Sydney Distance Education High School
Quality individualised education
About the school
Sydney Distance Education High School is a public school dedicated to excellence and equity in distance education, offering flexible blended learning programmes for students from areas north of Wollongong, south of Newcastle, and west to the Blue Mountains. Located close to the central business district of Sydney, the school acknowledges the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. Enrolment is open to students who meet specific criteria, such as those unable to attend another school full-time due to medical conditions or other special circumstances.
The school caters to a diverse group of over 1,600 students, including those requiring additional literacy and numeracy support, and offers a wide range of courses across Years 7–12. Students may engage in learning through various methods, including online lessons, written materials, videoconferencing, and teacher visits. The school promotes individualised education, supplemented by wellbeing programs that foster a sense of connection among students, families, and the broader community.
Extra-curricular activities such as study days, open days, and excursions further enhance student engagement and learning experiences. The school is committed to sustainability and social justice, striving to create a caring and nurturing environment. Its students demonstrate exceptional commitment to their studies, with achievements in state ranking in the Higher School Certificate courses and selections for prestigious exhibitions. Overall, Sydney Distance Education High School inspires students to learn and to pursue their dreams with determination.
Mission
Sydney Distance Education High School is a public school committed to excellence and equity in distance education.
Location & Catchment Area
- Sydney Distance Education High School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Plunkett Street Public School 71 m
- B Darlinghurst Public School 869 m
- C Conservatorium High School 1.1 km
- D Crown Street Public School 1.4 km
- E Glenmore Road Public School 1.4 km
- F Sydney Distance Education Primary School 1.9 km
- G Observatory Hill Environmental Education Centre 1.9 km
- H Double Bay Public School 1.9 km
- I Fort Street Public School 1.9 km
- J Paddington Public School 2.0 km
- K Bourke Street Public School 2.2 km
- L Sydney Boys High School 2.4 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 615 (370 girls, 245 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 560.8
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1032 (percentile 61)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 24% / 23% / 26% / 27%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 84
- Indigenous students
- 12%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 17%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 166
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 25.3
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 7 |
| Year 8 | 38 |
| Year 9 | 111 |
| Year 10 | 178 |
| Year 11 | 174 |
| Year 12 | 107 |
| Total | 615 |
Year by year
| Year | Enrolments | Girls | Boys | ICSEA | Teaching staff (FTE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 615 | 370 | 245 | 1032 | 166 |
| 2024 | 652 | 386 | 266 | 1032 | 171.9 |
| 2023 | 578 | 356 | 222 | 1029 | 152.6 |
| 2022 | 573 | 362 | 211 | 1027 | 153.1 |
| 2021 | 619 | 367 | 252 | 1040 | 159.3 |
| 2020 | 582 | 343 | 239 | 1042 | 145.1 |
| 2019 | 553 | 328 | 225 | 1037 | 142.2 |
| 2018 | 485 | 286 | 199 | 1034 | 129.6 |
| 2017 | 483 | 290 | 193 | 1029 | 142.9 |
| 2016 | 537 | 333 | 204 | 1018 | 151.3 |
| 2015 | 593 | 348 | 245 | 1015 | 161.7 |
| 2014 | 665 | 398 | 267 | 1033 | 159.2 |
| 2013 | 666 | 385 | 281 | 1030 | 163.5 |
| 2012 | 598 | 341 | 257 | 1028 | 152.7 |
| 2011 | 645 | 371 | 274 | 1023 | 151.8 |
| 2010 | 555 | 335 | 220 | 1029 | 148.4 |
| 2009 | 539 | 321 | 218 | 1045 | 144.8 |
| 2008 | 538 | 307 | 231 | 1045 | 141.6 |