Best Selective High Schools in NSW: A Parent's Guide

Overview of NSW Selective High Schools

NSW has 17 fully selective and 29 partially selective high schools. Fully selective schools admit all students through the placement test, while partially selective schools offer a limited number of selective stream places alongside general enrolment.

Entry is highly competitive — over 15,000 students sit the Selective test each year for approximately 4,000 places across all schools.

Top Fully Selective High Schools

James Ruse Agricultural High School

Location: Carlingford (North West Sydney)

Consistently ranked as the top-performing school in NSW in HSC results. James Ruse has a strong focus on science, mathematics, and agriculture (it has a working farm on campus). Entry is the most competitive of all Selective schools, typically requiring the highest placement scores.

• Co-educational
• Strong STEM focus
• Unique agricultural science program
• Highest HSC results in NSW year after year

North Sydney Boys High School

Location: Crows Nest (Lower North Shore)

One of the most established Selective schools in NSW. Known for strong academic results, a competitive debating culture, and excellent music programs. Regularly places in the top 5 schools for HSC outcomes.

North Sydney Girls High School

Location: Crows Nest (Lower North Shore)

Shares the same precinct as North Sydney Boys. Known for exceptional academic achievement, strong community spirit, and well-rounded co-curricular programs including sport, music, and creative arts.

Sydney Boys High School

Location: Moore Park (Inner East Sydney)

One of the oldest schools in Australia (founded 1883). Known for a strong sporting culture alongside academic excellence. The "Great Public Schools" (GPS) membership provides access to inter-school sports competitions.

Sydney Girls High School

Location: Moore Park (Inner East Sydney)

Sister school to Sydney Boys. Strong academic tradition with excellent HSC results. Known for its supportive learning environment and extensive co-curricular programs.

Baulkham Hills High School

Location: Baulkham Hills (Hills District)

Co-educational school with consistently strong HSC performance. Popular with families in the Hills District and North West Sydney. Known for a balanced approach to academics, sport, and the arts.

Hornsby Girls High School

Location: Hornsby (Upper North Shore)

Highly regarded all-girls Selective school. Strong academic results, active student leadership programs, and a supportive school culture that encourages academic risk-taking.

Fort Street High School

Location: Petersham (Inner West)

The oldest Selective school in NSW (founded 1849). Co-educational, with a distinctive culture that values critical thinking, creativity, and community engagement alongside academic excellence.

Other Notable Fully Selective Schools

• Girraween High School (Western Sydney) — strong STEM results, co-educational
• Penrith High School (Western Sydney) — top performer in Greater Western Sydney
• Hurlstone Agricultural High School (Glenfield) — agricultural focus similar to James Ruse, co-educational
• Caringbah High School (Sutherland Shire) — strong local reputation, co-educational
• Sefton High School (South West Sydney) — co-educational, strong community
• Normanhurst Boys High School (Upper North Shore) — well-regarded boys school
• Manly Selective Campus (Northern Beaches) — newer addition, growing reputation
• Conservatorium High School (Sydney CBD) — Australia's only musically selective government school, entry by audition and academic test
• Aurora College — virtual Selective school for rural and remote NSW students

Partially Selective Schools Worth Considering

Partially selective schools offer selective stream places (typically 1–2 classes) alongside regular enrolment. These can be excellent options, especially if they are closer to home. Notable examples include:

• Merewether High School (Newcastle) — top-performing school in the Hunter region
• Smiths Hill High School (Wollongong) — top Selective option in the Illawarra
• Mosman High School (North Shore) — partially selective with strong HSC outcomes
• Rose Bay Secondary College (Eastern Suburbs)
• Gosford High School (Central Coast)

How to Choose the Right Selective School

When nominating your 3 preferred schools, consider:

• Travel time — 6 years is a long time for a daily commute. Factor in public transport options
• School culture — attend open days to get a feel for the school environment
• Co-curricular programs — does the school offer activities your child is passionate about?
• Single-sex vs co-educational — consider what environment suits your child best
• Realistic entry scores — nominate at least one school where your child's expected score range is competitive

Prepare for the Selective Test

Regardless of which school you are targeting, the preparation is the same — build strong skills in Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills under timed, exam-like conditions.

AcePath offers practice quiz packs designed to match the current Cambridge-style Selective test format. Start with a free sample quiz to see where your child stands.