HSC School Rankings (Top 200 Schools)

The state of New South Wales (NSW) is known for its rich educational landscape, home to some of Australia's most prestigious and high-achieving high schools. Below is the ranking of the Top 200 schools in New South Wales (NSW) by Daily Telegraph:

1. James Ruse Agricultural High School
2. Baulkham Hills High School
3. North Sydney Girls High School
4. Sydney Girls High School
5. Hornsby Girls High School
6. North Sydney Boys High School
7. Sydney Boys High School
8. Sydney Grammar School
9. SCEGGS Darlinghurst
10. St George Girls High School Kogarah
11. Malek Fahd Islamic School
12. Moriah College
13. Masada College
14. Kambala
15. Northern Beaches Secondary College, Manly Selective Campus
16. Abbotsleigh
17. Roseville College
18. Ravenswood School for Girls
19. Ascham School
20. Caringbah High School
21. Frensham School
22. Girraween High School
23. Pymble Ladies' College
24. Hurlstone Agricultural High School
25. Merewether High School
26. Queenwood School for Girls
27. Tangara School for Girls
28. Fort Street High School Petersham
29. St Aloysius College
30. Presbyterian Ladies College Sydney
31. Wenona School
32. Gosford High School
33. Sydney Technical High School Bexley
34. Normanhurst Boys High School
35. Loreto Kirribilli
36. Conservatorium High School
37. The King's School
38. Newcastle Grammar School
39. MLC Burwood
40. Kincoppal - Rose Bay
41. SHORE Sydney CoE Grammar School
42. Brigidine College St Ives
43. Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College
44. St Catherine's School
45. Penrith High School
46. Sefton High School
47. Self-Tuition Students
48. St Ignatius' College
49. Meriden School
50. Loreto Normanhurst
51. Barker College
52. International Grammar School
53. Mercy Catholic College
54. Reddam House (Bondi Campus)
55. Canberra Grammar School
56. Willoughby Girls High School
57. Redfield College
58. Smith's Hill High School
59. Cheltenham Girls' High School
60. Newington College
61. Knox Grammar School
62. Cherrybrook Technology High School
63. St Luke's Grammar School
64. Cranbrook School
65. Hunter Valley Grammar School
66. Killara High School
67. The Illawarra Grammar School
68. St Mark's Coptic Orthodox College
69. Tara Anglican School for Girls
70. Trinity Grammar School
71. The Scots College
72. Santa Sabina College
73. Homebush Boys High School
74. Pittwater House Girls College
75. Emanuel School
76. Strathfield Girls High School
77. Parramatta Marist High School
78. St Ursula's College
79. Kinross Wolaroi School
80. Killarney Heights High School
81. St Patrick's College, Strathfield
82. Sule College, Prestons
83. Marist Sisters' College Woolwich
84. St Joseph's College
85. St Mary and St Mina's Coptic Orthodox College
86. Brigidine College Randwick
87. Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta
88. The Scots School Albury
89. Christadelphian Heritage College
90. Blue Mountains Grammar School
91. IPEKA International Christian School
92. New England Girls' School
93. Xavier Catholic College
94. St Pius X College
95. Northholm Grammar School
96. Carlingford High School
97. Pal College
98. Macarthur Anglican School
99. St Vincent's College
100. Burwood Girls High School
101. Marcellin College
102. Domremy College
103. St Andrew's Cathedral School
104. Newtown High School of Performing Arts
105. The Hills Grammar School
106. Danebank Anglican School For Girls
107. Freeman Catholic College
108. Australian International School Singapore
109. Nowra Anglican College
110. Covenant Christian School
111. The McDonald College
112. Macquarie Fields High School
113. Turramurra High School
114. MacKillop Senior College
115. Arden Anglican School
116. Byron Bay High School
117. Red Bend Catholic College
118. Macarthur Girls High School
119. Oxford Falls Grammar School
120. St Charbel's College
121. Mosman High School
122. St Mary's Cathedral College
123. Lumen Christi Catholic College
124. Cerdon College
125. Epping Boys High School
126. De La Salle College, Cronulla
127. Mount St Patrick College
128. Dubbo Christian School
129. SCECGS Redlands
130. St Spyridon College Senior School
131. Trinity Catholic College (Auburn)
132. St Marys Senior High School
133. Oakhill College Castle Hill
134. St Patrick's Marist College
135. Macquarie College
136. MacKillop College
137. PLC Armidale
138. Mount St Benedict College
139. St John Bosco College
140. Trinity Catholic College Lismore
141. St Patrick's College Sutherland
142. Australian International School Hong Kong
143. Chevalier College Bowral
144. Catherine McAuley Westmead
145. St Joseph's Catholic College
146. Hunter School of Performing Arts
147. St Mary Star of the Sea College
148. Castle Hill High School
149. Avondale School
150. Oxley College
151. Concord High School
152. St Scholastica's College Glebe Point
153. Meadowbank Education Trust School
154. Chatswood High School
155. Kiama High School
156. Taylors College
157. Menai High School
158. Inaburra School
159. Northern Beaches Secondary College, Mackellar Girls Campus
160. William Branwhite Clarke College
161. Penrith Anglican College
162. Stella Maris College
163. Canley Vale High School
164. Redeemer Baptist School
165. Barellan Central School
166. Ryde Secondary College
167. Port Macquarie High School
168. All Saints' College Bathurst
169. Al-Faisal College
170. Eden Marine High School
171. Alstonville High School
172. Oxley High School
173. St Ives High School
174. Southern Highlands Christian School
175. Caroline Chisholm College
176. Coffs Harbour Senior College
177. St John's College
178. St Philip's Christian College Waratah
179. Sydney Secondary College, Blackwattle Bay Campus
180. Tempe High School
181. St Francis Xavier's College
182. Central Coast Grammar School
183. Mount Carmel Catholic High School
184. Kirrawee High School
185. Riverside Girls High School
186. St George Christian School
187. Pacific Hills Christian School
188. INTI International College Penang
189. Asquith Girls High School
190. Colo High School
191. Marist College Eastwood
192. St Euphemia College
193. Maitland Christian School
194. Barrenjoey High School
195. Marian Catholic College
196. Crestwood High School
197. Engadine High School
198. Northern Beaches Christian School
199. Mount St Joseph Milperra
200. Nowra High School

