HSC

Sydney’s best selective, public & private high schools

Ever wondered what the top schools in Sydney are? We go through the 2024 HSC school rankings to help identify Sydney's best public and private schools!

Published 23 June 2025  •   •  9 min read

By Manoj Arachige

Choosing the right high school is one of the most important decisions for any family. Whether you’re looking for a strong academic track record, values-based education, or elite selective entry, Sydney has a wide range of excellent options.

In this guide, we break down the top public (non-selective), private, and selective high schools in Sydney.

Table Of Contents:

Top 10 High Schools In Sydney (Based on 2025 HSC Rankings)

The following list is based on academic performance data, such as Band 6 percentages from the 2025 HSC. It includes public, private, and selective schools.

2025 School RankingSchoolTypeSuccess Rate (%)Total HSC exam entriesBand 6 Count2024 School Ranking
1North Sydney Boys High SchoolSelective Public71.69266631
2James Ruse Agricultural High SchoolSelective Public70.4310017052
3Sydney Grammar SchoolPrivate60.9912517633
4North Sydney Girls High SchoolSelective Public60.469085498
5Normanhurst Boys High SchoolSelective Public57.737504334
6Sydney Boys High SchoolSelective Public54.1912056539
7Baulkham Hills High SchoolSelective Public51.5312096236
8Hornsby Girls High SchoolSelective Public51.057113637
9St Aloysius’ CollegePrivate48.03101648814
10Reddam HousePrivate46.998303905
11AbbotsleighPrivate45.58108649510
12Ascham SchoolPrivate45.4363428823
13Sydney Girls High SchoolSelective Public44.2499944217
14Ravenswood School for GirlsPrivate42.6880634440
15Conservatorium High SchoolSelective Public42.5523510013
16Presbyterian Ladies’ College – SydneyPrivate42.4192239135
17Penrith Selective High SchoolSelective Public41.6691738230
18Pymble Ladies’ CollegePrivate40.63158564421
19Roseville CollegePrivate40.5869028025
20Fort Street High SchoolSelective Public40.289836128
21SCEGGS DarlinghurstPrivate39.0265625616
22Merewether High SchoolNon-Selective Public 38.71104140329
23Al-Faisal CollegePrivate38.5971027422
24Meriden SchoolPrivate38.11118645211
25Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly CampusPublic Comprehensive38.0178429815
26Girraween High SchoolSelective Public37.8380130332
27SHORE – Sydney Church of England Grammar SchoolPrivate37.59123746526
28Alpha Omega Senior CollegePrivate36.0767124219
29Knox Grammar SchoolPrivate35.97201372418
30Loreto KirribilliPrivate35.4482129120
31Caringbah High SchoolSelective Public34.3687630180
32QueenwoodPrivate34.151917736
33Gosford High SchoolSelective Public33.8499333653
34Kincoppal – Rose Bay School of the Sacred HeartPrivate33.7662821268
35Wenona SchoolPrivate33.7595432227
36KambalaPrivate33.745115212
37Northholm Grammar SchoolPrivate33.22448131
38St Catherine’s School – WaverleyPrivate33.1470323324
39Tara Anglican School for GirlsPrivate32.4556718466
40Loreto NormanhurstPrivate31.35100831663
41Al Noori Muslim SchoolPrivate30.8667420839
42The King’s SchoolPrivate30.82135341734
