School database · Sydney

Top private schools in Sydney, 2026

Independent rankings of 15 of Sydney's most established private schools for 2026. Every fee figure is sourced from the school's official 2026 schedule (linked under each card). We rank on objective, publicly verifiable signals, primarily ICSEA, historic VCE/IB results, and breadth of standout programs, not paid placement. Coverage spans Sydney, Bondi, Surry Hills, Paddington, Newtown and Manly.

15 schools ranked No paid placements 2026 fees verified Sorted by ICSEA

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 1 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

In short

Which is the best private school in Sydney?

Our top-ranked private school in Sydney for 2026 is Sydney Grammar School — Sydney Grammar School is one of Darlinghurst's most established independent (non-denominational) boys school. Runners-up: Abbotsleigh and Ascham School. All 15 providers in this guide serve Sydney and are ranked on verifiable credentials and information transparency, not paid placement.

Based on 15 providers profiled in Sydney, all cross-referenced against the relevant Australian regulator. Independent ranking, no paid placements, no first-party reviews.

Key takeaways

Highest ICSEA: Sydney Grammar School (1274), Darlinghurst.
2026 Year 12 fees range $41,960–$52,410 across 15 schools (median $48,100).
13 schools offer boarding; 1 are co-educational, the rest are single-sex.
5 schools offer the IB Diploma alongside VCE.
Apply 12–24 months ahead for most schools; elite-tier (Melbourne Grammar, Scotch, Geelong Grammar) often need application at birth or by age 2 for Year 7 entry.

15 Verified Private Schools in Sydney, Ranked

Sydney Grammar School

, Darlinghurst

Independent (non-denominational) Boys Elite tier Est. 1857

Sydney Grammar School is one of Darlinghurst's most established independent (non-denominational) boys school. Founded 1857. ICSEA 1274 (well above the national average of 1,000). Consistently Sydney's top HSC academic results. Tuition: $52,410/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$52,410/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$52,410

ICSEA

1274

Year levels

K-Year 12 (boys K-Year 12 College St; co-ed Edgecliff and St Ives Prep)

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› Consistently Sydney's top HSC academic results
› Strong Classics, Latin and humanities tradition
› GPS sport member with strong rowing and athletics

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Abbotsleigh

, Wahroonga

Anglican Girls Top tier Boarding Est. 1885

Abbotsleigh sits among Wahroonga's top anglican girls schools. Founded 1885. ICSEA 1217 (well above the national average of 1,000). Consistently top HSC results among Sydney girls' schools. Tuition: $41,960/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$41,960/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$39,400

ICSEA

1217

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Best for: Music-strong students and families

Standout programs

› Consistently top HSC results among Sydney girls' schools
› Strong music and choral program
› Sister school to Knox Grammar (joint events)

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Boarding fee not disclosed in public sources.

Ascham School

, Edgecliff

Independent (non-denominational) Girls Tier varies Boarding Est. 1886

Ascham School, in Edgecliff, is a long-standing independent (non-denominational) girls school. Founded 1886. ICSEA 1217 (well above the national average of 1,000). Dalton Plan progressive education methodology (one of few in Australia). Tuition: fees on request.

Y12 fee 2026

Fees on request

Y7 fee 2026

—

ICSEA

1217

Year levels

K-Year 12

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› Dalton Plan progressive education methodology (one of few in Australia)
› Top HSC results among Eastern Suburbs girls' schools
› Strong rowing program on Sydney Harbour

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Ascham does not publish tuition publicly. Contact [email protected] for current 2026 schedule.

SCEGGS Darlinghurst

, Darlinghurst

Anglican Girls Elite tier Est. 1895

SCEGGS Darlinghurst (Darlinghurst) is recognised as a leading anglican girls school. Founded 1895. ICSEA 1212 (well above the national average of 1,000). Consistently top-five NSW HSC ranked school. Tuition: $51,856/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$51,856/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$48,152

ICSEA

1212

Year levels

K-Year 12

Best for: Families wanting a service-leadership and faith formation focus

Standout programs

› Consistently top-five NSW HSC ranked school
› Inner-city campus with strong creative arts focus
› Progressive Anglican social-justice ethos

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Knox Grammar School

, Wahroonga

Uniting Church Boys Elite tier Boarding Est. 1924

Knox Grammar School is one of Wahroonga's most established uniting church boys school. Founded 1924. ICSEA 1187 (well above the national average of 1,000). Largest GPS boys' school with broad co-curricular program. Tuition: $45,120/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$45,120/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$42,640

ICSEA

1187

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› Largest GPS boys' school with broad co-curricular program
› Strong rugby, rowing and athletics
› Wellbeing-led 'Total Boy' framework

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Knox does not publish tuition publicly; figures via Good Schools Guide. Boarding fee on enquiry.

