"Sydney Girls has a legacy of producing women who break barriers. Walking the same halls as Marie Bashir and Ada Evans gives my daughter a sense of what's possible." — 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.
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.
Sydney Girls Quick Facts
Current statistics
HSC Ranking
NSW state ranking (2024)
Year 7 Places
Available annually
Established
Oldest state girls' school
Band 6 Rate
2024 HSC results
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About Sydney Girls High School
School Profile
Essential information
| Official Name | Sydney Girls High School | |
| Location | Corner of Anzac Parade & Cleveland Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 | |
| Established | 1883 | |
| Type | Fully Selective, Girls Only | |
| Year 7 Intake | 150 students | |
| Total Enrolment | Approximately 920 students | |
| Website | sydneygirl-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
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
Historic Prestige & Modern Facilities
Sydney Girls combines 140+ years of tradition with modern educational facilities.
Campus Features
- Governors Centre (opened 2021) - shared modern facility with Sydney Boys High
- Heritage-listed buildings with historic character
- CBD-adjacent location with excellent transport links
- Moore Park sporting facilities nearby
Empowering Young Women
What Sets Sydney Girls Apart
- ✓**Oldest state girls' school in NSW** - unmatched heritage and tradition
- ✓**Pioneering alumni network** - connections to leaders across professions
- ✓**Strong STEM programs** - encouraging women in science and technology
- ✓**Inner city location** - accessible from across Sydney
- ✓**Close proximity to Sydney Boys** - shared facilities and some activities
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
HSC Performance
Sydney Girls' HSC results have shown some variation in recent years, with particularly strong performance in 2021.
Sydney Girls HSC Rankings (Recent Years)
Based on Better Education data
| 2024 | #17 in NSW | 43.1% |
| 2023 | #20 in NSW | 38.0% |
| 2022 | #16 in NSW | 40.7% |
| 2021 | #5 in NSW | 53.2% |
Recent Highlights
- 19 All-Rounders achieved Band 6 in 10+ units (2024)
- Highest ATAR: 99.95 (Nikita Badve, Vice Captain)
- Strong performance across humanities and sciences
- Multiple students gaining entry to medicine and law
Understanding the Variation
Sydney Girls' ranking has fluctuated between #5 and #20 in recent years. This reflects cohort variation rather than school quality changes. The 2021 cohort (#5 ranking) was exceptionally strong. All rankings represent excellent performance - even #20 places the school in the top 3% of NSW schools.
Entry & Competition Level
High Competition
Sydney Girls is highly competitive for entry, typically ranking around 10th among selective schools for entry difficulty.
Competition Reality
What you're up against
Places Available
Year 7 intake
Entry Competition
Among selective schools
Historical Score
Out of 300 (2021 data)
Target Band
For competitive candidacy
Entry Reality
Historical entry scores around 218/300 (approximately 73%) were competitive. Students should aim for Top 15-20% performance across all test components to be a strong candidate.
Profile of Successful Applicants
What Successful 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 strong interest in humanities alongside STEM
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
Strategic Backup Schools
Based on competition level and preferences
| North Sydney Girls High School | Girls only, higher HSC ranking, strong music | Very High |
| Hornsby Girls High School | Girls only, top 2024 results, Northern Sydney | High |
| Fort Street High School | Co-ed, Inner West, historic school | Competitive |
| Baulkham Hills High School | Co-ed alternative if flexible on gender | Very High |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sydney Girls compare to North Sydney Girls?
Both are prestigious girls-only selective schools:
- Sydney Girls: Older (1883 vs 1914), inner city location, stronger heritage/tradition
- North Sydney Girls: Higher recent HSC rankings, outstanding music program, North Shore location Recent HSC results slightly favour North Sydney Girls, but both are excellent choices.
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?
While the school doesn't publish detailed ATAR statistics, based on the Band 6 rate of 43.1% in 2024:
- Top students achieve 99.95 ATAR
- Strong representation in 90+ ATAR range
- Excellent university placement rates
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
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 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:
- North Sydney Girls High School - Top selective girls' school
- Hornsby Girls High School - Top girls' school
- Sydney Boys High School - Brother school
- Fort Street High School - Historic co-ed
Have questions about preparing for Sydney Girls? Contact our team or explore our Selective School Preparation Program for personalised guidance.
This guide is updated annually. Last reviewed: January 2026.