43Hurlstone Agricultural High SchoolSelective Public29.39104130644
44Parramatta Marist High SchoolPrivate29.2872421259
45St George Girls High SchoolPrivate29.0285824938
46Sydney Tech High SchoolPublic Comprehensive28.6481723451
47Cranbrook SchoolPrivate28.4498127943
48Brigidine College St IvesPrivate27.8781822895
49Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy CollegePrivate27.5494426065
50Barker CollegePrivate27.51196354047
51Emanuel SchoolPrivate27.0848013042
52Newington CollegePrivate26.861046281127
53Brigidine College RandwickPrivate26.6566817867
54Tangara School for GirlsPrivate25.642346087
55The Illawarra Grammar SchoolPrivate25.4247212074
56Frensham SchoolPrivate25.133829650
57Willoughby Girls High SchoolNon-Selective Public24.9775718955
58MLC SchoolPrivate24.95477119139
59Saint Ignatius’ CollegePrivate24.94133533371
60Moriah CollegePrivate24.8255213733
61Newcastle Grammar SchoolPrivate24.766816584
62Smiths Hill High SchoolSelective Public24.6375118554
63Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys CampusPublic Comprehensive24.579619564
64Chatswood High SchoolNon-Selective Public24.12152636858
65St Luke’s Grammar SchoolPrivate23.5473517345
66St Vincent’s CollegePrivate23.5478618585
67St Patrick’s College, StrathfieldPrivate23.48105624889
68Masada CollegePrivate23.362445737
69Marist Catholic College North ShorePrivate23.1653112376
70Danebank – An Anglican School for GirlsPrivate22.674199552
71St Augustine’s College SydneyPrivate22.64103823562
72St Joseph’s College (Hunters Hill)Private22.47103723388
73Cherrybrook Technology High SchoolSelective Public22.17176439194
74St Andrew’s Cathedral SchoolPrivate22.12669148136
75Cheltenham Girls High SchoolNon-Selective Public 22.06125127657
76Mount St Benedict CollegePrivate22.0583918577
77St Clare’s CollegePrivate21.7761113348
78Sefton High SchoolSelective Public21.53957206129
79Santa Sabina CollegePrivate21.4968414786
80Bethany CollegePrivate21.4585818482
81The Scots CollegePrivate21.33117225041
82Pittwater House SchoolsPrivate20.9256411849
83Waverley CollegePrivate20.45929190115
84International Grammar SchoolPrivate20.3459012079
85Georges River GrammarPrivate20.2843488199
86Lindfield Learning VillagePublic Comprehensive20.2722245103
87Oxley CollegePrivate20.140381100
88St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox CollegePrivate19.7928356108
89Killarney Heights High SchoolPublic Comprehensive19.59827162110
90St Spyridon CollegePrivate19.563637181
91Central Coast Grammar SchoolPrivate19.4565312746
92Rose Bay Secondary CollegePublic Comprehensive19.41979190109
93Stella Maris CollegePrivate19.3558911496
94Parramatta High SchoolSelective Public19.35102319899
95Our Lady of Mercy College ParramattaPrivate19.3186516770
96Cammeraygal High SchoolPublic Comprehensive18.93750142121
97Newtown High School of Performing ArtsPublic Specialised18.66101318956
98Covenant Christian SchoolPrivate18.3641476133
99Marist Catholic College PenshurstPrivate18.1680414697
100Epping Boys High SchoolNon-Selective Public17.72123021860

