126 | 1764 | 391 | 22.2% | — | — |
75 | St Andrew’s Cathedral School | Private | Sydney, NSW 2000 | 669 | 148 | 22.1% | — | 18.6% |
76 | Cheltenham Girls High School | Public | Beecroft, NSW 2119 | 1251 | 276 | 22.1% | 25.2% | 18.3% |
77 | Mount St Benedict College | Private | Pennant Hills, NSW 2120 | 839 | 185 | 22.1% | 21.1% | 18.9% |
78 | St Clare’s College | Private | Waverley, NSW 2024 | 611 | 133 | 21.8% | 27.5% | 21.2% |
79 | Sefton High School | Public selective | Sefton, NSW 2162 | 957 | 206 | 21.5% | — | — |
80 | Santa Sabina College | Private | Strathfield, NSW 2135 | 684 | 147 | 21.5% | 20.0% | 30.2% |
81 | Bethany College | Private | Hurstville, NSW 2220 | 858 | 184 | 21.5% | 20.3% | 17.3% |
82 | The Scots College | Private | Bellevue Hill, NSW 2023 | 1172 | 250 | 21.3% | 29.2% | 26.1% |
83 | Pittwater House Schools | Private | Collaroy, NSW 2097 | 564 | 118 | 20.9% | 27.0% | 17.7% |
84 | Waverley College | Private | Waverley, NSW 2024 | 929 | 190 | 20.5% | — | — |
85 | International Grammar School | Private | Ultimo, NSW 2007 | 590 | 120 | 20.3% | 20.8% | — |
86 | Georges River Grammar | Private | Georges Hall, NSW 2198 | 434 | 88 | 20.3% | — | 17.4% |
87 | Lindfield Learning Village | Public | Lindfield, NSW 2070 | 222 | 45 | 20.3% | 17.1% | — |
88 | Oxley College | Private | Burradoo, NSW 2576 | 403 | 81 | 20.1% | 17.9% | — |
89 | St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox College | Private | Wattle Grove, NSW 2173 | 283 | 56 | 19.8% | — | — |
90 | Killarney Heights High School | Public | Killarney Heights, NSW 2087 | 827 | 162 | 19.6% | — | — |
91 | St Spyridon College | Private | Maroubra, NSW 2035 | 363 | 71 | 19.6% | 20.7% | 19.1% |
92 | Central Coast Grammar School | Private | Erina Heights, NSW 2260 | 653 | 127 | 19.5% | 28.1% | 25.6% |
93 | Rose Bay Secondary College | Public | Dover Heights, NSW 2030 | 979 | 190 | 19.4% | — | — |
94 | Parramatta High School | Public | Parramatta, NSW 2150 | 1023 | 198 | 19.4% | 18.0% | — |
95 | Stella Maris College | Private | Manly, NSW 2095 | 589 | 114 | 19.4% | 18.6% | 23.2% |
96 | Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta | Private | Parramatta, NSW 2150 | 865 | 167 | 19.3% | 22.8% | 20.9% |
97 | Cammeraygal High School | Public | Crows Nest, NSW 2065 | 750 | 142 | 18.9% | — | 18.5% |
98 | Marist College Penshurst | Private | Mortdale, NSW 2223 | 804 | 146 | 18.2% | 18.1% | — |
99 | Epping Boys High School | Public | Eastwood, NSW 2122 | 1230 | 218 | 17.7% | 24.9% | 18.8% |
100 | Mercy Catholic College | Private | Chatswood, NSW 2067 | 713 | 126 | 17.7% | — | — |
Key takeaways
The strongest public schools in Sydney are mostly public selective schools
North Sydney Boys High School, James Ruse Agricultural High School and North Sydney Girls High School led the public school rankings in 2025.
What to Look For in a High School: Context, Consistency and Fit
Although a school’s HSC ranking in one year can be useful, it should not be the only factor you rely on. HSC results can also change from year to year depending on the size of the Year 12 cohort, subject choices, student strengths and the number of exam entries. A school may have one very strong year because of a particularly high-achieving cohort. Another school may rank slightly lower in 2025 but show steady results across three years.
When reviewing the table, look for:
School type: This helps you compare public selective, public and private schools.
Location: This helps you assess travel time, school catchments, public transport and whether the daily commute is realistic for your child.