1. James Ruse Agricultural High School

Topping the list at number one is James Ruse Agricultural High School, a school that has consistently dominated the NSW high school rankings over the years. Located in Carlingford, James Ruse is renowned for its strong academic programs and high university entrance scores. As a selective high school specializing in agricultural education, it provides an environment that cultivates both scholarly achievement and practical learning. The school boasts impressive Year 12 Higher School Certificate (HSC) results year after year, with many of its graduates securing top ATAR scores that pave the way to prestigious universities and highly competitive courses.

James Ruse’s success is also rooted in its unique blend of agricultural education with a rigorous academic curriculum, fostering students’ holistic development. This combination allows students to build a strong foundation in both the sciences and humanities, preparing them for diverse career paths, from research and engineering to business and law. Moreover, the school’s commitment to excellence is reinforced by its distinguished faculty, modern facilities, and an enriching extracurricular program that promotes leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.

2. Baulkham Hills High School

Baulkham Hills High School, ranked second, is a highly respected institution known for its academic rigor and outstanding achievements in both state and national competitions. Situated in the Hills District, this selective school has established itself as a leader in the field of education through its emphasis on excellence, discipline, and a comprehensive learning approach that nurtures students' intellectual, social, and emotional development.

The school is recognized for its high academic standards, consistently producing students who achieve exceptional results in the HSC. Baulkham Hills High School offers a diverse range of subject choices and specialized programs in areas like science, mathematics, and the arts, ensuring that students can pursue their interests and strengths. The school also promotes a strong culture of innovation and critical thinking, with numerous enrichment activities and competitions that challenge students and encourage them to reach their full potential.

3. North Sydney Girls High School

The ranking of North Sydney Girls High School at number three is a testament to its long-standing reputation for academic excellence. Established as a selective school, it provides an academically rigorous education that challenges students to excel and reach their highest potential. North Sydney Girls High School is especially known for its strong emphasis on mathematics and sciences, but it also offers a balanced curriculum that includes humanities, arts, and social sciences.

What sets North Sydney Girls apart is its focus on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning. The school has an impressive record of success in state and national academic competitions, as well as a range of extracurricular programs that cater to diverse interests, including sports, music, and debating. Its location in the bustling North Shore region contributes to the school's status as one of the most sought-after educational institutions in the state.