Summary & Insights

  • Dominance of selective schools: The top 10 are all selective public schools and leading private institutions separating themselves academically.
  • Non-selective standouts: Merewether High School (rank 22), Willoughby Girls High School (57), Chatswood High school (64), Cheltenham Girls High School(75) and Epping Boys High School (100) are the highest-ranking non-selective public schools.
  • Private school performance: Prestigious private schools like Sydney Grammar School (3), St Aloysius’ College (9), Reddam House (10), and Abbotsleigh (11) maintain strong academic results.
  • Regional growth: Western Sydney schools like Penrith Selective High (17) are noted for rapid improvements in HSC performance

What Are The Best Selective Schools In Sydney?

Selective high schools admit students based on their academic performance, usually through the Selective Schools Test. These schools often dominate HSC performance rankings.

If you'd like to learn everything about the selective school entry exam, make sure to check out our comprehensive breakdown! Currently 7 of the top 10 schools are selective - they are:

  1. North Sydney Boys High School
  2. James Ruse Agricultural High School
  3. North Sydney Girls High School
  4. Normanhurst Boys High School
  5. Sydney Boys High School
  6. Baulkham Hills High School
  7. Hornsby Girls High School

🎥
Choosing between public and private high schools has been a debate for the ages - we try to settle it in our YouTube video below 👇

What Are The Best Public (non-seletive) Schools In Sydney?

School Description
Willoughby Girls High School Strong HSC results and well-rounded programs.
Cherrybrook Technology High School A large, high-performing school with a STEM focus.
Epping Boys High School Excellent academic and sporting programs.
Chatswood High School Consistently good NAPLAN and HSC outcomes.
Caringbah High School (Partially Selective) Offers a mix of selective and local enrolments.

What Are The Best Private Schools In Sydney?

School Description
Reddam House, Bondi Ranked #1 in HSC results multiple years.
Sydney Grammar School Renowned for its academic focus and classical education.
Pymble Ladies’ College One of the top-performing girls’ schools in NSW.
The King’s School Historic school with a strong academic and leadership program.
Abbotsleigh, Wahroonga Frequently among the top 5 girls' schools in Sydney.

How To Choose The Right High School In Sydney?

While academic results are important, also consider:

  • School culture and values
  • Distance from home
  • Co-curricular opportunities
  • Teaching quality
  • Support services
  • Fees

What Our Students & Parents Say

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Conclusion On The Best Sydney Schools

Sydney's education landscape offers exceptional opportunities across selective, private, and public schools, but success isn't determined by school type alone. While selective schools like James Ruse and North Sydney Boys consistently top the rankings, strong public schools like Chatswood High and Epping Boys prove that excellent outcomes are achievable everywhere.

The key is matching your child's learning style, academic goals, and family circumstances with the right educational environment. Whether you're preparing for competitive selective school entry, considering private school options, or maximising success at your local high school, what matters most is providing the right support for your child to thrive.

If you're after more resources, check these out! 👇

Everything You Need to Know about the Selective School Entry Exam in NSW
Is your child preparing for the NSW Selective School Entry Exam? From key dates to test tips and preparation strategies, this guide covers everything you need to know to help them stand out and secure a spot at a top selective high school.
KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige
How Are Schools Ranked in NSW?
Choosing the right school for your child is a tough but important decision. School rankings can help provide insights into academic performance, extracurricular opportunities, and school culture. But how exactly are schools ranked in NSW, and how should parents interpret these rankings?
KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

FAQs About The Best Sydney Schools

1. What Is the top high school in Sydney?

Both James Ruse Agricultural High School & North Sydney Boys High School are currently considered the 'top' high schools in Sydney.

2. What Is the hardest high school to get into in Sydney?

The hardest high school to get into in Sydney is James Ruse Agricultural High School - students require a selective score test of about 250 or more out of 300. Closely behind is Baulkham Hills & North Sydney Boys High Schools, which both require a selective score test of around 230 or more.

3. What are the top 10 best schools in Sydney?

The top 10 schools in Sydney, based on 2025 HSC rankings include:

  1. North Sydney Boys High School
  2. James Ruse Agricultural High School
  3. Sydney Grammar School
  4. North Sydney Girls High School
  5. Normanhurst Boys' High School
  6. Sydney Boys High School
  7. Baulkham Hills High School
  8. Hornsby Girls High School
  9. St Aloysius’ College
  10. Reddam House

4. Which suburb has the best schools in Sydney?

Suburbs with the best high schools in Sydney include but are not limited to:

- Carlingford
- Epping
- Randwick
- Hornsby
- Hills shire

Note that there is no single best suburb as it largely depends on what factors you're taking into account - the suburbs listed above are in close proximity to some of the top performing schools in Sydney.

5. What subjects does KIS tutor for high school students?

  • All HSC subjects including advanced mathematics, sciences, English, and humanities with specialised tutors for each area
  • Entrance exam preparation for selective schools, private school scholarships, and university admissions
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