2025 HSC Exams Sat: This gives context. A school with more exam entries achieved its result across a larger number of subject attempts.
2025 Band 6 Count (HSC): This shows the total number of high-scoring HSC subject results.
2025, 2024 and 2023 HSC Band 6 Rate (%): This helps you compare academic consistency across multiple years.
It is also worth considering whether a school’s results match the type of learning environment your child needs. A highly ranked school may be a strong option if your child enjoys academic challenge. However, it may not be the best fit if your child needs more support, balance or confidence-building.
Should I also consider a high school's NAPLAN results and ICSEA score?
If you want to look at the 2025 NAPLAN results and ICSEA score of a specific high school in Sydney, as well as other data like student attendance, cohort size and general profile information, look at the My School website.
ICSEA stands for the Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage. It gives context about the socio-educational background of students at a school.
While ICSEA is not a measure of school quality, teaching quality or school performance, it can help you make fairer comparisons between schools as academic results are often influenced by the background of the student population.
Best Public High Schools in Sydney
If you're looking at a Sydney public high school for your child, many of the top public high schools are public selective schools. These schools enrol academically high-potential students through a competitive placement process, often requiring strong results in a selective entrance exam.
The top public high schools in Sydney include:
Public School Rank | School | School Type | Location | 2025 HSC Band 6 Rate (%) | 2024 HSC Band 6 Rate (%) | 2023 HSC Band 6 Rate (%) |
1 | North Sydney Boys High School | Public selective | Crows Nest, NSW 2065 | 71.6% | 64.9% | 69.0% |
2 | James Ruse Agricultural High School | Public selective | Carlingford, NSW 2118 | 70.4% | 62.9% | 60.0% |
3 | North Sydney Girls High School | Public selective | Crows Nest, NSW 2065 | 60.5% | 50.1% | 54.7% |
4 | Normanhurst Boys High School | Public selective | Normanhurst, NSW 2076 | 57.7% | 55.0% | 46.4% |
5 | Sydney Boys High School | Public selective | Surry Hills, NSW 2010 | 54.2% | 49.4% | 42.7% |
6 | Baulkham Hills High School | Public selective | Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153 | 51.5% | 54.1% | 55.8% |
7 | Hornsby Girls High School | Public selective | Hornsby, NSW 2077 | 51.1% | 52.0% | 41.8% |
8 | Sydney Girls High School | Public selective | Surry Hills, NSW 2010 | 44.2% | 43.1% | 38.0% |
9 | Conservatorium High School | Public | Sydney, NSW 2000 | 42.6% | 45.4% | — |
10 | Penrith Selective High School | Public selective | Penrith, NSW 2750 | 41.7% | 35.3% | 31.1% |
11 | Fort Street High School | Public selective | Petersham, NSW 2049 | 40.2% | 38.2% | 37.5% |
12 | Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus | Public selective | North Curl Curl, NSW 2099 | 38.0% | 44.6% | 38.7% |
13 | Girraween High School | Public selective | Girraween, NSW 2145 | 37.8% | 35.1% | 32.5% |
14 | Caringbah High School | Public selective | Caringbah, NSW 2229 | 34.4% | 20.7% | 28.0% |
15 | Hurlstone Agricultural High School | Public selective | Glenfield, NSW 2167 | 29.4% | 28.6% | 29.2% |
Key takeaways
The strongest public schools in Sydney are mostly public selective schools, with North Sydney Boys High School, James Ruse Agricultural High School and North Sydney Girls High School leading the 2025 rankings.
From 2023-2025, North Sydney Boys High School remained one of the top-performing schools , while James Ruse Agricultural High School increased from 60.0% in 2023 to 62.9% in 2024 and 70.4% in 2025.
Best Selective High Schools in Sydney
Selective high schools can be a strong option if your child enjoys academic challenge, independent learning and being surrounded by other high-achieving students. However, selective schools can also be competitive and academically demanding, so it is important to consider whether the environment will motivate or overwhelm your child.
