As parents, choosing the right high school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The school's learning environment, opportunities and academic approach can have a lasting impact on your child’s future. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide ranking the top public and private high schools in Sydney based on their ICSEA rating and Band 6 results.
Understanding the Rankings List
To compile our list of the best high schools in Sydney, we used data from My School (2023) and publicly available results from individual schools.
For this guide, we’ve relied on Band 6 results and data shared directly by the schools listed below to give you a transparent view of their academic performance in 2023. Please note that some schools were excluded from our rankings as they did not release their results. The schools included in this list have demonstrated a high percentage of ATARs above 90 and Band 6 scores, showcasing their strong academic outcomes and commitment to excellence.
Top 20 High Schools in Sydney by ICSEA & Band 6 Results in 2023
Below is our ranking of the top 20 public and private high schools in Sydney, based on their ICSEA rating and percentage of Year 12 students who scored 90-100 marks in at least one senior subject (Band 6). These rankings provide insight into the academic success of each school, highlighting their ability to nurture students toward achieving high ATAR scores which are crucial for university admissions.
Rank | School Name | Location | Year Range | BAND 6 RATE (%) | ICSEA | Sector |
1 | North Sydney Boys High School | Crows Nest, NSW (2060) | 7-12 | 69.00% | Public (Selective) | |
2 | James Ruse Agricultural High School | Carlingford, NSW (2118) | 7-12 | 60.00% | Public (Selective) | |
3 | Baulkham Hills High School | Baulkham Hills, NSW (2153) | 7-12 | 55.80% | Public (Selective) | |
4 | North Sydney Girls High School | Crows Nest, NSW (2065) | 7-12 | 54.70% | Public (Selective) | |
5 | Reddam House | Woollahra, NSW (2025) | K-12 | 54.20% | Private (Selective) | |
6 | St Aloysius’ College | Kirribilli, NSW (2061) | 3-12 | 52.50% | Private (Selective) | |
7 | Sydney Grammar School | Darlinghurst, NSW (2010) | K-12 | 52.30% | Private (Selective) | |
8 | SCEGGS Darlinghurst | Darlinghurst, NSW (2010) | K-12 | 46.60% | Private | |
9 | Normanhurst Boys High School | Normanhust, NSW (2076) | 7-12 | 46.40% | Public (Selective) | |
10 | Abbotsleigh | Wahroonga, NSW (2076) | K-12 | 45.70% | Private (Selective) | |
11 | Meriden School | Strathfield, NSW (2135) | K-12 | 44.40% | Private | |
12 | Sydney Boys High School | Moore Park, NSW (2021) | 7-12 | 42.70% | Public (Selective) | |
13 | Hornsby Girls High School | Hornsby, NSW (2077) | 7-12 | 41.80% | 1202 | Public (Selective) |
14 | Ascham School | Edgecliff, NSW (2027) | K-12 | 40.00% | Private | |
15 | Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus | North Curl Curl, NSW (2099) | 7-12 | 38.70% | Public (Selective) | |
16 | Sydney Girls High School | Surry Hills, NSW (2010) | 7-12 | 38.00% | Public (Selective) | |
17 | Kambala | Rose Bay, NSW (2029) | K-12 | 35.70% | Private | |
18 | Moriah College | Queens Park, NSW (2022) | K-12 | 34.30% | Private | |
19 | Girraween High School | Girraween, NSW (2145) | 7-12 | 32.50% | Public (Selective) | |
20 | Ravenswood School for Girls | Gordon, NSW (2072) | K-12 | 31.50% | Private |
What is ICSEA and Why Does It Matter?
The Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) is an important measure that helps parents understand the socio-educational background of a school's student population. An ICSEA value of 1000 represents the average across Australia. Schools with an ICSEA above 1000 are considered to have a more advantaged student population, while those below 1000 are seen as less advantaged.
The ICSEA takes into account factors such as parental education levels, occupation and the geographical location of the school. This index provides a broader context for understanding a school's performance and helps explain why some schools have higher academic results.
What is a Band 6 Result?
A Band 6 is the highest performance level in the New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC) grading system which is used to assess student performance in individual subjects. Achieving a Band 6 means a student has scored between 90 and 100 out of 100 in a particular subject, reflecting an outstanding level of knowledge and understanding.
In the HSC, subjects are graded from Band 1 (the lowest) to Band 6 (the highest), with Band 6 being an indicator of academic excellence. This performance band is often linked to high ATAR scores, as students who achieve Band 6 results typically rank among the top students in their cohort.
Understanding Selective Schools
Selective schools in Sydney are public high schools that cater to academically gifted students. Admission to these schools is highly competitive and based on a student's performance in the Selective High Schools Placement Test, which includes sections on Reading, Mathematics, General ability and Writing. Some schools may also consider academic reports and extracurricular achievements.
Selective schools are known for their strong academic focus, offering a challenging curriculum designed to extend high-achieving students. They typically rank highly in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) results due to their academically selective intake. These schools aim to provide an environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential.
What are the two types of selective schools in Sydney, NSW?
Fully selective schools: All students are selected based on their academic ability.
Partially selective schools: These schools have selective streams, where only certain classes or year groups are composed of selective students, while the rest of the school operates as a regular comprehensive school.
Why Some Schools Were Omitted
It's important to note that not all high schools in Sydney were included in the list we've compiled. Due to the lack of available data, these schools were omitted from our rankings. This omission does not necessarily reflect the quality of education provided at these institutions, but rather the transparency of their academic performance reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top high schools in NSW?
The top high schools in NSW are often selective public schools or prestigious private institutions known for their high academic performance. Based on Band 6 results and ICSEA scores, some of the leading schools include North Sydney Boys High School, James Ruse Agricultural High School, Baulkham Hills High School, and Sydney Grammar School.
What is the hardest school to get into in Sydney?
James Ruse Agricultural High School is widely regarded as one of the most competitive and hardest schools to get into in Sydney. Admission to this selective school is based on exceptional performance in the Selective High Schools Placement Test, and it consistently ranks among the top for HSC results.
How to choose a high school in Sydney?
When choosing a high school in Sydney, consider factors like academic performance, the school's ICSEA rating, extracurricular opportunities and its learning environment. It’s also important to think about your child’s individual needs, including whether they would thrive in a selective school or a more balanced academic environment.
What is the highest ranked school in Sydney?
According to recent data, North Sydney Boys High School is currently the highest-ranked school in Sydney, based on the percentage of students achieving Band 6 results in 2023.
How to pick the best high school for your child?
To pick the best high school for your child, look at both academic performance and the school’s overall environment. Visit the schools, meet the teachers and assess the extracurricular activities offered. It’s also important to consider whether your child would benefit from a selective or non-selective school and how well the school’s values align with your family’s goals.