"James Ruse isn't just about academic results - it's about developing well-rounded students. The agricultural program teaches responsibility and work ethic you can't get anywhere else." — James Ruse Parent
Guide Last Updated: January 2026
This guide is regularly updated with the latest HSC results, entry information, and school data. All statistics reflect the most recent available data.
James Ruse Agricultural High School at a Glance
James Ruse Agricultural High School holds a unique position as NSW's only selective agricultural high school. Consistently ranked among the top schools in Australia, it combines academic excellence with hands-on agricultural education that sets it apart from every other selective school.
James Ruse Quick Facts
Current statistics
HSC Ranking
NSW state ranking (2024)
Year 7 Places
Available annually
Established
Over 65 years of excellence
Most Competitive
For entry in NSW
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About James Ruse Agricultural High School
School Profile
Essential information
| Official Name | James Ruse Agricultural High School | |
| Location | 17-31 Felton Road, Carlingford NSW 2118 | |
| Established | 1959 | |
| Type | Fully Selective, Co-educational | |
| Year 7 Intake | 120 students | |
| Total Enrolment | Approximately 840 students | |
| Website | jamesruse-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
School History
James Ruse Agricultural High School was established in 1959 and named after James Ruse, Australia's first successful farmer who was granted land at Experiment Farm in 1791. The school was created to provide academically gifted students with an education that combines rigorous academics with practical agricultural studies.
The school became fully selective in 1989 and dominated HSC results for 27 consecutive years before North Sydney Boys broke that streak in 2023.
What Makes James Ruse Unique
The Agricultural Difference
Unlike any other selective school in NSW, James Ruse requires all students to study Agriculture as a mandatory subject from Years 7-10. This isn't optional - it's core to the school's identity.
Agricultural Program Features
James Ruse operates a 5-hectare working farm on campus where students gain hands-on experience with:
- Cattle and sheep husbandry
- Poultry management
- Fruit orchards and vegetable production
- Apiary (beekeeping) and honey production
- Sustainable farming practices
Why this matters for parents:
- Develops responsibility and work ethic beyond academics
- Provides unique skills and experiences
- Creates well-rounded students
- Differentiates graduates in university applications
Academic Excellence
Beyond agriculture, James Ruse maintains extraordinary academic standards:
Academic Achievements
- ✓**100% tertiary progression rate** - every graduate continues to higher education
- ✓**#1 nationally in NAPLAN** with average score of 734.2 (2024)
- ✓Multiple First in Course awards across HSC subjects annually
- ✓Strong representation in Science Olympiads and academic competitions
Co-educational Environment
James Ruse has been co-educational since 1977, providing a balanced learning environment. The school maintains roughly equal gender balance in each intake.
HSC Performance
James Ruse's HSC results are consistently among the best in NSW, though North Sydney Boys has overtaken them in recent years.
James Ruse HSC Rankings (Recent Years)
Based on Better Education data
| 2024 | #2 in NSW | 62.9% |
| 2023 | #2 in NSW | 60.0% |
| 2022 | #1 in NSW | 67.7% |
| 2021 | #1 in NSW | 70.6% |
Understanding the Rankings
While James Ruse lost its #1 position in 2023, it remains one of the top two schools in NSW. The school's Band 6 rate consistently exceeds 60%, meaning more than 6 in 10 HSC results achieve the highest band. This is exceptional by any measure.
What Top James Ruse Students Achieve
Based on publicly available data:
- Multiple students achieve ATAR 99.95 each year
- Majority of students achieve ATAR 90+
- Strong representation in First in Course honours
- High acceptance rates into medicine, law, and engineering programs
Entry & Competition Level
The Most Competitive School in NSW
James Ruse is universally recognised as the hardest selective school to get into in NSW. Competition is intense.
Competition Reality
What you're up against
Places Available
Year 7 intake
Entry Standard
In NSW
Typical Band
Across all components
Historical Score
Out of 300 (pre-2022)
Entry Reality Check
Historically, successful James Ruse applicants achieved scores around 250/300 (approximately 83%+) - the highest of any selective school. While NSW Education no longer publishes specific cutoffs, the standard required has not decreased.