The top selective high schools in Sydney include:
Selective School Rank | School | School Type | Location | 2025 HSC Band 6 Rate (%) | 2024 HSC Band 6 Rate (%) | 2023 HSC Band 6 Rate (%) |
1 | North Sydney Boys High School | Public selective | Crows Nest, NSW 2065 | 71.6% | 64.9% | 69.0% |
2 | James Ruse Agricultural High School | Public selective | Carlingford, NSW 2118 | 70.4% | 62.9% | 60.0% |
3 | North Sydney Girls High School | Public selective | Crows Nest, NSW 2065 | 60.5% | 50.1% | 54.7% |
4 | Normanhurst Boys High School | Public selective | Normanhurst, NSW 2076 | 57.7% | 55.0% | 46.4% |
5 | Sydney Boys High School | Public selective | Surry Hills, NSW 2010 | 54.2% | 49.4% | 42.7% |
6 | Baulkham Hills High School | Public selective | Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153 | 51.5% | 54.1% | 55.8% |
7 | Hornsby Girls High School | Public selective | Hornsby, NSW 2077 | 51.1% | 52.0% | 41.8% |
8 | Sydney Girls High School | Public selective | Surry Hills, NSW 2010 | 44.2% | 43.1% | 38.0% |
9 | Penrith Selective High School | Public selective | Penrith, NSW 2750 | 41.7% | 35.3% | 31.1% |
10 | Fort Street High School | Public selective | Petersham, NSW 2049 | 40.2% | 38.2% | 37.5% |
11 | Merewether High School | Public selective | Broadmeadow, NSW 2292 | 38.7% | 35.7% | 27.2% |
12 | Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus | Public selective | North Curl Curl, NSW 2099 | 38.0% | 44.6% | 38.7% |
13 | Girraween High School | Public selective | Girraween, NSW 2145 | 37.8% | 35.1% | 32.5% |
14 | Caringbah High School | Public selective | Caringbah, NSW 2229 | 34.4% | 20.7% | 28.0% |
15 | Gosford High School | Public selective | Gosford, NSW 2250 | 33.8% | 26.0% | 22.9% |
16 | Hurlstone Agricultural High School | Public selective | Glenfield, NSW 2167 | 29.4% | 28.6% | 29.2% |
17 | St George Girls High School | Public selective | Kogarah, NSW 2217 | 29.0% | 32.2% | 24.0% |
18 | Sydney Technical High School | Public selective | Bexley, NSW 2207 | 28.6% | 26.8% | 24.6% |
19 | Chatswood High School | Public selective | Chatswood, NSW 2067 | 24.1% | 25.1% | 23.0% |
20 | Sefton High School | Public selective | Sefton, NSW 2162 | 21.5% | — | — |
Key takeaways
North Sydney Boys High School and James Ruse Agricultural High School were the top two selective schools in Sydney based on 2025 HSC Band 6 Rate.
Several selective schools showed strong three-year performance, including North Sydney Boys High School, Baulkham Hills High School, Fort Street High School and Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus.
Some selective schools improved significantly in 2025 compared with earlier years. For example, Caringbah High School increased from 20.7% in 2024 to 34.4% in 2025.
Are Selective Schools Worth It?
Selective high schools can be worth it if your child is academically ready, emotionally resilient and motivated by challenge as these schools often provide a fast-paced learning environment, strong academic expectations and a peer group of high-achieving students.
A selective school may be a strong fit if your child:
enjoys academic challenge
is self-motivated
manages pressure well
responds positively to competition
enjoys being around high-achieving peers
can cope with not always being at the top of the class
has strong foundations in reading, writing, maths and problem-solving
A selective school may not be the best fit if your child:
becomes overwhelmed by pressure
loses confidence when comparing themselves to others
needs a slower or more nurturing learning environment
is already anxious about tests and school performance
would have a long and tiring commute
is choosing the school mainly because of pressure or prestige
Is it hard to get into a selective high school in Sydney?
Getting into a selective high school mostly require strong results in report cards, a selective school entry test and sometimes your child's recent NAPLAN results. To go down the selective high school pathway in NSW, your child needs to prepare for their selective tests early.
To get strong results in these selective entrance exams, your child needs strong fundamental knowledge, reading comprehension, problem-solving, writing skills and exam-confidence skills. These skills can support their learning well beyond the Selective High School Placement Test.
What about partially selective high schools?
In these schools, some students are enrolled through selective entry while the rest of the school operates as a local public school. This can be a useful option if your child may benefit from an academically extended stream while still being part of a broader school community.
