Grafton High School
We help every student to learn, grow and succeed.
About the school
Grafton High School is a large comprehensive school community located on the traditional lands of the Bundjalung people on the North Coast of NSW. Having celebrated its centenary in 2012, it is one of the first four public high schools established outside of Sydney, known for its long-standing reputation in academic, cultural, and sporting achievements. The school’s purpose is to foster a collaborative community involving students, staff, and parents, all striving for excellence in a caring environment.
Curriculum and Support
Grafton High School offers a diverse and extensive curriculum from Years 7 to 12, with a well-resourced vocational education program for Years 10 to 12. The school also has a support unit consisting of eight classes tailored for students with disabilities, providing specialised assistance for learners of all abilities. In 2010, a selective stream for students in Years 7 to 10 was introduced, making Grafton High School the only semi-selective high school on the North Coast of NSW.
Commitment to Growth
The school values respectful relationships and open communication, which are key to encouraging students to take responsibility for their learning and behaviour. This dedication to improvement has led to the school receiving recognition from the NSW Department of Education for achieving notable improvements in HSC results in 2022 and ongoing progress in 2023. Additionally, it has been acknowledged for outstanding support to students seeking alternative pathways such as school-based apprenticeships and vocational education.
Mission
Grafton High School is committed to achieving a culture of learning, growth and achievement for all students. Every student and every teacher will be challenged to continue to learn and improve every year in order to provide an outstanding education for every learner.
Location & Catchment Area
- Grafton High School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Grafton Public School 330 m
- B Westlawn Public School 1.3 km
- C South Grafton Public School 3.1 km
- D South Grafton High School 3.6 km
- E Gillwinga Public School 4.7 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 768 (371 girls, 397 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 767.6
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 941 (percentile 21)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 49% / 29% / 15% / 7%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 121
- Indigenous students
- 18%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 4%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 67.3
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 20.7
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 147 |
| Year 8 | 140 |
| Year 9 | 162 |
| Year 10 | 144 |
| Year 11 | 88 |
| Year 12 | 87 |
| Total | 768 |
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 | 768 | 371 | 397 | - | 941 | 67.3 |
| 2024 | 771 | 377 | 394 | 78.4 | 940 | 66.2 |
| 2023 | 803 | 373 | 430 | 79.7 | 941 | 67.9 |
| 2022 | 792 | 391 | 401 | 77.9 | 943 | 67.8 |
| 2021 | 798 | 395 | 403 | 84.2 | 947 | 66.5 |
| 2020 | 823 | 402 | 421 | - | 944 | 67 |
| 2019 | 831 | 404 | 427 | 84.5 | 942 | 68.1 |
| 2018 | 905 | 439 | 466 | 84.6 | 936 | 72.2 |
| 2017 | 932 | 452 | 480 | 85.6 | 933 | 71.9 |
| 2016 | 946 | 480 | 466 | 85 | 934 | 73.1 |
| 2015 | 943 | 482 | 461 | 87 | 941 | 71.3 |
| 2014 | 922 | 483 | 439 | 86.8 | 942 | 69.6 |
| 2013 | 891 | 480 | 411 | 86.3 | 940 | 67.5 |
| 2012 | 899 | 470 | 429 | 86.5 | 933 | 68.9 |
| 2011 | 890 | 466 | 424 | 86.8 | 934 | 69.7 |
| 2010 | 916 | 470 | 446 | - | 939 | 69.9 |
| 2009 | 911 | 453 | 458 | - | 976 | 69.8 |
| 2008 | 942 | 469 | 473 | - | 976 | 74 |
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.