Sydney is home to some of the most prestigious secondary schools in Australia, with many of them boasting a rich history in academia, sports, and the arts. These schools are highly sought after, with entry being either very competitive, very expensive or both.

Choosing which school to send your child is a big decision. You want to provide them with the best opportunities while also getting the best value for money. You also need to decide early enough to prepare for any waitlists, entry exams or scholarship tests.

To help you choose the best school for your children, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to some of Sydney’s highest-ranking schools, each with diverse academic and extracurricular offerings. While they all have different strengths, advantages and fee structures, they all have one thing in common – a reputation for high academic achievement.

Sydney Grammar School

Sydney Grammar is an all-boys school known for its strong academic performance, regularly ranking as one of the top schools in NSW for the Higher School Certificate (HSC). It also boasts exceptional facilities, including a historic building in Darlinghurst, modern sports complexes, and extensive cultural programs.

As well as the normal range of subjects across the sciences, humanities, and arts, Sydney Grammar offers advanced classes and extension programs for gifted students and a broad range of international exchange programs.

The extracurricular activities available give students the opportunity to participate and excel no matter what their interests and abilities are, with options including debating, drama, music, art, and sports such as cricket, rugby, and swimming. The school has a strong tradition in both arts and athletics, producing high-achieving students in competitions like the Australian Mathematics Competition, the da Vinci Decathlon, and national music and drama festivals.

Best suited for: High academic achievers interested in participating in a variety of extracurricular activities

Reddam House

Even though Reddam House only opened 15 years ago, it is already recognised as one of the best schools in Sydney. A co-educational school, they ranked in the top five for HSC results in 2022 and 2023 and as the number one independent school in the same years.

Offering an extensive extra-curricular programme and a range of local and international educational opportunities, Reddam House follows a child-first approach, enabling students to excel in areas best aligned to their interests and goals. From a world-class music and arts proramme to ski competitions in Switzerland and a huge range of after school clubs, Reddam House offers the best opportunities to every child.

The senior school's purpose-built Bondi campus has been thoughtfully designed to give each student the best chance of success. Campus facilities include a student media room, many 'break-out' spaces, lecture theatres, magnificent art rooms and dedicated computer and science laboratories.

Best suited for: Students looking for a modern education experience, state-of-the-art facilities and international opportunities

Abbotsleigh

One of the oldest all-girls schools in Sydney, Abbotsleigh is an Anglican school that boasts consistently high results across HSC and NAPLAN testing. Students at Abbotsleigh have achieved a median ATAR score of 93+ for the last five years running.

At Abbotsleigh, extracurricular opportunities are highly varied and fully enrichment-focused, ranging from standard programmes like performing arts, sports and debating, to chess, knitting and cooking through to community-based involvement in the likes of World Vision and Amnesty International.

With a number of sister schools located across the world, Abbotsleigh students also have a unique opportunity to travel and learn in different schools and countries, immerse themselves in different cultures and build connections with other high achieving girls with similar interests.

Best suited for: Female students looking to pursue leadership opportunities and achieve academic success

Pymble Ladies' College (PLC)

Pymble Ladies' College is a highly regarded independent school for girls, known for its exceptional academic results and holistic approach to education. Pymble has a reputation for strong academic mentoring and individualised learning support, allowing each student to excel in their chosen fields.

Pymble has a broad range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, sport, leadership training, and outdoor education. They are particularly well-known for their excellence in music and performing arts, with a variety of choirs, orchestras, and bands.

It’s exceptional facilities include a performing arts center, sports complex, and dedicated science and technology spaces. Leadership development, community service programs and a strong pastoral care system supports students academically and personally to help them succeed both during their time at the school and beyond.

Best suited for: Female students with a strong interest in the arts looking for a high-level, well-rounded education

St Aloysius’ College

Operating for newarly 150 years, St Aloysius’ College has a long and trusted history of fostering academic growth and celebrating the unique talents of each student. The all-boys school sits in the top 10 for NSW school rankings and has achieved an average ATAR of 90+ over the last five years.

St Aloysius’ focuses on going beyond the academic to ensure students are supported to grow into men of intellect, good character, compassion and commitment. The College provides rigorous and diverse learning opportunities that meet the needs of individual learners.

The co-curricular program is a central part of the school program, and students are encouraged to engage in a range of activities. A variety of summer and winter sports are offered, but it is the music program that attracts more students than any other activity - offering international tours, concerts in premier spaces, and full-scale music productions.

Best suited for: Male students with a love of learning and an interest in music or the arts

School Name	Location	Secondary School Fees (2024)	NSW School Ranking (2023)
Sydney Grammar School	Darlinghurst	$46,000 p.a	8
Reddam House	Woollahra & Bondi	$38,000 - $44,000 p.a	5
Abbotsleigh	Wahroonga	$36,000 - $40,000 p.a	11
PLC	Pymble	$42,000 + p.a	20
St Aloysius’ College	Milsons Point & Rozelle	$27,000 + p.a	7
Source: Better Education

Setting Your Child Up For Academic Success

Each of these schools represent the pinnacle of secondary education in Sydney. While they all have different strengths, every one of these institutions offers students the opportunity to excel academically, personally and professionally.

Entry to these schools is not always easy. Selective schools require an exam, and many private schools also require academic tests for full fee paying students. If you’re hoping to get your child into a high-ranking school through an entrance exam or scholarship, preparing them early can give them a competitive advantage over other students.

Little Geniuses personalised academic support programs are designed to help secondary-aged students gain entry to some of Sydney’s most prestigious schools. With support and guidance for entry exams and lessons designed to build knowledge, skills and confidence, we’ve helped thousands of students excel academically and win places in highly competitive schools.

To give your child the best chance at securing a top-ranking secondary education, speak to our team at Little Geniuses. We can walk you through school choices, provide information on exam details and give your child the help they need to succeed.

The Highest Ranking Schools in Sydney