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Looking for the top public and selective high schools in Sydney's Northern Beaches, Lower North Shore, and Upper North Shore? This guide is your go-to overview of the region's highest-performing government high schools based on the 2024 HSC rankings, including both selective and comprehensive schools. We’ve included key information about each school’s academic focus, student composition, programs, and notable achievements to help families make informed decisions.
Top Public and Selective High Schools in Sydney’s North
| School Name | Region | Type | Gender | 2024 HSC Rank | Notable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Sydney Boys High School | Lower North Shore | Selective | Boys | 1 | STEM focus, extensive extracurricular activities |
| North Sydney Girls High School | Lower North Shore | Selective | Girls | 2 | Languages, music, leadership programs |
| Normanhurst Boys High School | Upper North Shore | Selective | Boys | 4 | Science and technology emphasis, leadership development |
| Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus | Northern Beaches | Selective | Co-ed | 6 | Marine studies, creative arts, sports programs |
| Hornsby Girls High School | Upper North Shore | Selective | Girls | 7 | Advanced sciences, humanities, and arts programs |
| Willoughby Girls High School | Lower North Shore | Comprehensive | Girls | Top 100* | Strong performance in numeracy and grammar |
| Chatswood High School | Lower North Shore | Comprehensive | Co-ed | Top 150* | Gifted and talented programs, music, and languages |
| Killarney Heights High School | Northern Beaches | Comprehensive | Co-ed | Top 150* | French bilingual program, performing arts |
| Mosman High School | Lower North Shore | Comprehensive | Co-ed | Top 150* | Visual arts, drama, and music focus |
| Barrenjoey High School | Northern Beaches | Comprehensive | Co-ed | Not ranked | Notable for student support and community engagement |
*Specific rankings for comprehensive schools beyond the top-tier selective schools can vary annually. The "Top 100" and "Top 150" designations indicate strong performance in the respective year.
What Makes a School “Top-Ranked”?
HSC rankings are based on the percentage of exams sat by students that achieve Band 6 results (the highest band). Selective schools consistently top the rankings due to their academic entrance requirements. However, many comprehensive schools in these regions also achieve excellent results and offer strong academic and co-curricular programs.
Did You Know?
- Willoughby Girls High School was named the highest-achieving mainstream public high school in NSW for numeracy and grammar in the 2024 NAPLAN results.
- Barrenjoey High School celebrated its best-ever HSC results in 2024, with 19 students scoring an ATAR of 90 or above.
Tips for Parents
- Visit school open days to experience the environment firsthand
- Research local enrolment zones and selective school test dates
- Speak to current families and review school newsletters or performance reports
Conclusion
Sydney’s northern public schools offer exceptional academic and co-curricular opportunities, whether you're considering a selective pathway or looking for a strong community-focused comprehensive school. Use this guide as a starting point in your decision-making process and be sure to stay up to date with enrolment timelines and school performance data.
Sources: MySchool, NSW HSC Results, NAPLAN Reports, School Websites, Daily Telegraph, The Guardian
Header image: Alex wong from Unsplash
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