Shore (Sydney Church of England Grammar)

, North Sydney

Anglican Boys Elite tier Boarding Est. 1889

Shore (Sydney Church of England Grammar) sits among North Sydney's top anglican boys schools. Founded 1889. ICSEA 1182 (well above the national average of 1,000). GPS founding member with strong rowing on Sydney Harbour. Tuition: $48,100/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$48,100/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$45,300

ICSEA

1182

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› GPS founding member with strong rowing on Sydney Harbour
› Northwood and Northbridge campuses with extensive sport facilities
› Anglican formation with chapel program

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Shore's fee page returns 403; figures via Good Schools Guide. Boarding fee on enquiry.

Cranbrook School

, Bellevue Hill

Anglican Co-ed Elite tier Boarding Est. 1918

Cranbrook School, in Bellevue Hill, is a long-standing anglican co-educational school. Founded 1918. ICSEA 1181 (well above the national average of 1,000). IB Diploma offered alongside HSC. Tuition: $49,521/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$49,521/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$47,643

ICSEA

1181

Year levels

Pre-school to Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› IB Diploma offered alongside HSC
› Recently became co-educational from K-12
› Eastern Suburbs harbourside campus with strong arts program

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Ravenswood School for Girls

, Gordon

Uniting Church Girls Top tier Boarding Est. 1901

Ravenswood School for Girls (Gordon) is recognised as a leading uniting church girls school. Founded 1901. ICSEA 1179 (well above the national average of 1,000). IB World School (PYP and Diploma). Tuition: $42,160/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$42,160/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$40,410

ICSEA

1179

Year levels

Prep to Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› IB World School (PYP and Diploma)
› Award-winning STEM and design programs
› Strong music and dance co-curricular

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Pymble Ladies' College

, Pymble

Uniting Church Girls Elite tier Boarding Est. 1916

Pymble Ladies' College is one of Pymble's most established uniting church girls school. Founded 1916. ICSEA 1178 (well above the national average of 1,000). IB Primary Years and HSC offered. Tuition: $45,820/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$45,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$44,710

ICSEA

1178

Year levels

K-Year 12

Boarding: $34,592/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› IB Primary Years and HSC offered
› Strong STEM and innovation program
› AHIGS sport with elite rowing and aquatics

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Trinity Grammar School (Summer Hill)

, Summer Hill

Anglican Boys Elite tier Boarding Est. 1913

Trinity Grammar School (Summer Hill) sits among Summer Hill's top anglican boys schools. Founded 1913. ICSEA 1170 (well above the national average of 1,000). Strong music program (one of largest school music programs in Australia). Tuition: $47,500/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$47,500/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$42,970

ICSEA

1170

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12 (Strathfield Prep K-6, Summer Hill K-12)

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› Strong music program (one of largest school music programs in Australia)
› AAGPS sport member with strong rugby and rowing
› Field studies centre at Woollamia

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Saint Ignatius' College Riverview

, Lane Cove

Catholic (Jesuit) Boys Top tier Boarding Est. 1880

Saint Ignatius' College Riverview, in Lane Cove, is a long-standing catholic (jesuit) boys school. Founded 1880. ICSEA 1168 (well above the national average of 1,000). Jesuit education in the Ignatian tradition. Tuition: $42,660/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$42,660/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$41,370

ICSEA

1168

Year levels

Year 5 to Year 12

Boarding: $29,565/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› Jesuit education in the Ignatian tradition
› Largest GPS boarding school by tradition; major rowing program
› Strong service-learning and Jesuit retreat program

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: ICSEA value 1168 is from 2018 MySchool data (most recent surfaced).

The King's School

, North Parramatta

Anglican Boys Elite tier Boarding Est. 1831

The King's School (North Parramatta) is recognised as a leading anglican boys school. Founded 1831. ICSEA 1164 (well above the national average of 1,000). Australia's oldest independent school. Tuition: $49,980/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$49,980/yr

Y7 fee 2026

—

ICSEA

1164

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Boarding: $35,856/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Regional, interstate or international families needing boarding

Standout programs

› Australia's oldest independent school
› One of the largest GPS boarding schools (~430 boarders)
› Strong rugby and cadet program tradition

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Year 7 tuition not extracted from PDF; Year 12 confirmed at $49,980.

