Sydney Girls High School: Entry Guide, HSC Results & How to Get In

Sydney Girls High School (Surry Hills, Sydney) is NSW's oldest state girls' school (est. 1883) and a fully selective school. Entry is via the NSW Selective Placement Test — no published cut-off scores. ~150 Year 7 places available annually.

For entry requirements and key facts at a glance, see our Sydney Girls High School profile — this page is the full deep-dive.

How to Get Into Sydney Girls High School

Sydney Girls High School is a fully selective girls-only school in Surry Hills, NSW, established in 1883. Entry is solely through the NSW selective test, with approximately 150 Year 7 places available each year. There is no published cut-off score, but successful candidates typically perform in the top 15–20% across all four test components: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing.

In Braintree Coaching Australia's experience coaching families through preference strategy, Sydney Girls sits among the more competitive selective high schools NSW — though NSW Education does not publish a school-vs-school competitiveness ranking. Historical entry scores of approximately 228/300 (2024 data) have been competitive. Effective selective test preparation should begin 5–7 months before the May test, focusing on consistent performance across all components.

As compiled by Project Academy — not an official NESA ranking, since NESA does not publish a statewide school ranking — the school's HSC position has ranged from #5 to #20 in recent years, with a 43.1% Band 6 rate in 2024.

Sydney Girls High School at a Glance

Sydney Girls High School holds the distinction of being NSW's oldest state girls' school, established in 1883. With a heritage of producing pioneering women in medicine, law, and public service, the school combines rich tradition with modern academic excellence.

This guide covers entry requirements, HSC outcomes, and preparation via our selective school preparation hub, NSW Selective test format guide, preparation strategies, Selective Ultimate Pack, sample reasoning paper, and free mock tests.

What Is Sydney Girls High School?

Sydney Girls High School is a fully selective girls-only school in Surry Hills, established in 1883, enrolling around 150 Year 7 students each year through the NSW Selective High School Placement Test.

Visit the school's official website for enrolment forms, term dates, and school-specific policies.

A Legacy of Pioneering Women

Sydney Girls has produced extraordinary alumni who broke barriers across fields:

• Dr Iza Coghlan - First female medicine graduate in NSW
• Ada Evans - First female law graduate in Australia
• Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO - Former Governor of NSW
• Justice Virginia Bell AC - High Court of Australia Justice
• Generations of leaders in medicine, law, science, politics, and the arts

The school's motto "Honour Before Honours" reflects its emphasis on character alongside academic achievement.

Why Choose Sydney Girls High School?

Historic Prestige & Modern Facilities

Sydney Girls combines 140+ years of tradition with modern educational facilities.

Empowering Young Women

Location Advantage

Sydney Girls' inner-city location offers unique benefits:

• Walking distance from Central Station
• Access to cultural institutions (museums, galleries, universities)
• CBD proximity for work experience and industry connections
• Easy access from Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, and South Sydney

What Are Sydney Girls' HSC Results?

Sydney Girls' HSC results have shown some variation in recent years, with particularly strong performance in 2021. NESA does not publish an official statewide school ranking — the 2024 position of #17 and Band 6 success rate of 43.1% are as compiled by Project Academy's 2024 HSC school rankings from NESA results, not an official NESA figure.

Recent Highlights

• Multiple All-Rounders achieved Band 6 in 10 or more units (2024)
• 168 students named on the Distinguished Achievers list from the 2024 Year 12 cohort of 178 students
• Strong performance across humanities and sciences
• Multiple students gaining entry to medicine and law

How Competitive Is Entry to Sydney Girls?

High Competition Among Selective High Schools NSW

In our experience coaching families through preference strategy, Sydney Girls is highly competitive for entry — among the more sought-after selective high schools NSW — though NSW Education does not publish a school-vs-school competitiveness ranking. Understanding selective school cut off scores trends and the NSW selective test process is essential for families targeting this school.

Profile of Successful Applicants

Preference Strategy for Sydney Girls

Should Sydney Girls Be Your First Preference?

Sydney Girls should be Preference 1 if:

• Your daughter consistently scores in Top 15-20% across practice tests
• You prefer a girls-only educational environment
• The Surry Hills / CBD location is convenient for your family
• The school's historic prestige and alumni network appeal to you

Recommended Backup Preferences

Geographic Considerations

Sydney Girls is located in Surry Hills, adjacent to Moore Park:

• Central Station within walking distance
• Multiple bus routes along Cleveland Street and Anzac Parade
• Light Rail accessible
• Convenient for Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, South Sydney

FAQ

How does Sydney Girls compare to North Sydney Girls?

