For many Sydney families, the International Baccalaureate (IB) has become an increasingly popular choice for senior secondary education. Offering a globally recognised qualification, the IB Diploma Programme challenges students academically while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and intercultural understanding.
If you’re considering IB for your child, one of the most important steps is finding the right school. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best IB schools in Sydney for 2025, along with what makes them stand out.
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What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year curriculum for students in Years 11 and 12. Unlike the HSC, the IB requires students to study six subjects across different disciplines, plus three core components:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Developing critical thinking and reflection.
- Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independent research paper.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Involvement in extracurricular, physical, and community activities.
The IB is assessed externally and recognised by universities worldwide — making it a great choice for students who may want to study overseas.
Manoj Arachige
Top IB Schools in Sydney 2025
Here are some of the leading Sydney schools offering the IB Diploma:
1. Sydney Grammar School (Darlinghurst)
- Prestigious boys’ school with strong academic outcomes.
- IB offered alongside HSC.
- Focuses heavily on classical academics, co-curricular enrichment, and university preparation.
2. Pymble Ladies’ College (Pymble)
- One of Sydney’s largest and most prestigious girls’ schools.
- Known for strong IB results and a supportive environment for high achievers.
- Wide range of subject choices and excellent facilities.
3. SCEGGS Darlinghurst
- Independent Anglican girls’ school with a strong emphasis on academic achievement.
- Offers the IB as an alternative to the HSC.
- Renowned for fostering creativity and critical thinking.
4. St. Andrew’s Cathedral School (Sydney CBD)
- Co-educational, centrally located school.
- IB offered at both the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma levels.
- Strong record of high IB results and emphasis on leadership and global perspectives.
5. Queenwood (Mosman)
- Independent girls’ school on Sydney’s North Shore.
- Offers both the HSC and IB Diploma, giving students flexibility.
- Strong focus on nurturing independence and academic excellence.
6. Trinity Grammar School (Summer Hill)
- Leading boys’ school with a well-rounded IB programme.
- Offers extensive co-curricular and sporting opportunities alongside academics.
- Consistently achieves strong IB Diploma results.
7. MLC School (Burwood)
- Independent girls’ school known for strong IB results.
- Offers one of the broadest ranges of IB subject choices in Sydney.
- Encourages leadership and independent learning.
8. Redlands (Cremorne)
- Co-educational school offering both the HSC and IB Diploma.
- Long history with the IB (one of Sydney’s first schools to adopt it).
- Strong international focus and community involvement.
Why Choose the IB Over the HSC?
Both the IB and HSC are rigorous pathways to university, but the IB is often chosen by students who:
- Want a globally recognised qualification.
- Prefer continuous assessment and external marking.
- Enjoy a broad, balanced curriculum across sciences, humanities, and languages.
- Plan to apply for overseas universities.
Manoj Arachige
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right school is about more than just academics — it’s about finding the right fit for your child’s learning style, interests, and future goals. The IB can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also demanding. Whether your child chooses IB or HSC, having the right support makes all the difference.
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
FAQs
Which Sydney Schools offer the IB?
A number of Sydney schools offer the IB Diploma, including Pymble Ladies’ College, MLC School, Redlands, Trinity Grammar, St. Andrew’s Cathedral School, Sydney Grammar, Queenwood, and SCEGGS Darlinghurst.
How does the IB compare to the HSC?
The IB requires students to study six subjects across multiple disciplines, plus complete core requirements (TOK, EE, CAS). The HSC allows more subject flexibility but is only recognised in Australia, whereas the IB is globally recognised.
Is the IB harder than the HSC?
The IB is often considered more demanding because it requires breadth across all subjects and includes additional assessments like the Extended Essay. However, some students thrive in the structured, holistic IB environment.
Do IB students in Sydney perform well in university admissions?
Yes. IB scores convert directly into an ATAR equivalent, and many Sydney IB graduates gain entry into competitive courses in Australia and internationally.
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