As you carefully consider your new home’s location and features, it’s equally important to evaluate the educational opportunities in the neighbourhood. Living close to top-rated schools means positioning your family in a community that values learning, growth, and success.
In Sydney, private schools represent the gold standard of academic excellence for most families. While private schools have hefty tuition fees, this compensates for their academic rigour, top-tier facilities, and exceptional programs to shape your child’s future career.
Explore our comprehensive list of Sydney’s top private schools with standout features and considerations that best fit your family’s educational priorities and property investments.
The 10 Best Private Schools in Sydney
Living near Sydney’s finest private schools means shorter commutes, better social networks and enriched lifestyles for your children. Let’s uncover these top-tier private schools to steer your home-buying decision in the right spot.
School 1: Sydney Grammar School
- School Type: Boy’s school (Primary to Year 12)
- Location: Darlinghurst, NSW
- Fees: $45,987 annual tuition
- Academic Performance: Ranked 8th in HSC results and 2nd in ATAR (top 1%) in NSW for 2023.
Nestled at the heart of Sydney’s bustling centre, Sydney Grammar School remains undisputed in providing exceptional education. Its standout programs include music, arts, and sports, nurturing students to excel beyond the classroom.
The school’s prime location opposite Hyde Park ensures easy access to public transport, fostering independence and confidence for students when commuting. With its state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant community, the school is a stand-out choice for families seeking the best education possible.
School 2: SCEGGS Darlinghurst
- School Type: Girl’s school (Kindergarten to Year 12)
- Location: Darlinghurst, NSW
- Fees: $29,600 – $46,436 (Kindergarten to Year 12)
- Academic Performance: Ranked 10th in NSW HSC results and ranked 8th in ATAR (top 1%) in NSW for 2023.
With its student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1, SCEGGS Darlinghurst values your child’s individuality and independence of mind. The school’s strong academic record has produced the only woman to win the prestigious Rutherford Medal for Physics and other ultimate achievers among its alums.
The school fosters excellence in all areas, preparing your child to be an independent, confident, and compassionate young woman. Its central location within a supportive community makes it the top list for your daughter’s well-rounded education.
School 3: The King’s School
- School Type: Boy’s boarding and day school
- Location: Parramatta, NSW
- Fees: $28,987 – $47,045 (Kindergarten to Year 12)
- Academic Performance: Rank 27 in HSC results (2023) in NSW and median ATAR of 87.5% in NSW for 2023.
An authority in boys’ education for almost two centuries, the school develops learners as global thought leaders. The institution is on a sprawling 148-hectare campus and offers world-class facilities and extensive outdoor spaces. Its prestigious reputation gives your child unparalleled opportunities.
School 4: PLC Sydney (Presbyterian Ladies’ College)
- School Type: Girl’s school
- Location: Croydon, NSW
- Fees: $22,560 – $39,450 (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12)
- Academic Performance: Ranked 29 in HSC results and ranked 9th in ATAR (top 20%) in NSW for 2023.
One of Australia’s oldest and most respected girl’s schools, PLC Sydney provides your child with exceptional learning foundations. Additionally, Cambridge recognises the institution as one of the world’s 100 most innovative schools.
The school’s central location is close to the CBD and adjacent to Croydon railway station, providing exceptional access to Sydney’s rich cultural and educational resources. Its focus on leadership, public speaking, and service-learning prepares your child to be a confident, articulate, and socially responsible young woman.
Presbyterian Ladies College Sydney Map
School 5: St Ignatius’ College Riverview (Jesuit School for Boys)
- School Type: Boy’s school (Boarding and Day)
- Location: Lane Cove, NSW
- Fees: $29,685 – $34,515
- Academic Performance: Among NSW’s top 70 in HSC results and ranked 3rd in ATAR (top 10%) in NSW for 2023.
Nestled in the picturesque Lane Cove River, St Ignatius College offers a holistic education grounded in Jesuit values. Aside from its strong academic programs, the school fosters your child’s physical, cultural, and artistic development. Although it offers boarding options starting in Year 7, living near the campus ensures easy access to amenities, as it’s only 8 km from the CBD.
School 6: St Catherine’s School
- School Type: Girls’ school
- Location: Waverly, NSW
- Fees: $24,370 – $42,000 (Kindergarten to Year 12)
- Academic Performance: Ranked 22 in HSC results and ranked 4th in ATAR (top 1%) in NSW for 2023.
St Catherine, a prestigious school in the scenic eastern suburbs, builds exceptional learning foundations for every learner. Its uniquely tailored programs give your child unparalleled opportunities to excel in STEM, sports, and leadership.
With a strong focus on character development and pastoral care, the school prepares students to be confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals. Its proximity to prime real estate in Sydney’s eastern suburbs makes this student-centred hub a top choice for many families.
