"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: February 2026
This guide is regularly updated with the latest HSC results, NSW selective test entry information, and school data. All statistics reflect the most recent available data for selective high schools NSW.
Quick Answer: 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. Sydney Girls ranks around 10th among selective high schools NSW for entry competition. Historical entry scores of approximately 218/300 (73%) have been competitive. Effective selective test preparation should begin 5–7 months before the March test, focusing on consistent performance across all components. The school's HSC ranking has ranged from #5 to #20 in recent years, with 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.
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
Navigate to any section
Click any section above to jump directly to that content
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 Among Selective High Schools NSW
Sydney Girls is highly competitive for entry, typically ranking around 10th among selective high schools NSW for entry difficulty. Understanding selective school cut off scores trends and the NSW selective test process is essential for families targeting this school.
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
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 218 out of 300 (73%) 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, but they differ in entry difficulty. North Sydney Girls has consistently achieved higher HSC rankings in recent years (often top 5–10 statewide) and tends to attract slightly more competitive applicants. Sydney Girls typically ranks around 10th among selective schools for entry difficulty, while North Sydney Girls ranks around 5th–7th. 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 March 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 aspiring selective school students.
Selective Test Preparation & Next Steps
For comprehensive information about the NSW selective test format, the 4 components, selective test preparation timeline, and common mistakes to avoid, see our Complete NSW Selective School Entry Guide. Effective preparation is key to securing one of the coveted places at Sydney Girls — one of the best selective schools Sydney offers for girls.
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
- 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 regularly. Last reviewed: February 2026.