Central Sydney Intensive English High School
Harmony and Progress
About the school
Central Sydney Intensive English High School (CSIEHS) is a coeducational intensive English school located in the vibrant inner city educational precinct of Alexandria, Sydney. For over 40 years, the school has provided high school English preparation and support programs for newly arrived students, helping them transition successfully into mainstream high schools across Sydney. The school proudly serves students aged 11 to 17 who have arrived in Australia within the past six months, ensuring they develop essential language skills and gain confidence for their future studies.
Diverse Community
The school's student body comes from over thirty language backgrounds, creating a culturally rich and inclusive environment. CSIEHS offers intensive English language, settlement, orientation, and welfare programs to support students in their new country. Enrolment in 2009 stood at 618 students, with a significant number completing their intensive English and high school preparation in that year.
Educational Programs
The intensive English program is aligned with the New South Wales (NSW) Board of Studies syllabus, enabling students with limited English proficiency to learn effectively. Students participate in the NAPLAN assessment during their final weeks in the program, providing a crucial early experience of formal assessment within the Australian education system. Additionally, the school offers various extracurricular activities that support student engagement within the community and promote leadership skills.
Mission and Values
Guided by the motto "Harmony and Progress," CSIEHS remains committed to fostering a safe, supportive learning environment that empowers students to achieve their full potential as global citizens. The school collaborates closely with families, ensuring every child feels welcomed and included from their first day.
Mission
At Central Sydney Intensive English High School (CSIEHS) we have a strong focus on supporting newly arrived English as an Additional Language (EAL/D) students and their families. We understand the importance of their new educational journey at their first school in Australia. We are committed to enhancing the learning culture and building student resilience, knowledge and creativity through ‘harmony and progress’. We strive to empower students to achieve their full potential as global citizens and lifelong learners through innovative educational programs.
Location & Catchment Area
- Central Sydney Intensive English High School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Alexandria Park Community School 341 m
- B Erskineville Public School 650 m
- C Darlington Public School 890 m
- D Yudi Gunyi School 1.0 km
- E Newtown North Public School 1.2 km
- F Newtown Public School 1.3 km
- G Newtown High School of Performing Arts 1.4 km
- H Australia Street Infants School 1.5 km
- I Green Square Public School 1.6 km
- J Royal Prince Alfred Hospital School 1.7 km
- K Inner Sydney High School 1.7 km
- L Camdenville Public School 1.7 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 142 (63 girls, 79 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 142
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1037 (percentile 63)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 23% / 25% / 31% / 20%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 75
- Indigenous students
- 0%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 100%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 30.9
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 14.3
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 44 |
| Year 8 | 22 |
| Year 9 | 37 |
| Year 10 | 28 |
| Year 11 | 11 |
| Total | 142 |
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 | 142 | 63 | 79 | - | 1037 | 30.9 |
| 2024 | 164 | 76 | 88 | 94.5 | 1043 | 34.9 |
| 2023 | - | - | - | 94.4 | - | - |
| 2022 | - | - | - | 93.6 | - | - |
| 2021 | - | - | - | 94.2 | - | - |
| 2020 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2019 | - | - | - | 94.9 | - | - |
| 2018 | - | - | - | 96.4 | - | - |
| 2017 | - | - | - | 96.3 | - | - |
| 2016 | - | - | - | 96.2 | - | - |
| 2015 | - | - | - | 95.4 | - | - |
| 2014 | - | - | - | 95 | - | - |
| 2013 | - | - | - | 96.6 | - | - |
| 2012 | - | - | - | 96 | - | - |
| 2011 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2010 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
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.