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This guide includes all major private (non-government) high schools in the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore areas of Sydney, divided into Catholic, Anglican, and Independent categories. Schools are compared based on gender, academic ranking, programs, and fees.
Catholic High Schools
These schools are part of the Catholic education system or Catholic religious orders.
| School | Gender | Academic | Programs | Fees | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Paul’s Catholic College | Boys (Co-ed from 2025) | L78–L86 | Faith formation, sports | $8,000–$9,000 | Visit |
| Stella Maris College | Girls | 61st | STEM, Visual Arts | $19,500–$21,000 | Visit |
| St Augustine’s College | Boys | 94th | Gifted maths, sports | $15,000–$22,000 | Visit |
| Mater Maria Catholic College | Co-ed | Top ~150 | STEM, music, Duke of Edinburgh | $7,000–$10,000 | Visit |
| Monte Sant’Angelo Mercy College | Girls | 72nd | IB Diploma, arts, service learning | $27,000–$30,000 | Visit |
| Marist Catholic College North Shore | Co-ed | Developing | STEM, coding, modern learning | $6,000–$9,000 | Visit |
| Mercy Catholic College Chatswood | Girls | Above average | Academic extension, leadership | $7,500–$10,000 | Visit |
| Loreto Kirribilli | Girls | 22nd | Languages, sports, community service | $30,000+ | Visit |
| St Aloysius’ College | Boys | 6th | Jesuit values, music, drama | $20,000–$25,000 | Visit |
| St Pius X College | Boys | High Band 6 rates | Gifted stream, sport | $9,000–$12,000 | Visit |
| Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich | Girls | Above average | STEAM, co-curriculars | $7,000–$9,000 | Visit |
Notes: Catholic systemic schools (run by the Diocese) generally have lower fees (typically under $10k/year) while independent Catholic schools (run by religious orders) have higher fees. Academic rankings are based on 2023 HSC league tables
Anglican High Schools
These schools are affiliated with the Anglican Church and emphasize Christian values in education.
| School | Gender | Academic | Programs | Fees | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Luke’s Grammar School | Co-ed | Strong | Gifted stream, surf lifesaving | $18,000–$24,000 | Visit |
| Roseville College | Girls | 33rd | Cambridge Courses, STEM | $25,000–$30,000 | Visit |
| Abbotsleigh | Girls | Top 30 | IB Primary, Boarding | $30,000+ | Visit |
| Shore School | Boys | Top 50 | Boarding, Classics, Sport | $32,000–$36,000 | Visit |
(Other Anglican schools in the broader North Shore like Shore (North Sydney) and Abbotsleigh are excluded here as they offer boarding.)
Independent High Schools
Independent schools in the area include non-denominational and other religious-affiliated schools. They have diverse educational philosophies and programs.
| School | Gender | Academic | Programs | Fees | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redlands | Co-ed | 91st | IB, Dance Academy | $22,700–$36,000 | Visit |
| Queenwood | Girls | 42nd | IB & HSC, debating | $30,000–$34,000 | Visit |
| Wenona School | Girls | 16th | STEM, Robotics | $33,000+ | Visit |
| Oxford Falls Grammar | Co-ed | Above average | STEM academy, faith-based | $15,000–$17,000 | Visit |
| NBCS | Co-ed | Above average | Open learning, entrepreneurship | $12,970 | Visit |
| Covenant Christian School | Co-ed | Above average | Biblical curriculum, extension | $10,000–$15,000 | Visit |
| Glenaeon Steiner School | Co-ed | Strong HSC | Arts, Steiner curriculum | $18,000–$25,000 | Visit |
| Pittwater House | Co-ed (single-sex classes) | Consistent | Languages, swimming | $20,000–$25,000 | Visit |
| Galstaun College | Co-ed | Improving | Armenian bilingual program | $7,500 | Visit |
| German International School Sydney | Co-ed | Strong IB | Bilingual German-English, IB | $19,000–$24,000 | Visit |
| Barker College | Co-ed | Top 60 | STEAM, Boarding | $25,000–$33,000 | Visit |
| Knox Grammar School | Boys | Top 40 | Boarding, STEM | $32,000–$35,000 | Visit |
| Pymble Ladies’ College | Girls | Top 25 | Boarding, IB, Sport | $28,000–$36,000 |
¹ Wenona is primarily a day school; a small boarding facility is offered (approx. 50 boarders) wenona.nsw.edu.au, but it is included here for its day programs.
Notes:Academic ranks are based on the percentage of HSC exams scored in the top band (Band 6) projectacademy.nsw.edu.au. Fees are the latest indicative tuition for domestic students – they vary widely: Catholic systemic schools charge lower fees, whereas independent schools charge higher fees (some exceeding $30k/year for Year 12)
Each school offers a unique mix of programs – for example, several provide the International Baccalaureate (IB) alongside the HSC (noted above), and most have extensive co-curricular offerings (music, drama, sport, community service). Parents are encouraged to visit school websites or attend open days for detailed, up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing a Private High School in Sydney’s Northern Beaches & Lower North Shore
1. What types of private high schools are available in this region?
You’ll find three main types:
Catholic schools (e.g. Stella Maris, Monte Sant’Angelo) – often more affordable, values-based education.
Anglican schools (e.g. St Luke’s Grammar, Roseville College) – offer Christian values with modern academic programs.
Independent schools (e.g. Redlands, Queenwood, NBCS) – can be faith-based or secular and often offer unique programs like the IB or Steiner curriculum.
2. What’s the difference between Independent and Catholic schools?
Catholic schools are either systemic (diocese-run and more affordable) or independent (often run by religious orders).
Independent schools set their own curriculum, governance, and often charge higher fees. Many offer unique programs like IB, STEAM, or open learning environments.
3. How important are HSC rankings when choosing a school?
HSC rankings can offer a snapshot of academic performance, but they don’t tell the whole story. Consider:
Whether the school nurtures your child’s strengths (e.g. arts, science, sport).
Wellbeing programs, teaching philosophy, and co-curricular opportunities.
Fit and culture — school tours and open days are key!
4. What are typical private school fees in this area?
Catholic systemic schools: ~$7,000–$10,000/year
Independent Catholic schools: ~$20,000–$30,000/year
Anglican & Independent schools: ~$18,000–$36,000/year
Many offer sibling discounts and scholarships.
5. Do any schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB)?
Yes! If you're looking for the IB Diploma, consider:
Monte Sant’Angelo Mercy College (Girls)
Queenwood School for Girls (Girls)
Redlands (Co-ed)
German International School Sydney (Co-ed, bilingual program)
6. Are there co-ed and single-sex school options?
Yes! Many schools in this region cater to specific preferences:
Co-ed schools: NBCS, Oxford Falls Grammar, Mater Maria, St Luke’s Grammar
Girls-only: Stella Maris, Loreto Kirribilli, Queenwood, Monte
Boys-only: St Augustine’s, St Aloysius’, St Paul’s (until 2025)
7. How early should I apply?
It’s recommended to apply 1–3 years in advance, especially for high-demand schools. Some selective or popular schools have waitlists starting in primary school.
Disclaimer
This overview reflects research conducted in March 2025. While we aim to keep information accurate and current, details such as fees and rankings may change. Please confirm with each school directly for the latest updates.
Photo credit header image: Jamie Davies auf Unsplash
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