About the school
Bowral High School is a public school offering a broad and challenging academic and vocational curriculum that encourages all students to reach their potential. The school motto ‘Excelsior’ articulates a culture that promotes excellence in teaching and learning and provides exceptional learning opportunities for all. Effective assessment and feedback processes are an important aspect of school planning, where resources, including teacher time, are strategically managed to ensure structured and regular feedback is provided to students.
Curriculum and Support
Students are challenged to succeed through enrichment programs in academic studies, sport, and performing and creative arts. The school offers dedicated support classes for students with special needs and maintains a committed Learning Support team. Bowral High School also links with the University of Canberra and the University of Wollongong through its ASPIRE program, providing enrichment opportunities for students in Year 7 and 8.
Community and Environment
The school is part of a cohesive community that meets regularly to support student transitions from primary to high school. Students engage in anti-bullying initiatives and are encouraged to demonstrate positive behaviour through the Positive Behaviour for Success program.
Bowral High School emphasizes the importance of a strong school community and parent involvement. It offers opportunities for students to participate in various programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh and student volunteering initiatives. In addition, the school features facilities like six new science labs, a Connected Classroom, and a well-equipped performing arts space, supporting a holistic learning environment.
Recognition and Achievements
The school is well-regarded in the local area as a welcoming learning centre that caters to the individual needs of its students. It celebrates achievements in both academic and extracurricular activities, ensuring all students have the opportunity to excel.
Mission
Facilitating a culture of excellence where challenge is embraced and students are supported to achieve their personal best. Our students are respectful, responsible and fair.
Location & Catchment Area
- Bowral High School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Bowral Public School 934 m
- B Mittagong Public School 4.9 km
- C Tangara School 5.9 km
- D Highlands School 6.2 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 564 (283 girls, 281 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 564
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 956 (percentile 27)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 47% / 33% / 16% / 4%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 113
- Indigenous students
- 11%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 12%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 55.8
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 16.5
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 99 |
| Year 8 | 103 |
| Year 9 | 113 |
| Year 10 | 97 |
| Year 11 | 87 |
| Year 12 | 65 |
| Total | 564 |
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 | 564 | 283 | 281 | - | 956 | 55.8 |
| 2024 | 583 | 288 | 295 | 79.3 | 970 | 67.6 |
| 2023 | 638 | 306 | 332 | 83.4 | 973 | 64.2 |
| 2022 | 705 | 320 | 385 | 80.9 | 968 | 62.4 |
| 2021 | 726 | 330 | 396 | 83.5 | 975 | 61.7 |
| 2020 | 782 | 366 | 416 | - | 978 | 62.1 |
| 2019 | 777 | 363 | 414 | 86.7 | 979 | 61.7 |
| 2018 | 798 | 374 | 424 | 89 | 978 | 60.6 |
| 2017 | 859 | 413 | 446 | 89.8 | 986 | 63.6 |
| 2016 | 853 | 419 | 434 | 90.2 | 981 | 64.3 |
| 2015 | 850 | 404 | 446 | 93.7 | 982 | 64.7 |
| 2014 | 851 | 399 | 452 | 89.1 | 986 | 63.2 |
| 2013 | 871 | 424 | 447 | 89 | 982 | 65.1 |
| 2012 | 889 | 414 | 475 | 88.7 | 977 | 64.1 |
| 2011 | 908 | 417 | 491 | 88.8 | 975 | 64.6 |
| 2010 | 870 | 414 | 456 | - | 971 | 64.3 |
| 2009 | 854 | 419 | 435 | - | 1038 | 63.1 |
| 2008 | 861 | 419 | 442 | - | 1038 | 66.1 |
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.