Best Public and Private Schools in Sydney

If you’re looking for the best public and private schools in Sydney, we’ve compiled a list of the best schools in this region.

Choosing the best schools can be a complex process. You need to find a school that helps you achieve your academic goals and caters to your interests. By providing valuable information on what the best schools in Sydney offer, it is easier to find an option that works for you.

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Top Private Hich Schools in Sydney

Typically, most parents in Sydney choose private education for their children. It’s not surprising that many of the highly coveted schools in Sydney are private, and their performance speaks for itself. Private schools are preferred by parents because of the lower teacher-to-student ratios, which give the students a better chance at quality education through better one-on-one teaching.

The best private schools in Sydney include the following:

1. Sydney Grammar Schoool

The Sydney Grammar School is easily one of the best schools in Sydney, with high ATAR and NAPLAN scores. Over 50% of the students in the school had an ATAR of more than 90% in 2023, and the students in Years 7 and 9 scored well above average in their NAPLAN.

It is an all-boys school and is considered one of the most expensive schools in Australia. The school teaches eight nationally recognised key subjects, but its core curriculum comprises English, Maths, Science, Physical Education, Arts, Technology, Humanities, and Language. Students also have a variety of electives to choose from.

2. Abbotsleigh

Abbotsleigh is among the schools in Sydney that achieved a 99 State Overall score. The school houses 1550 students and claims its place directly under Sydney Grammar. It’s an Anglican day and boarding school for girls. While it is quite the academic giant, it offers a less expansive range of electives but makes up for this with its array of extracurricular activities.

Students can engage in various pursuits, including sports, the arts, drama, and music. The school also offers leadership programs and community service initiatives.

3. St Aloysius College

St Aloysius offers stunning camp features and beautiful architecture with scenic views of Sydney Harbour. The school is deeply committed to community services and encourages students to engage in social justice initiatives, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership.

Besides the academic curriculum, the college also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as cricket, swimming, rugby, and physical fitness. Students can participate in various cultural activities, such as visual arts, music, and drama.

4. Reddam House

Reddam House was founded by renowned educator Graeme Crawford. It is a top private, co-educational and non-denominational institution for children from Kindergarten to Year 12 in Sydney.

In 2019, Reddam House School placed among the top ten in the NSW HSC Schools Ranking. It is also well-known as a top private high school in Sydney. It is a non-denominational, co-educational school for children.

5. Loreto Kirribilli

Loreto Kirribilli is an award-winning, independent Catholic school for girls, housing both primary and secondary schools in Kirribilli. It builds a community of faith designed to develop wise, loving, and well-educated women.

In 2019, Loreto Normanhurst students performed well and placed 18^th in the HSC. It is also regarded as one of Sydney’s top ten best private schools.

6. The Presbyterian Ladies’ College

This is a college based in Croydon. It is an independent single-sex Presbyterian early learning, primary, secondary, and boarding school for girls.

The school was ranked 20^th in the state and 9^th in the city’s top private school ranking in Sydney. It helps students develop a keen and lifelong pursuit of learning among students and assists students in achieving their full potential in all areas of endeavour.

7. Kambala School

Kambala School is an Anglican early learning, primary and secondary day and boarding school for girls in Rose Bay. The school’s critical service is empowering young women and instilling integrity.

The school ranked 15^th in the 2019 HSC and is Sydney’s fifth-best private institution. Kambala is an independent day and boarding school for girls up to 18 years old. It overlooks the iconic Harbour Bridge.

8. Catherine’s School

St. Catherine’s is another girls’ only school that develops young women of character and intellect. It is a private, Anglican school for children aged two through 12 based in Waverly. It caters to around 1,000 girls aged Year K to Year 12.

The school was ranked 17^th in the 2019 HSC results and is one of Sydney’s most prestigious private schools. Australia’s oldest independent Anglican girls’ school welcomes girls of all backgrounds.

9. Meriden School

Meriden is a non-selective, independent school with an Anglican background. It accommodates girls from Prep to Year 12. The school offers single-sex early learning, primary, and secondary school for girls in Strathfield.

Meriden High School consistently ranks among the top independent girls’ schools in the Higher School Certificate, with students consistently making the HSC All-Round Achievers’ list. In 2019, it was ranked 15^th in Connecticut for academic achievement.

10. Ascham School

Ascham School was founded in 1886, making it one of Australia’s oldest girls’ schools. Senior school follows the Dalton Plan, an educational philosophy created by Helen Parkhurst in 1916.

The school is located in the prestigious eastern suburbs, with large grounds and lovely harbour views. It has a rigorous academic program, and most of its students go on to top-tier universities across Australia.

11. Cranbrook School

Cranbrook is another private school with a long history. It was established in 1918 in Bellevue Hill, overlooking the Sydney Harbour. It is a junior school (K to Year 6) housed on two campuses.

It is a non-selective school but is one of the best in the eastern suburbs, which makes securing a place a challenge. Besides its academic performance, the school also has robust drama, art, music, and sports programs, which are all compulsory. The school delivers commendable results, with the majority moving on to universities in the city and around 5-10 per cent going overseas.

Best Public High Schools in Sydney

Public high schools in Sydney are also featured in the list of the best high schools in Sydney. All the government high schools on this list achieved a 100 State Overall Score, and like the private schools, they achieved top marks in subjects such as English and Math. However, most of the schools have a low student intake, with only a few taking over 1000 students.

12. James Ruse Agricultural High School

James Ruse Agricultural High School features in every discussion of the best high schools in Sydney. It isn’t just a public school in Sydney. It has claimed its top spot in New South Wales school rankings for 32 consecutive years.

The school has a low student body, with only 849 learners gracing the campus in 2023. The school body is diverse, with a majority of students hailing from non-English backgrounds.

13. Baulkham Hills High School

Baulkham is another academically selective school, which means students must apply for enrolment. The application process involves sitting for a Selective High School Placement Test, and enrolment is based on academic merit.

Once a student is accepted and placed in their Year, they are grouped by individual abilities and strengths, giving the student the best chance of excelling and ensuring and improving their skills.

14. North Sydney Boys High School

North Sydney Boys High School is a prestigious public school in Sydney. It is renowned for its strong academic performance and commitment to excellence. It is also a selective school that offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for higher education.

The school emphasises subjects like mathematics, sciences, and humanities. Its consistency is among the top in the state and regularly produces outstanding HSC results. The school also has a vibrant extracurricular culture that includes sports such as basketball, cricket, and soccer.

Conclusion

This is by no means a comprehensive list of the best schools in Sydney. Other schools are worth considering when looking around for schools. The schools have different key differentiators and different focus points, but most of them provide an excellent academic experience and performance for the students who make it into the school.