To be competitive for James Ruse, students typically need to perform in the Top 10% percentile band across all four test components.
What Successful Applicants Look Like
Based on patterns from successful candidates:
Profile of Successful James Ruse Applicants
- ✓Consistently perform in Top 10% across ALL four components (not just some)
- ✓Strong in Thinking Skills - the component many students find most challenging
- ✓Excellent writing skills with sophisticated vocabulary and structure
- ✓Fast, accurate mental arithmetic abilities
- ✓Typically 6-12 months of structured preparation
Preference Strategy for James Ruse
Should James Ruse Be Your First Preference?
James Ruse should be Preference 1 only if:
- Your child consistently scores in the Top 10% across practice tests
- You're prepared for the agricultural program commitment
- The Carlingford location works for your family
- Your child genuinely wants to attend (not just for prestige)
The Agricultural Commitment
Before listing James Ruse, ensure your family understands and embraces the agricultural component. Students who attend only for academic prestige but dislike the farm work may be unhappy. The agricultural program is mandatory, not optional.
Recommended Backup Preferences
If James Ruse is your first preference, consider these strategic backup choices:
Strategic Backup Schools for James Ruse Applicants
Based on competition level and student profile
| Baulkham Hills High School | Co-ed, similar academic calibre, nearby location | Very High |
| North Sydney Boys/Girls | Highest HSC results (Boys #1 in 2024), strong academics | Very High |
| Girraween High School | Co-ed, Western Sydney, strong results | High |
| Normanhurst Boys High School | Rising star (#4 in 2024), Northern Sydney | High |
Geographic Considerations
James Ruse is located in Carlingford (North-Western Sydney). Consider travel time carefully:
- Carlingford Line provides rail access
- Many students travel 45-60+ minutes each way
- Early morning farm duties may be scheduled
- Consider whether long commute is sustainable for 6 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is James Ruse better than North Sydney Boys?
Both schools achieve exceptional results. James Ruse offers the unique agricultural program and co-educational environment, while North Sydney Boys is single-sex and achieved #1 HSC ranking in 2023 and 2024. The "better" school depends on your priorities - agricultural experience vs. single-sex education, and geographic convenience.
Do you have to do agriculture at James Ruse?
Yes, agriculture is mandatory from Years 7-10. Students work on the school's 5-hectare farm as part of their regular curriculum. This is non-negotiable and central to the school's identity. Students who don't enjoy outdoor, hands-on work may find this challenging.
What ATAR do James Ruse students typically achieve?
James Ruse students consistently achieve among the highest ATARs in NSW. While the school doesn't publish specific statistics, the majority of students achieve ATAR 90+, with many achieving 99+. The school has 100% tertiary progression rate.
Is James Ruse worth the commute?
This depends on your location and priorities. Many families accept long commutes (60+ minutes) for the unique combination of academic excellence and agricultural education. However, consider the impact on your child's wellbeing, extracurricular activities, and family time over six years.
How has James Ruse changed since losing #1 ranking?
Despite North Sydney Boys taking the top HSC ranking in 2023-2024, James Ruse remains extremely competitive for entry and maintains excellent academic outcomes. The school's unique agricultural program and 100% tertiary progression rate are unchanged. Entry standards have not decreased.
Are there boarding facilities at James Ruse?
No, James Ruse does not have boarding facilities. It is a day school only. Students from regional areas would need to arrange private accommodation if they wish to attend.
Test Preparation & Next Steps
For comprehensive information about the selective test format, the 4 components, preparation timeline, and common mistakes to avoid, see our Complete NSW Selective School Entry Guide.
Preparation Resources
Start your James Ruse journey
Complete NSW Selective Entry Guide
Everything about the test format, 4 components, preparation timeline, and strategies
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Access ResourceSelective School Preparation Course
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Access ResourceRelated School Guides
Considering other top selective schools? Explore our guides:
- North Sydney Boys High School - HSC #1
- Baulkham Hills High School - #2 most competitive entry
- North Sydney Girls High School - Top girls' school
- Sydney Boys High School - Historic boys' school
Have questions about preparing for James Ruse? Contact our team or explore our Selective School Preparation Program for personalised guidance.
This guide is updated annually. Last reviewed: January 2026.