An Overview of the NSW High School Curriculum and the HSC
High schools in New South Wales have a curriculum structured in stages, where each stage marks a ‘step up’ in difficulty and expectations of the work you produce.
- Stage 4: Year 7 and Year 8
- Stage 5: Year 9 and Year 10
- Stage 6: Year 11 and Year 12
In Stages 4 and 5, schools will introduce elective subjects. While these subjects cannot replace mandatory subjects listed below, they can become a prerequisite for future selections, especially for Languages.
- English (Years 7–10)
- Mathematics (Years 7–10)
- Science (Years 7–10)
- HSIE (Human Society and Its Environment)
- PDHPE (Years 7–10)
- Technology Mandatory (Years 7–8)
- Visual Arts (Years 7–8)
- Music (Years 7–8)
- Language (not English)
In Stage 6, all subjects studied are chosen by the student with the only restrictions being that they select at least 2 units of English, and a minimum of 10 units in total, with at least 4 distinct subjects. This allows students to prioritise their own areas of interest during the HSC period and challenge themselves by choosing Extension subjects.
What to Consider When Selecting a School
When selecting a school, parents should look at multiple factors that make a school high-quality. These are the most widely considered factors, as determined by Schools360.
Academic Excellence
The academic performance of students on average, taking into account NAPLAN scores for Year 7-10, HSC results for Year 11-12, and entry rates into top-tier universities.
Student Development and Wellbeing
Programs, services, initiatives, and systems that support student health, development, and wellbeing. A high school’s support in these areas during a student’s transition from childhood to adulthood is vital, and can help shape their future.
Learning Opportunities
Apart from academic excellence, students should involve themselves in co-curricular activities that enrich their learning in different ways, through specialised subjects a school offers, as well as sporting, music, and arts programs.
Learning Environment
An outstanding learning environment is measured by the quality of teaching and learning spaces, including qualified teachers and innovation of facilities.
Institutional Excellence
School governance and reputation of a school are also important factors to consider, as alumni networks and strong school values create a space with more opportunities for your child.
Manoj Arachige
Top 10 Private Schools in Sydney
The majority of Sydney’s private schools are single-sex, ranked according to Schools360.
1st: 👦 The King’s School (Parramatta)
The King’s School, known for their military-style uniform and school values of service, offers a diverse curriculum across both HSC and IB pathways. While delivering consistently high NAPLAN results, King’s also boasts excellent sporting facilities and programs, as well as many successful alumni. In 2024, they ranked 34th in HSC with 237 students. Their enrolment process requires school reports and NAPLAN results.
2nd: 👧 St Catherine’s School (Waverley)
St Catherine’s School is renowned for its support of students through personal growth programs. It features consistently high academic results as well as an extensive co-curricular offering that provides students the opportunity to develop their skills in sport, performing arts, STEM, and leadership. In 2024, they ranked 24th in HSC with 128 students. Their enrolment process requires school reports and NAPLAN results.
3rd: 👦 Knox Grammar School (Wahroonga)
Knox Grammar School is a leader in education in Australia, operating a research institute which seeks to improve the well-being of students. Excelling in academic performance and co-curricular activities such as sports, arts, and music, Knox Grammar offers students a holistic education. In 2024, they ranked 18th in HSC with 385 students. Their enrolment process requires school reports and NAPLAN results.
4th: 👧 Pymble Ladies’ College (Pymble)
Pymble Ladies’ College is the largest private girls’ school in Sydney with over 2,300 students and a 50 acre campus. With high NAPLAN and HSC results, the school has academic excellence as well as a strong sporting culture. Its Watch us Change the World campaign empowers girls’ education. In 2024, they ranked 21st in HSC with 285 students. Their enrolment process requires school reports and NAPLAN results.
5th: 👧 Loreto Kirribilli (Kirribilli)
Loreto Kirribilli has a distinctive focus on nurturing well-rounded students, encouraging students to participate in social justice initiatives and service. While excelling academically with high NAPLAN and HSC results, it also has a comprehensive sports program and a focus on sustainability education. In 2024, they ranked 20th in HSC with 140 students. Their enrolment process requires a request for an application form.
6th: 👧 Ravenswood School for Girls (Gordon)
Ravenswood is primarily an IB school, and stands out for its focus on technology, innovation, and STEM. With high NAPLAN and HSC results, Ravenswood’s modern learning spaces and sports facilities allow for a high-quality and well-rounded education. In 2024, they ranked 40th in HSC with 115 students. Their enrolment process requires school reports, NAPLAN results, and letters of recommendation.
7th: 👦 SHORE Sydney CoE Grammar (North Sydney)
Shore school stands out for its robust sporting program that takes place in a campus with excellent sporting facilities, while also being one of the top-performing private boys’ schools academically. Its diverse range of co-curricular choices and holistic learning environment fosters well-rounded education. In 2024, they ranked 26th in HSC with 210 students. Their enrolment process requires an application form.
7th: 👦 Sydney Grammar School (Darlinghurst)
Sydney Grammar School is academically-selective, renowned for high teaching standards and academic results. With an engaged alumni network as well as a reputation for fostering leadership and independence, this is one of the country’s most prestigious schools. In 2024, they ranked 3rd in HSC with 188 students. Their enrolment process requires the student to sit an entrance assessment exam.
9th: 👦 Trinity Grammar School (Summer Hill)
Trinity Grammar School boasts a diverse education and co-curriculum programs, including an outdoor education program at its Field Studies Centre in Woollamia. In addition to a strong sporting culture and facilities, Trinity offers both HSC and IB programs. In 2024, they ranked 173rd in HSC with 92 students. Their enrolment process requires an application.
10th: 👧 Abbotsleigh (Wahroonga)
Abbotsleigh excels academically and has a vibrant arts, music, and drama culture. While nurturing academic success and creative expression, Abbotsleigh also maintains a strong alumni network and outstanding campus facilities. In 2024, they ranked 10th in HSC with 175 students. Their enrolment process requires school reports.
10th: 👧 Kambala Girls (Rose Bay)
Kambala is a recognised leader in girls’ education, offering both IB and HSC programs, as well as many support systems addressing student wellbeing. Kambala also encourages its students to positively impact their local communities and is dedicated to the professional development of its teaching staff. In 2024, they ranked 12th in HSC with 87 students. Their enrolment process requires school reports and NAPLAN results.
Manoj Arachige
Conclusion
Choosing a high school is a big decision, so make sure you research multiple factors that create a quality school before you choose. If your child has certain skills, particularly in excelling in academics, musical instruments, or sports, consider finding schools that also excel in that area. Best of luck to all applicants!
FAQs
What if academic excellence matters most to me?
If you value some factors more than others - for example, your ATAR and university prospects matter most in your high school experience - then you should check out HSC rankings for the past few years.
When should I enrol my child?
Most private schools accept applications for enrolment two or more years in advance of when the student starts their education journey at the school. To ensure that you don’t miss out on the opportunity, research your options and apply as soon as possible after making a decision!
Are there any high school scholarships available in Sydney?
Although it varies from school to school, many private schools offer academic, music/arts, and sporting scholarships if your child excels in a certain skill. Make sure that you are aware of their terms (e.g. those awarded a music scholarship must play in a school ensemble) before you accept the offer.
Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by KIS Academics Tutor for HSC English, Rachel Xie. Rachel is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce/Fine Arts at UNSW and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Rachel's profile here and request her as a tutor.
