The best public high schools in Sydney 2026, including selective schools, comprehensive schools, and specialist schools, ranked by HSC results and
Education Desk is a contributing writer covering education and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
NSW public high schools are divided into three main types: selective schools, comprehensive schools, and specialist schools. Selective schools admit students based on academic performance in the Selective High School Test. Comprehensive schools admit students based on catchment zone and do not select students based on academic performance. Specialist schools have a focus on a particular area, such as music, sport, or technology, and admit students based on catchment zone and audition or portfolio.
North Sydney Boys High School in Crows Nest is the highest-ranked selective high school in NSW by HSC results. The school is a single-sex school for boys and has a strong academic focus. The school consistently ranks in the top five schools in NSW by HSC results. The school has a selective entry process based on the Selective High School Test, which is taken in Year 6. The test assesses English, mathematics, and general ability. The school is located on the lower north shore and is accessible by train to Crows Nest station.
North Sydney Girls High School in Crows Nest is the highest-ranked selective high school for girls in NSW by HSC results. The school is a single-sex school for girls and has a strong academic focus. The school consistently ranks in the top ten schools in NSW by HSC results. The school has a selective entry process based on the Selective High School Test. The school is located on the lower north shore and is accessible by train to Crows Nest station.
James Ruse Agricultural High School in Carlingford is a selective high school with a focus on agriculture and technology. The school is located in the Hills district and consistently ranks in the top ten schools in NSW by HSC results. The school has a selective entry process based on the Selective High School Test. The school has a large campus with agricultural facilities, including a farm, a garden, and a livestock area.
Baulkham Hills High School in Baulkham Hills is a selective high school with a strong academic focus. The school is located in the Hills district and consistently ranks in the top twenty schools in NSW by HSC results. The school has a selective entry process based on the Selective High School Test. The school is accessible by train to Baulkham Hills station.
Hornsby Girls High School in Hornsby is a selective high school for girls with a strong academic focus. The school is located on the upper north shore and consistently ranks in the top thirty schools in NSW by HSC results. The school has a selective entry process based on the Selective High School Test. The school is accessible by train to Hornsby station.
Sydney Girls High School in Surry Hills is a comprehensive high school with a strong academic focus. The school is located in the inner city and consistently ranks in the top fifty schools in NSW by HSC results. The school is for girls and admits students based on catchment zone. The school is accessible by train to Central station.
Sydney Boys High School in Surry Hills is a comprehensive high school with a strong academic focus. The school is located in the inner city and consistently ranks in the top fifty schools in NSW by HSC results. The school is for boys and admits students based on catchment zone. The school is accessible by train to Central station.
Fort Street High School in Petersham is a comprehensive high school with a strong academic focus. The school is located in the inner west and consistently ranks in the top fifty schools in NSW by HSC results. The school is co-educational and admits students based on catchment zone. The school is accessible by train to Petersham station.
Hurlstone Agricultural High School in Glenfield is a comprehensive high school with a focus on agriculture. The school is located in the south-western suburbs and consistently ranks in the top one hundred schools in NSW by HSC results. The school is co-educational and admits students based on catchment zone. The school has a large campus with agricultural facilities, including a farm, a garden, and a livestock area. The school is accessible by train to Glenfield station.
Newtown High School of the Performing Arts in Newtown is a specialist high school with a focus on performing arts. The school admits students based on catchment zone and an audition in dance, drama, or music. The school has a strong reputation for producing professional performers. The school is co-educational and is located in Newtown. The school is accessible by train to Newtown station.
Conservatorium High School in the CBD is a specialist high school with a focus on music. The school admits students based on catchment zone and an audition in music. The school has a strong reputation for producing professional musicians. The school is co-educational and is located adjacent to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. The school is accessible by train to Central station.
Enrolment in a NSW public high school is based on catchment zone for comprehensive schools and the Selective High School Test for selective schools. If you want your child to attend a selective high school, they must sit the Selective High School Test in Year 6. The test is held in March and the results are released in April. If your child is offered a place at a selective high school, you must accept or decline the offer by the deadline specified by the NSW Department of Education.
If you want your child to attend a comprehensive high school, you must apply for a place at the school in the year before they start. The application process varies by school, so check with the school directly. Most schools require proof of residence, such as a council rates notice or a rental agreement.
If you want your child to attend a specialist high school, you must apply for a place at the school in the year before they start and attend an audition or submit a portfolio. The application process varies by school, so check with the school directly.
More information about public high schools in Sydney is available at NSW Education and My School.
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