How to Get Into a Top Sydney High School with Selective Entry
Selective school entrance tests can be highly competitive, so preparation should focus on long-term skill-building rather than last-minute practice tests. Practice papers can be useful, but they are most effective when your child already has strong reading, writing, maths and problem-solving foundations.
Build Strong Foundations Before Year 7
Many students struggle in high school not because they are not capable, but because gaps from earlier years become more obvious. If you are wondering how to support your child before high school, the most helpful step is to build core skills early.
Before Year 7, we'd recommend that your child focuses on:
reading regularly and building vocabulary
writing clearly and with structure
strengthening core maths skills
solving multi-step problems
explaining their reasoning
building confidence with unfamiliar questions
Prepare Early for Selective School Entry
For selective school entry, your child will need to develop the thinking skills behind the selective test, including:
reading complex texts
identifying key details quickly
solving logic-based maths questions
writing under time limits
managing exam nerves
reviewing mistakes properly
Selective entry practice tests
Practice tests can usually be obtained from companies who are responsible for making the selective school exam your child will sit (like the HAST test from ACER).
Get Tutoring Support If Your Child Is Falling Behind
Whether your child is in primary school or already in high school and falling behind, it is usually better to act early. Waiting until Year 11 or Year 12 can also make gaps harder to close.
Tutoring can help your child:
rebuild confidence
catch up on missed foundations
prepare for exams
improve writing and problem-solving
develop better study habits
feel more in control at school
Over the years, we've helped many students successfully get into selective high schools in Sydney. Book a free 1-hour online lesson with a private tutor today.
Best Private High Schools in Sydney
The best private high schools in Sydney often combine strong HSC results with extensive extracurricular opportunities, leadership programs, facilities, pastoral care and subject choice.
The top private high schools in Sydney include:
Private School Rank | School | School Type | Location | 2025 HSC Band 6 Rate (%) | 2024 HSC Band 6 Rate (%) | 2023 HSC Band 6 Rate (%) |
1 | Sydney Grammar School | Private | Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 | 61.0% | 56.4% | 52.3% |
2 | St Aloysius’ College | Private | Milsons Point, NSW 2061 | 48.0% | 44.7% | 52.5% |
3 | Reddam House | Private | Woollahra, NSW 2025 | 47.0% | 54.9% | 54.2% |
4 | Abbotsleigh | Private | Wahroonga, NSW 2076 | 45.6% | 48.9% | 45.7% |
5 | Ascham School | Private | Edgecliff, NSW 2027 | 45.4% | 40.7% | 40.0% |
6 | Ravenswood School for Girls | Private | Gordon, NSW 2072 | 42.7% | 29.9% | 31.5% |
7 | Presbyterian Ladies’ College Sydney | Private | Croydon, NSW 2132 | 42.4% | 33.6% | 34.6% |
8 | Pymble Ladies’ College | Private | Pymble, NSW 2073 | 40.6% | 41.5% | 38.1% |
9 | Roseville College | Private | Roseville, NSW 2069 | 40.6% | 39.4% | 31.7% |
10 | SCEGGS Darlinghurst | Private | Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 | 39.0% | 44.3% | 46.4% |
11 | Meriden School | Private | Strathfield, NSW 2135 | 38.1% | 48.1% | 44.4% |
12 | SHORE – Sydney Church of England Grammar School | Private | North Sydney, NSW 2060 | 37.6% | 39.3% | 37.4% |
13 | Knox Grammar School | Private | Wahroonga, NSW 2076 | 36.0% | 42.9% | 45.6% |
14 | Loreto Kirribilli | Private | Kirribilli, NSW 2061 | 35.4% | 41.5% | 37.8% |
15 | Queenwood | Private | Mosman, NSW 2088 | 34.1% | 33.6% | 27.8% |
Key takeaways
Sydney Grammar School was the highest-ranked private school in Sydney based on 2025 HSC Band 6 Rate.
Several private schools performed strongly across multiple years, including Sydney Grammar School, Abbotsleigh, Reddam House, Pymble Ladies’ College and SHORE.
Some private schools had a noticeable increase in 2025. For example, Ravenswood School for Girls increased from 29.9% in 2024 to 42.7% in 2025.