Both are girls-only fully selective schools:

• Sydney Girls: Older (1883 vs 1914), inner city location, stronger heritage/tradition
• North Sydney Girls: Outstanding music program, North Shore location, 150 Year 7 places
• NESA publishes no official statewide school ranking, so treat any "which school ranks higher" comparison as a third-party compilation rather than a fact

If a North Shore commute is workable for your family, compare both against our Hornsby Girls High School entry guide as well — Hornsby Girls is the third girls-only fully selective option in Sydney.

Is there a connection with Sydney Boys High School?

Yes, Sydney Girls and Sydney Boys share:

• Governors Centre - modern facility opened 2021
• Proximity (both near Moore Park)
• Some joint events and activities
• Similar school traditions and culture

However, they remain separate schools with separate admissions.

What makes Sydney Girls' heritage significant?

As NSW's oldest state girls' school, Sydney Girls has:

• 140+ years of educating young women
• Alumni who broke barriers (first female doctors, lawyers, judges)
• Historic buildings with character
• Traditions that connect current students to pioneering past

What ATAR results do Sydney Girls students typically achieve?

Sydney Girls High School does not publish school-level ATAR data, and no verified source reports one. What is published is the school's 2024 HSC performance: a 43.1% Band 6 success rate and 168 Distinguished Achievers from a 178-student Year 12 cohort, as compiled by Project Academy's 2024 HSC rankings from NESA results. A high Band 6 rate and Distinguished Achiever count are generally associated with strong ATAR outcomes, but Braintree Coaching Australia does not hold verified, school-specific ATAR figures for Sydney Girls and will not estimate a range.

What extracurricular activities are available?

Sydney Girls offers:

• Music ensembles and performances
• Sport (competing at zone and state levels)
• Debating and public speaking
• Drama and arts programs
• STEM clubs and academic competitions
• Community service initiatives

What score do you need to get into Sydney Girls High School?

NSW Education does not publish selective school cut off scores for any school, including Sydney Girls High School. The placement system ranks students based on their composite performance across all four components of the NSW selective test and matches them to their stated school preferences. Historical data suggests that a score of approximately 228 out of 300 (76%, 2024 data) has been competitive for Sydney Girls entry. However, this threshold shifts each year based on the number and quality of applicants.

The best strategy is to focus on maximising consistent performance across Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing rather than targeting a specific number.

Is Sydney Girls harder to get into than North Sydney Girls?

North Sydney Girls and Sydney Girls High School are both highly competitive girls selective school NSW options. NSW Education does not publish a school-vs-school competitiveness ranking, but as compiled by third-party HSC rankings, North Sydney Girls has consistently placed higher (often top 5–10 statewide) in recent years, which in our experience coaching families corresponds to slightly more competitive applicant pools. The choice between them should also factor in location (Crows Nest vs Surry Hills), school culture, specific programs (North Sydney Girls is known for exceptional music), and commute practicality.

What are the selective high schools for girls in NSW?

NSW offers several girls selective school NSW options across Sydney. The fully selective girls-only schools include Sydney Girls High School (Surry Hills), North Sydney Girls High School (Crows Nest), and Hornsby Girls High School (Hornsby). Several co-educational selective schools also accept girls, including James Ruse Agricultural High School, Baulkham Hills High School, Fort Street High School, and Penrith High School. In total, there are 47 selective high schools NSW wide. Girls should consider both girls-only and co-educational options when finalising their preference list. See our NSW selective schools directory for the complete list.

Does Sydney Girls High School have a music program?

Yes, Sydney Girls offers music ensembles and performance opportunities, though it is not specifically known as a specialist music school. Students can participate in various ensembles, school concerts, and inter-school music events. If music is a primary consideration, North Sydney Girls High School has a nationally recognised music program with a dedicated auditioned music stream and outstanding orchestral and choral programs. Sydney Girls' strength lies more in its well-rounded approach, combining strong academics with diverse extracurricular opportunities including music, sport, debating, and STEM programs.

How should I prepare my daughter for the Sydney Girls selective test?

Effective selective test preparation for Sydney Girls follows the same structured approach as preparation for any selective high schools NSW. Begin 5–7 months before the May test with a diagnostic assessment across all four components. Establish daily practice of 45–60 minutes, focusing on Reading comprehension (especially inference questions), Mathematical Reasoning (mental arithmetic and word problems), Thinking Skills (logical reasoning and pattern recognition), and Writing (including building typing speed to 35+ words per minute). Complete weekly mock tests under timed conditions.

Pay particular attention to consistency — Sydney Girls values strong, balanced performance across all areas. Our Selective School Preparation Program offers comprehensive support tailored to your daughter's needs.

Other state selective pathways

• Victoria SEHS preparation hub — Victorian selective entry for Melbourne High, Mac.Robertson, Nossal and Suzanne Cory