Sydney Girls High School
Empowering Women of Excellence since 1883
About the school
Sydney Girls High School is an academically selective state school located in Surry Hills, established in 1883 as the oldest public girls' school in New South Wales. The school serves a diverse drawing area, with students coming from across Sydney. Sydney Girls High School excels in various domains, including academics, sports, culture, and the arts, with numerous students achieving at both national and international levels.
Facilities and Resources
The school is well-equipped with modern resources and utilises advanced technology to support learning. A dedicated technology support staff enhances the educational experience, ensuring gifted girls receive effective teaching. Many of the school's staff hold postgraduate qualifications, fostering a culture of high expectations where students feel safe to take intellectual risks.
Holistic Education Approach
Central to the school's philosophy is the recognition of each student's individual needs through quality teaching and co-curricular activities designed for socio-affective growth. The school encourages strong relationships among students of different ages, as well as with teachers and other adults. Parental involvement is highly valued, contributing to the school's governance and co-curricular programs.
Community and Support
Sydney Girls High School prides itself on creating a supportive community, where every student feels included and capable of achieving their best. This dynamic environment not only focuses on academic excellence but also on developing confident, capable young women ready to make a positive impact on the world. Through collaboration with families and active student participation, the school nurtures a balanced approach to education and wellbeing.
Mission
Empowering Women of Excellence since 1883
Location & Catchment Area
- Sydney Girls High School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Sydney Boys High School 263 m
- B Bourke Street Public School 590 m
- C Sydney Distance Education Primary School 1.1 km
- D Paddington Public School 1.2 km
- E Crown Street Public School 1.4 km
- F Inner Sydney High School 1.4 km
- G Glenmore Road Public School 1.7 km
- H Darlinghurst Public School 1.8 km
- I Kensington Public School 1.8 km
- J Yudi Gunyi School 1.9 km
- K Green Square Public School 2.0 km
- L Woollahra Public School 2.1 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 929
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 929
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1193 (percentile 99)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 2% / 6% / 20% / 71%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 4
- Indigenous students
- 0%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 91%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 63.3
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 12.4
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 150 |
| Year 8 | 150 |
| Year 9 | 150 |
| Year 10 | 150 |
| Year 11 | 162 |
| Year 12 | 167 |
| Total | 929 |
Year by year
Attendance data for 2020 is unavailable — NSW schools were disrupted by COVID-19 and the Department of Education did not publish figures for that year.
| Year | Enrolments | Attendance % | ICSEA | Teaching staff (FTE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 929 | - | 1193 | 63.3 |
| 2024 | 938 | 94.1 | 1187 | 63.7 |
| 2023 | 928 | 94.1 | 1190 | 63.2 |
| 2022 | 925 | 93.4 | 1194 | 63.2 |
| 2021 | 930 | 95.5 | 1207 | 63.4 |
| 2020 | 923 | - | 1204 | 62.9 |
| 2019 | 924 | 96.3 | 1204 | 63 |
| 2018 | 937 | 96.7 | 1198 | 63.9 |
| 2017 | 935 | 96.3 | 1192 | 63.5 |
| 2016 | 936 | 96 | 1193 | 62.6 |
| 2015 | 950 | 96.7 | 1208 | 63.3 |
| 2014 | 945 | 97 | 1199 | 62.9 |
| 2013 | 938 | 96.6 | 1196 | 62.6 |
| 2012 | 937 | 96 | 1141 | 62.3 |
| 2011 | 936 | 96.1 | 1142 | 62.4 |
| 2010 | 930 | - | 1145 | 62 |
| 2009 | 923 | - | 1074 | 61.7 |
| 2008 | 917 | - | 1074 | 62 |
Attendance data for 2020 is unavailable — NSW schools were disrupted by COVID-19 and the Department of Education did not publish figures for that year.