What Private Schools Offer Beyond HSC Results
Private schools are often chosen for more than academic rankings. Depending on the school, you may value:
smaller class sizes
extensive sport programs
music, drama and debating opportunities
leadership development
strong pastoral care and student support
modern facilities
broader subject choice
accelerated learning or academic extension opportunities
alumni networks
structured communication with parents
If you're wondering how to choose a private high school in Sydney,we'd recommend to look closely at private school fees, school values, student support, subject choice, co-curricular programs, university pathway guidance and whether the school environment suits your child’s personality. A private school may be worth it if you are paying for something your child will genuinely use and benefit from, such as music, sport, leadership, pastoral care, subject choice or a particular school culture. However, if your child is already thriving in a public school, has strong study habits and feels supported, a private school is not automatically the better option.
Best High Schools in Sydney by Area
When looking at Sydney high school options, you may want to compare schools by location, especially when travel time, public transport and school catchments are important. A school might also look excellent on paper, but if your child has a long commute every day, this can affect their sleep, homework, sport, wellbeing and family routine.
We've provided a short area-based summary below to help you narrow down schools based on travel time, school catchment areas, local intake area rules, private school fees and whether out-of-area enrolment is realistic.
Best High Schools in North Sydney and the North Shore
The North Shore is home to many of Sydney’s strongest-performing schools, including:
North Sydney Boys High School
North Sydney Girls High School
Normanhurst Boys High School
Hornsby Girls High School
Abbotsleigh
Ravenswood School for Girls
Pymble Ladies’ College
Knox Grammar School
Roseville College
SHORE
This area is especially strong if you are considering public selective schools and high-performing independent schools.
Best High Schools in Western Sydney
Western Sydney also includes several academically strong schools, particularly selective schools.
Top options include:
James Ruse Agricultural High School
Baulkham Hills High School
Penrith Selective High School
Girraween High School
Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Parramatta Marist High School
Tara Anglican School for Girls
The King’s School
James Ruse Agricultural High School and Baulkham Hills High School have consistently been among the strongest academic performers in NSW.
Best High Schools in the Inner West
If you are looking at the Inner West, you may consider schools such as:
Fort Street High School
Meriden School
Newington College
Presbyterian Ladies’ College Sydney
MLC School
Santa Sabina College
St Patrick’s College Strathfield
The Inner West can be a strong option if you are looking for a mix of selective, independent, Catholic and public Sydney school pathways.
Best High Schools in the Eastern Suburbs
The Eastern Suburbs includes several well-known private and independent schools, including:
Sydney Grammar School
Ascham School
SCEGGS Darlinghurst
Reddam House
Kincoppal-Rose Bay School
Kambala
Cranbrook School
Moriah College
Emanuel School
St Catherine’s School
If you are comparing schools in this area, consider HSC results alongside school culture, fees, subject choice and extracurricular programs.
Best High Schools in the Northern Beaches
The Northern Beaches includes strong public and independent options, including:
Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus
Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus
St Luke’s Grammar School
St Augustine’s College
Pittwater House
Stella Maris College
Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus was one of the strongest-performing public options in the area, with a 2025 HSC Band 6 Rate of 38.0%.
Public vs Public Selective vs Private Sydney School
When comparing a public Sydney school, public selective Sydney school and private Sydney school, we've outlined some important factors to consider below:
Factor | Public Sydney School | Public Selective Sydney School | Private Sydney School |
Cost | Low | Low | High |
Entry | Usually catchment or local enrolment | Competitive test | Application, interview and fees |
Academic environment | Varies by school | Usually very competitive | Varies by school |
Extracurriculars | Varies by school | Varies by school | Often extensive |
Best for | Students who benefit from local convenience, balance and community | High-achieving, self-motivated students | Families wanting facilities, networks and broader programs |
How to Choose the Best Sydney High School for Your Child
The best Sydney high school for your child is not always the school with the highest HSC Band 6 Rate. A school can be academically impressive but still not suit your child’s personality, confidence, interests or wellbeing.