School 7: Reddam House
- School Type: Co-educational school
- Location: Woollahra, NSW
- Fees: $27,110 – $43,400 (Kindergarten to Year 12)
- Academic Performance: Ranked 5 in NSW HSC results and ranked 9th in ATAR (top 1%) in NSW for 2023.
Close to Sydney’s city centre, Reddam House focuses on holistic development to uncover and nurture every learner’s potential. Its modern facilities and exemplary academic programs provide strong foundations for lifelong learning. Outside this inspiringly beautiful campus, its affluent suburb offers great opportunities for families seeking property in Sydney’s East.
School 8: Kambala School
- School Type: Girl’s school
- Location: Rose Bay, NSW
- Fees: $29,025 – $46,950 (Preschool to Year 12)
- Academic Performance: Ranked 26th in NSW HSC results and perfect IB scores for NSW in 2023.
Located in the picturesque suburb of Rose Bay, Kambala School offers a well-rounded curriculum that fosters intellectual and personal growth. With stunning views of Sydney Harbour and pristine beaches, living near the campus is a perfect choice for growing families.
Rose Bay and Bellevue suburbs are highly sought after by families attending Kambala. Its proximity to the CBD makes this a prime location where top-tier education meets convenience.
School 9: Trinity Grammar School
- School Type: Boy’s school
- Location: Summer Hill, NSW
- Fees: $25,779 – $47,500 (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12)
- Academic Performance: Strong HSC results (2023) and median ATAR of 94.25% (2022) in NSW.
The school’s thorough and challenging curriculum empowers students to pursue their passions in academics, sports, creative or performance arts. Recognised for its International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, it prepares your child for further education to flourish and succeed. Its strong academic programs attract families seeking property in Summer Hill, Ashfield, and Inner West suburbs.
School 10: Meriden School
- School Type: Boy’s school
- Location: Strathfield, NSW
- Fees: $25,900 – $38,160 (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12)
- Academic Performance: Ranked 13th in HSC results and 7th in ATAR (top 1%) in NSW for 2023.
Meriden School delivers a future-ready curriculum, allowing students to build a comprehensive portfolio of achievements in many areas. With its holistic approach to education, the school is often the top choice of existing and new homeowners in Strathfield and Sydney’s Inner West.
Considerations When Buying a Home Near Sydney’s Top Private Schools
As Sydney’s top private schools offer world-class facilities and rigorous programs, expect that tuition fees come at a premium price. While buying a new home near these prestigious institutions may add to your financial burden, it could also become a future property investment.
Let’s break down the key considerations to maximise the benefits of finding your perfect home near these renowned private schools.
House Prices Near Top-Rated Private Schools
Aside from the hefty price tag of private schooling, living near these institutions is also a financial hurdle. Homes in these sought-after neighbourhoods command a higher price, indicating that families are vying to get close to their school of choice.
This high demand for homes near top-rated schools drives up property values notably, making these locations a strategic financial investment. As these properties offer excellent resale potential, this provides financial stability should your family consider future moves due to job opportunities or growing needs.
School Rankings and Programs
Although school ranking gives you a snapshot of an institution’s academic performance, it’s crucial to delve beyond that. After all, your child’s learning style and interests may not align with the impressive academic records of even the best private school.
With the perks of premium schooling, smaller class sizes offer more personalised attention and learning. Diverse, well-rounded programs ensure your child builds lifelong interests and skills. High university placements and career success among alums are also promising signs.
Community, Safety, and Amenities
Sydney’s top private schools are often in vibrant communities with excellent amenities. Living near these top-tier campuses means proximity to parks, shopping centres, recreational facilities, and public transport, enhancing your family’s quality of life.
However, a highly dense, bustling community can likely pose certain safety dangers. The great news is that neighbourhoods near these top schools tend to have lower crime rates, often with supportive networks of people fostering strong community ties.
Get Your Ideal Home Near Sydney’s Top Private Schools
Buying a home near Sydney’s top private schools benefits your family’s educational and property goals. While this can be a sound investment, this might stretch your budget thin. Zenith can help you secure the best loan to secure your homeownership goals.
Contact us for expert loan solutions and secure the best home next to Sydney’s prestigious school districts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does living near top Sydney private schools affect property values?
Living closer to these best private schools provides convenience for families seeking top-tier education. As these prime school zones attract more families, tight competition drives up estate values, explaining why properties in these areas command higher prices.
Do Sydney private schools have selective admission?
Most private schools accept any prospective student but often require a security deposit or assess parents’ profiles regarding their occupation and lifestyle. However, top private schools like Sydney Grammar School are academically selective, accepting students based on exams, CVs, or interviews.
Which Sydney private schools have the best academic performance?
While each private school excels in various areas, institutions like Sydney Grammar School, Reddam House, Meriden School, and SCEGGS Darlinghurst have the best academic performances, reflected in their remarkable NAPLAN, HSC, and ATAR results.
