About the school
Fort Street High School is the oldest government high school in Australia, established in 1849, and recognised for its continued academic excellence. Located in Petersham, the school has a diverse community, with approximately 920 students representing over 100 Sydney suburbs and speaking around 40 different languages. It has a rich tradition of co-education, having transitioned to a co-educational model in 1974. The school prides itself on its broad curriculum and comprehensive co-curricular programs, which include sports, creative and performing arts, and a prestigious Instrumental Music Program.
The school’s mission is to foster individual growth and development while nurturing students into model citizens who are prepared to make a positive impact on society. With around 95% of HSC graduates proceeding to their chosen universities, Fort Street regularly sees students achieving high academic rankings across a range of subjects.
Fort Street High School also places a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, promoting a healthy and supportive environment for all learners. The school's motto, "faber est suae quisque fortunae," encourages students to take charge of their own futures. Known for its strong sense of community and commitment to social justice, the school has produced many notable alumni, including prominent thinkers and leaders in various fields. With a focus on tolerance and respect, Fort Street celebrates its rich history and continues to strive for excellence in education.
Mission
At Fort Street High School, the vision is for every student to reach their full potential through a supportive and inclusive environment that challenges them to learn and improve continually.
Location & Catchment Area
- Fort Street High School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Taverners Hill Infants School 420 m
- B NSW School of Languages 567 m
- C Petersham Public School 656 m
- D Kegworth Public School 687 m
- E Leichhardt Public School 817 m
- F Lewisham Public School 1.0 km
- G Stanmore Public School 1.3 km
- H Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt Campus 1.3 km
- I Wilkins Public School 1.3 km
- J Annandale Public School 1.6 km
- K Summer Hill Public School 1.7 km
- L Dulwich High School of Visual Arts and Design 1.7 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 917 (301 girls, 616 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 916.4
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1176 (percentile 98)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 3% / 9% / 23% / 65%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 11
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 78%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 64
- 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 | 159 |
| Year 12 | 158 |
| Total | 917 |
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 | Girls | Boys | Attendance % | ICSEA | Teaching staff (FTE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 917 | 301 | 616 | - | 1176 | 64 |
| 2024 | 913 | 307 | 606 | 94.3 | 1177 | 63.8 |
| 2023 | 912 | 312 | 600 | 94.5 | 1178 | 63.4 |
| 2022 | 909 | 305 | 604 | 93.8 | 1176 | 63.8 |
| 2021 | 913 | 313 | 600 | 95.7 | 1183 | 63.3 |
| 2020 | 919 | 319 | 600 | - | 1183 | 63.7 |
| 2019 | 908 | 335 | 573 | 96.2 | 1184 | 63 |
| 2018 | 909 | 335 | 574 | 96.2 | 1184 | 63.2 |
| 2017 | 927 | 329 | 598 | 97 | 1186 | 65.1 |
| 2016 | 941 | 340 | 601 | 96.6 | 1183 | 65.1 |
| 2015 | 941 | 319 | 622 | 96.9 | 1190 | 65.1 |
| 2014 | 934 | 325 | 609 | 96.6 | 1182 | 64.7 |
| 2013 | 940 | 328 | 612 | 96.7 | 1190 | 65.2 |
| 2012 | 928 | 326 | 602 | 96.6 | 1145 | 63.8 |
| 2011 | 918 | 338 | 580 | 96.8 | 1147 | 63.6 |
| 2010 | 923 | 350 | 573 | - | 1149 | 63.9 |
| 2009 | 927 | 351 | 576 | - | 1083 | 64.2 |
| 2008 | 929 | 334 | 595 | - | 1083 | 64 |
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.