The Scots College

, Bellevue Hill

Presbyterian Boys Tier varies Boarding Est. 1893

The Scots College is one of Bellevue Hill's most established presbyterian boys school. Founded 1893. ICSEA 1157 (well above the national average of 1,000). Glengarry outdoor education campus (Year 9 program). Tuition: fees on request.

Y12 fee 2026

Fees on request

Y7 fee 2026

—

ICSEA

1157

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Best for: Families who value a residential outdoor-education program

Standout programs

› Glengarry outdoor education campus (Year 9 program)
› Strong rugby and pipe band tradition (Brave Hearts, Bold Minds)
› GPS member with broad co-curricular offering

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: 2026 fee schedule gated; school directs enquiries to [email protected].

Kambala

, Rose Bay

Anglican Girls Tier varies Boarding Est. 1887

Kambala sits among Rose Bay's top anglican girls schools. Founded 1887. ICSEA 1134 (well above the national average of 1,000). Both IB Diploma and HSC offered (rare combination). Tuition: fees on request.

Y12 fee 2026

Fees on request

Y7 fee 2026

—

ICSEA

1134

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› Both IB Diploma and HSC offered (rare combination)
› Hampshire House boarding for senior students
› Harbourside Rose Bay campus with strong rowing

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Tuition gated. Application fee $300 + enrolment fee $6,000 confirmed.

Newington College

, Stanmore

Uniting Church Co-ed Elite tier Boarding Est. 1863

Newington College, in Stanmore, is a long-standing uniting church co-educational (transitioning; historically boys) school. Founded 1863. ICSEA 1132 (well above the national average of 1,000). GPS member with strong rugby and rowing. Tuition: $48,141/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$48,141/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$44,298

ICSEA

1132

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Boarding: $38,394/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› GPS member with strong rugby and rowing
› IB Diploma offered alongside HSC
› Transitioning to co-education from 2026 (Year 5) and 2028 (Year 7-12)

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Private Schools in Sydney, side by side · Click any header to sort
Provider ⇅	Sector ⇅	Gender ⇅	Year 12 fees (2026) ⇅	ICSEA ⇅	Boarding ⇅
Sydney Grammar School	Independent (non-denominational)	Boys	$52,410	1274	No
Abbotsleigh	Anglican	Girls	$41,960	1217	Yes
Ascham School	Independent (non-denominational)	Girls	On request	1217	Yes
SCEGGS Darlinghurst	Anglican	Girls	$51,856	1212	No
Knox Grammar School	Uniting Church	Boys	$45,120	1187	Yes
Shore (Sydney Church of England Grammar)	Anglican	Boys	$48,100	1182	Yes
Cranbrook School	Anglican	Co-ed	$49,521	1181	Yes
Ravenswood School for Girls	Uniting Church	Girls	$42,160	1179	Yes
Pymble Ladies' College	Uniting Church	Girls	$45,820	1178	Yes
Trinity Grammar School (Summer Hill)	Anglican	Boys	$47,500	1170	Yes
Saint Ignatius' College Riverview	Catholic (Jesuit)	Boys	$42,660	1168	Yes
The King's School	Anglican	Boys	$49,980	1164	Yes
The Scots College	Presbyterian	Boys	On request	1157	Yes
Kambala	Anglican	Girls	On request	1134	Yes
Newington College	Uniting Church	Co-ed	$48,141	1132	Yes

Pricing and availability data checked against public sources at time of publication. We do not host first-party reviews; star ratings have been removed from this directory pending a moderated review-collection process.

How we rank private schools in Sydney

We rank schools on objective, publicly verifiable data: 30% ICSEA score (the ACARA Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage, a strong correlate of academic outcomes), 30% historic VCE/IB results where school medians are publicly disclosed, 20% breadth of standout programs (academic, music, sport, outdoor, languages), 10% facility and pastoral care, and 10% transparency and access (published fees, scholarship availability, open day cadence). Fees in this guide come from each school's published 2026 schedule (linked under each card). Compare Private Schools does not accept payment to list or rank schools.

Common questions

FAQs: private schools in Sydney

Which is the highest-ranked private school in Sydney for 2026?

By ICSEA (the strongest publicly-available correlate of academic outcomes), