Searching for the perfect home is more than choosing a location—finding the ideal neighbourhood that offers everything your family needs. While there’s much to consider in home-buying, top-notch education should be at the top of your long list.
Sydney has impressive high schools from renowned public or prestigious private institutions, each with unique strengths and vibrant communities. Keeping an eye on these top high schools is essential to develop your child’s academic and personal growth before entering tertiary study.
Delve into our comprehensive list of Sydney’s leading high schools, including its key features and considerations as you embark on your home-buying journey.
Top 10 Sydney High Schools To Consider
Living near a top-rated high school means being part of a thriving community that values education, family, and future. We’ve crunched a few of Sydney’s top-performing high schools to guide your home-buying decisions.
School 1: James Ruse Agricultural High School
- Location: Carlingford, NSW
- Academic Performance: Ranked 2nd in HSC results (60% Distinguished Achievers) in NSW for 2023.
- Features: Fully selective entry school with a strong focus on academic excellence with agricultural specialty.
With its national leadership in the education of the gifted, the school is an excellent training ground for your kids to enter a prestigious college. Aside from its impressive HSC results, it has had high success with its International Olympiad team and many competitions.
School 2: North Sydney Boys High School
- Location: Crows Nest, NSW
- Academic Performance: Ranked 1st in HSC results (69% Distinguished Achievers) in NSW for 2023.
- Features: Academically selective high school with comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs to enrich gifted boys.
The institution offers a rich, supportive environment for young men, making it the perfect high school for your kids to achieve their personal best. With its diverse curriculum taught by expert educators, the school offers a well-rounded education that meets the needs of gifted boys.
School 3: North Sydney Girls High School
- Location: Crows Nest, NSW
- Academic Performance: Ranked 4th in HSC results (54.7% Distinguished Achievers) in NSW for 2023.
- Features: Renowned for excellence and innovation in girls’ education with high university admission rates.
Nestled in a vibrant and supportive community, the school fosters a dynamic environment tailored to the needs of high-achieving learners. It nurtures resilient, connected, and innovative learners so your kids can make their mark on the world and forge distinguished future careers.
School 4: Baulkham Hills High School
- Location: Baulkham Hills, NSW
- Academic Performance: Ranked 3rd in HSC results (55.8% Distinguished Achievers) in NSW for 2023.
- Features: Selective entry known in its community for its outstanding academic, cultural, and sporting achievements.
Baulkham Hills High School is a hub for bright, talented learners across 95 western and northern Sydney suburbs. As a coeducational high school, it’s where gifted minds come to thrive and excel in diverse learning curricula.
With a campus enriched with endless academic opportunities and cultural exposure, the school draws enrolment enquiries beyond NSW each year. It offers a Support Unit tailored for learners with mild or moderate intellectual delays, ensuring everyone has the chance to succeed.
School 5: Sydney Girls High School
- Location: Surry Hills, NSW
- Academic Performance: Ranked 21st in HSC results (38% Distinguished Achievers) in NSW for 2023.
- Features: Academically selective entry with state-of-the-art technological initiatives, extensive networks, and support staff.
As NSW’s oldest public girls’ school, it has nurtured gifted young minds for decades. Its rigorous academic culture and co-curricular programs ensure your kids get the best education possible. Its holistic approach, where excellence is tradition, unlocks every child’s potential.
School 6: Sydney Boys High School
- Location: Moore Park, NSW
- Academic Performance: Ranked 14th in HSC results (42.7% Distinguished Achievers) in NSW for 2023.
- Features: Selective entry school with excellence in mathematics, science, and technology.
As the first secondary school designed for tertiary preparation, it helps boys achieve excellence in academics, culture, sports, and social endeavours. With its site sharing with Sydney Girls High School, the campus has a century-old tradition of nurturing scholar-sportsmen.
School 7: Hornsby Girls High School
- Location: Hornsby, NSW
- Academic Performance: Ranked 15th in HSC results (41.8% Distinguished Achievers) in NSW for 2023.
- Features: Selective school with a strong academic reputation and diverse student programs.
Situated at central Hornsby’s heritage buildings, the school has up-to-date laboratories and specialist facilities offering well-balanced education. As a cohesive, multicultural community, the campus has international exchange visits, allowing your kids to explore countless opportunities.
School 8: St George Girls High School
- Location: Kogarah, NSW
- Academic Performance: Ranked 60th in HSC results (24% Distinguished Achievers) in NSW for 2023.
- Features: Offers academic excellence, leadership opportunities, and access to university pathways.
St George Girls High School is one of the region’s most sought-after public high schools. The institution offers exceptional educational outcomes and opportunities for high-potential learners. Its innovative, inclusive learning practices ensure your kids become resourceful and ethical life-long learners.
School 9: Normanhurst Boys High School
- Location: Normanhurst, NSW
- Academic Performance: Ranked 9th in HSC results (46.4% Distinguished Achievers) in NSW for 2023.
- Features: Selective boys-only with a strong focus on STEM, leadership, and sports.
The campus is located in Sydney’s north-west and consistently builds its strong academic base. The school sets the bar high in many areas with its comprehensive and challenging curriculum. Its holistic education, both in theme and delivery, ensures your kid has strong learning foundations before entering tertiary education.
School 10: Girraween High School
- Location: Girraween, NSW
- Academic Performance: Ranked 33rd in HSC results (32.5% Distinguished Achievers) in NSW for 2023.
- Features: Academically selective, coeducational school focused on nurturing academic, creative, and leadership talents.
Girraween High School’s in-depth curriculum allows students to achieve their academic, sporting, and leadership pursuits. While many students are from non-English backgrounds, the school remains a cohesive, multicultural community that fosters positive education. This holistic approach ensures your kids become resilient, lifelong learners prepared for tertiary study.
Secure Pre-Approval For Your Ideal Home Near Sydney’s Best High Schools
Access to a top-rated Sydney high school can have a lasting impact on your child’s future—and the value of your home. Zenith can help you get approved for a home loan that helps you secure a property near the high school of your choice.
Buying the perfect home near one of Sydney’s best high schools is your family’s educational and financial investments. Contact Zenith for expert advice and tailored home loan solutions. Get your pre-approval started today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do property prices increase near top high schools?
Yes. Properties in high-demand school zones often have a premium price tag. Buying these is also a smart property investment, as they maintain a higher resale value.
Which Sydney high schools have the best academic results?
Schools like James Ruse, North Sydney Girls, North Sydney Boys, and Baulkham consistently top the charts for academic excellence. These best-performing schools offer top-quality education that helps pave the way for your child’s future.
