"The music program alone is worth it, but what really stands out is how the school empowers young women to lead. My daughter's confidence has grown tremendously." — North Sydney Girls 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.
North Sydney Girls High School at a Glance
North Sydney Girls High School combines academic excellence with an outstanding music program that has toured internationally. With its motto "Ad Altiora" (Towards Higher Things), the school has produced pioneering women including WWII resistance heroine Nancy Wake and ACT Chief Justice Lucy McCallum.
North Sydney Girls Quick Facts
Current statistics
HSC Ranking
NSW state ranking (2024)
Year 7 Places
Available annually
Established
Over 110 years
Band 6 Rate
2024 HSC results
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About North Sydney Girls High School
School Profile
Essential information
| Official Name | North Sydney Girls High School | |
| Location | Crows Nest, Sydney NSW 2065 | |
| Established | 1914 | |
| Type | Fully Selective, Girls Only | |
| Year 7 Intake | 150 students | |
| Total Enrolment | Approximately 920 students | |
| Website | northsydgi-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
School History & Notable Alumni
North Sydney Girls was established in 1914 and has a proud history of producing trailblazing women. Notable alumni include:
- Nancy Wake - WWII's most decorated Allied servicewoman, known as "The White Mouse"
- Lucy McCallum - Chief Justice of the ACT Supreme Court
- Dr. Fiona Wood - Pioneering burns surgeon and spray-on skin inventor
- Generations of doctors, lawyers, scientists, and business leaders
The school's motto "Ad Altiora" (Towards Higher Things) reflects its commitment to encouraging young women to reach their highest potential.
Why Choose North Sydney Girls
Exceptional Music Program
North Sydney Girls is renowned for its outstanding music program, which has achieved national and international recognition.
Music Program Highlights
- International tours to USA, Europe, and China
- Director General's Award for Excellence (2003)
- Multiple ensembles: Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, choirs, chamber groups
- Joint productions with North Sydney Boys High School
- Regular performances at prestigious venues
Empowering Young Women
What Sets North Sydney Girls Apart
- ✓**Girls-only environment** - focused support for female academic achievement
- ✓**Strong STEM representation** - encouraging women in science and technology
- ✓**Leadership development** - extensive opportunities for student leadership
- ✓**Pioneering alumni network** - connections to successful women across fields
- ✓**Joint activities with North Sydney Boys** - balanced social opportunities
Single-Sex Education Benefits
Research suggests girls-only education can provide:
- Greater confidence in traditionally male-dominated subjects
- More opportunities to take leadership roles
- Learning environment tailored to how girls learn best
- Freedom from gender stereotypes in subject choices
However, joint activities with North Sydney Boys (nearby) provide co-educational experiences in music, drama, and social events.
HSC Performance
North Sydney Girls consistently performs among the top selective schools, though results have varied year-to-year.
North Sydney Girls HSC Rankings (Recent Years)
Based on Better Education data
| 2024 | #8 in NSW | 50.1% |
| 2023 | #4 in NSW | 54.7% |
| 2022 | #4 in NSW | 53.5% |
| 2021 | #9 in NSW | 49.3% |
All-Rounder Achievement
In 2024, 24 students (15.8% of cohort) achieved All-Rounder status, receiving Band 6 in 10 or more units. This demonstrates the school's ability to develop well-rounded academic excellence.
Understanding the Variation
North Sydney Girls' ranking has fluctuated between #4 and #9 in recent years. This is normal variation and doesn't indicate declining standards - all these rankings represent exceptional performance. The school consistently produces outstanding HSC results.
Entry & Competition Level
Very High Competition
North Sydney Girls is among the most competitive selective schools for entry, typically ranking in the top 5-6 for entry difficulty among girls' schools.
Competition Reality
What you're up against
Places Available
Year 7 intake
Entry Competition
Among girls' schools
Historical Score
Out of 300 (2021 data)
Target Band
For strong candidacy
Entry Reality
Historical entry scores around 220/300 (approximately 73%) placed students competitively. Aim for Top 10-15% performance across all test components to be a strong candidate.
Profile of Successful Applicants
What Successful North Sydney Girls Applicants Demonstrate
- ✓Strong, consistent performance across all four test components
- ✓Excellent reading comprehension and writing skills
- ✓Good logical reasoning abilities
- ✓Interest in a girls-only educational environment
- ✓Often have interests in music, debating, or academic competitions
Preference Strategy for North Sydney Girls
Should North Sydney Girls Be Your First Preference?
North Sydney Girls should be Preference 1 if:
- Your daughter consistently scores in Top 10-15% across practice tests
- You prefer a girls-only educational environment
- The Crows Nest location is accessible for your family
- The music program or school culture particularly appeals
Recommended Backup Preferences
Strategic Backup Schools
Based on competition level and preferences
| Hornsby Girls High School | Girls only, outstanding 2024 results, Northern Sydney | High |
| Sydney Girls High School | Girls only, historic school, inner city | High |
| Baulkham Hills High School | Co-ed alternative, very strong results | Very High |
| Fort Street High School | Co-ed, Inner West, historic | Competitive |
Geographic Considerations
North Sydney Girls is located in Crows Nest, close to North Sydney Boys:
- North Sydney Station nearby (Metro and train lines)
- Bus routes along Pacific Highway
- Central location accessible from Northern Beaches, North Shore, and Inner West
- Approximately 10 minutes from Sydney CBD
Frequently Asked Questions
How does North Sydney Girls compare to Hornsby Girls?
Both are excellent girls-only selective schools. In 2024, Hornsby Girls achieved #7 ranking (vs #8 for North Sydney Girls) and was the highest-ranked all-girls school with 100% of students on the Distinguished Achievers list. North Sydney Girls offers the stronger music program and more central location. Choose based on location convenience and specific program interests.
How does North Sydney Girls compare to Sydney Girls High School?
Both are prestigious girls-only selective schools with long histories:
- North Sydney Girls: Stronger music program, Crows Nest location, est. 1914
- Sydney Girls: Australia's oldest state girls' school (est. 1883), Surry Hills location
- Recent HSC results slightly favour North Sydney Girls
What joint activities are there with North Sydney Boys?
Students can participate in:
- Joint musical productions and concerts
- Combined drama performances
- Some social events and activities
- Occasional combined academic programs
This provides co-educational experiences while maintaining single-sex classroom learning.
How strong is the music program?
The music program is one of North Sydney Girls' standout features:
- Multiple international tours (USA, Europe, China)
- Award-winning ensembles
- Comprehensive music curriculum
- Performance opportunities throughout the year
- State and national competition success
Students don't need prior musical experience to join, though many students are already accomplished musicians.
What STEM opportunities are available?
North Sydney Girls strongly encourages female participation in STEM:
- Robotics and coding programs
- Science Olympiad preparation
- Engineering and technology projects
- Mentoring from female STEM professionals
- University partnership programs
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 North Sydney Girls journey
Complete NSW Selective Entry Guide
Everything about the test format, 4 components, preparation timeline, and strategies
Access ResourceFree Diagnostic Assessment
Identify your child's current level across all 4 test components
Access ResourceSelective School Preparation Course
Comprehensive program with 10,000+ practice questions and expert coaching
Access ResourceRelated School Guides
Considering other selective schools? Explore our guides:
- Hornsby Girls High School - Top girls' school
- Sydney Girls High School - Historic girls' school
- James Ruse Agricultural High School - Top co-ed
- Baulkham Hills High School - Top co-ed option
Have questions about preparing for North Sydney Girls? Contact our team or explore our Selective School Preparation Program for personalised guidance.
This guide is updated annually. Last reviewed: January 2026.