Your situation | What to prioritise | Schools to consider | Questions to ask |
Your child is in Year 4–6 | Foundations, fit and confidence | Public selective, local public Sydney schools, Catholic, independent and private Sydney schools | Does my child enjoy challenge? Are they ready for selective preparation? |
Your child is aiming for selective entry | Reading, writing, maths reasoning and exam stamina | Fully selective and partially selective Sydney schools | Can my child manage pressure and unfamiliar questions? |
Your child is already in high school | Subjects, support, wellbeing and social adjustment | Current school or alternative public/private Sydney schools | Would switching solve the issue, or would support at the current school be better? |
Your child is bright but easily stressed | Confidence, support and manageable pressure | Schools with strong wellbeing support | Will this school challenge my child without overwhelming them? |
Your child has strong extracurricular interests | Academics plus sport, arts, leadership or clubs | Private, specialist or well-resourced public Sydney schools | Does the school offer the activities my child cares about? |
Should we go public selective or private? | Academic fit, wellbeing, cost and opportunities | Public selective and private Sydney schools | Do we want a highly academic peer group, broader programs or both? |
Final Thoughts
In 2026, the best high schools in Sydney include a mix of public selective schools, private schools, independent schools and strong public Sydney schools. Based on 2025 HSC rankings data, North Sydney Boys High School, James Ruse Agricultural High School, Sydney Grammar School, North Sydney Girls High School and Normanhurst Boys High School were among the strongest academic performers.
The best school for your child is not always the highest-ranked school. A ranking can show academic performance, but it cannot show whether your child will feel confident, supported and motivated there.
When choosing a high school, consider academic fit, school culture, wellbeing support, travel time, subject choice, extracurricular opportunities, your child’s confidence and your family’s values.
If your child is preparing for selective school entry, starting high school, changing schools or working towards stronger HSC results, personalised tutoring can help them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
A school should help your child grow, not just compete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top high schools in Sydney?
The top high schools in Sydney include North Sydney Boys High School, James Ruse Agricultural High School, Sydney Grammar School, North Sydney Girls High School, Normanhurst Boys High School, Sydney Boys High School, Baulkham Hills High School and Hornsby Girls High School.
What is the hardest high school to get into in Sydney?
James Ruse Agricultural High School is often considered one of the hardest high schools to get into in Sydney because it is a highly competitive selective school with a long history of strong academic results. Other highly competitive selective schools include North Sydney Boys High School, North Sydney Girls High School, Baulkham Hills High School, Sydney Boys High School and Sydney Girls High School.
What is the best public high school in Sydney?
The best public high school in Sydney for 2026 is North Sydney Boys High School, followed by James Ruse Agricultural High School and North Sydney Girls High School. Most of the highest-ranking public schools in Sydney are public selective schools.
What is the best private high school in Sydney?
The best private high school in Sydney for 2026 is Sydney Grammar School, with a 2025 HSC Band 6 Rate of 61.0%. Other high-performing private Sydney schools include St Aloysius’ College, Reddam House, Abbotsleigh, Ascham School, Pymble Ladies’ College and Knox Grammar School.
What is the best selective high school in Sydney?
The highest-ranked selective school in Sydney is North Sydney Boys High School, followed closely by James Ruse Agricultural High School and North Sydney Girls High School. Other strong selective schools include Normanhurst Boys High School, Sydney Boys High School, Baulkham Hills High School, Hornsby Girls High School and Sydney Girls High School.
How hard is it to get into a selective high school in Sydney?
Selective high school entry in Sydney is competitive because your child usually needs strong results in selective school entry tests. A good selective school score usually comes from strong reading comprehension, writing, maths reasoning, problem-solving and confidence under exam conditions.
Are selective schools better than private schools?
Selective schools are not automatically better than private schools. Selective schools can be excellent if your child is academically advanced and enjoys challenge, while private schools may offer broader extracurricular programs, facilities, pastoral care, school values and university pathway support. The best choice depends on your child’s personality, confidence, learning needs and wellbeing.
Are private schools worth it in Sydney?
Private schools may be worth it if your family values facilities, extracurricular programs, pastoral care, school values, subject choice, student support or university pathway guidance. However, your child can also achieve excellent academic results in a public Sydney school or public selective Sydney school, so the best choice depends on your child’s needs and your family’s priorities.
How do I choose a high school in Sydney?
To choose a high school in Sydney, compare academic results, school type, location, travel time, subject options, student support, school culture, school values, fees and whether your child would feel confident and supported there. The highest-ranked school is not always the best fit for your child.
When should I apply for a high school in Sydney?
Application timelines vary depending on the school type. Selective school entry, private school applications, scholarship testing and Year 7 enrolment can all have different dates, so you should check school and government deadlines early. If you are considering a public Sydney school, also check the school’s catchment area, local intake area and whether out-of-area enrolment is available.
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