4. Sydney Girls High School

Sydney Girls High School, ranked fourth, is one of the most prestigious girls' schools in NSW and continues to attract some of the most academically gifted students in the state. The school’s strong tradition of academic achievement is supported by an extensive range of co-curricular activities and a focus on student well-being and holistic development. The curriculum at Sydney Girls High School is rigorous and includes advanced programs that prepare students for the challenges of higher education and beyond.

The school places a strong emphasis on fostering a culture of inquiry and intellectual curiosity. With its outstanding results in the HSC and a track record of producing top ATAR scores, Sydney Girls High School stands as a model of academic excellence. Students benefit from a wide variety of enrichment programs, including leadership training, science and technology clubs, and cultural exchange opportunities that enhance their learning experience.

5. Hornsby Girls High School

At fifth on the list is Hornsby Girls High School, an institution that consistently performs well in academic rankings due to its dedication to student achievement and a well-rounded education. Located in the Upper North Shore area, Hornsby Girls High School is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, where students are encouraged to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

The school’s strong emphasis on student leadership and community involvement contributes to its status as one of the top-performing schools in the state. With a curriculum that offers a mix of traditional academic subjects and innovative programs, Hornsby Girls High School continues to prepare its students for the demands of university education and professional careers. The school's impressive performance in academic competitions and its commitment to providing high-quality teaching contribute to its placement in the top five.

6. North Sydney Boys High School

North Sydney Boys High School, ranked sixth, stands out for its academic rigor and high standards. A selective school, North Sydney Boys has a reputation for producing well-rounded students who excel in both academics and extracurricular pursuits. The school’s competitive environment fosters a culture of achievement, where students are driven to push their intellectual boundaries and succeed in various academic and extracurricular activities.

The school’s focus on innovation and high achievement is evident in its strong HSC performance and the success of its students in national and international academic competitions. North Sydney Boys High School also places a significant emphasis on cultivating a strong sense of community, providing students with ample opportunities to participate in leadership roles, sports, music, and other co-curricular activities that contribute to personal growth.

7. Sydney Boys High School

Ranked seventh, Sydney Boys High School is another premier institution known for its academic excellence and competitive environment. As one of the oldest and most distinguished boys' schools in NSW, Sydney Boys High has a proud history of excellence in education, producing some of the state’s top scholars and future leaders. The school’s strong academic focus, paired with its comprehensive extracurricular offerings, ensures that students receive a well-rounded education.

The school’s achievements in the HSC, coupled with its reputation for excellence in subjects such as mathematics, science, and the humanities, highlight its status as one of the top high schools in NSW. Sydney Boys High School’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and providing a wide range of enrichment activities further contributes to its success.

8. Sydney Grammar School

Sydney Grammar School, ranked eighth, is one of the most prestigious independent schools in the state and is well-regarded for its academic programs and well-rounded approach to education. The school has a strong tradition of nurturing leaders and intellectuals who go on to make significant contributions in various fields. Its robust curriculum, skilled teaching staff, and modern facilities create an environment that encourages student engagement and academic success.

The school’s emphasis on character development, critical thinking, and personal growth ensures that students are not only prepared for the challenges of university life but also for future leadership roles in their careers and communities. Sydney Grammar School's reputation for producing graduates who excel academically and socially continues to contribute to its place among the top schools in NSW.

9. SCEGGS Darlinghurst

SCEGGS Darlinghurst is ranked ninth and is known for providing a high-quality education to its students. As a leading independent girls' school, SCEGGS has a strong reputation for academic excellence and holistic student development. The school’s curriculum focuses on preparing students for higher education and fostering critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills.

The school’s commitment to maintaining a supportive and nurturing environment is evident in its high student satisfaction ratings and the success of its graduates in various fields. SCEGGS Darlinghurst also offers an extensive array of co-curricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service programs, which enrich the students' educational experience and contribute to their all-around development.

10. St George Girls High School Kogarah

Rounding out the top 10 is St George Girls High School Kogarah, which is known for its strong academic record and high student satisfaction. The school has a reputation for being inclusive and supportive, promoting an environment where students can achieve their full potential. St George Girls High School places a significant emphasis on both academic excellence and personal growth, offering a diverse range of subjects and extracurricular activities that cater to various student interests.

The school’s focus on fostering a positive and nurturing educational atmosphere ensures that students are well-prepared for the rigors of university and future careers. St George Girls High School Kogarah’s placement in the top 10 reflects its dedication to providing quality education and its commitment to helping students achieve their goals. Source: Daily Telegraph 2008

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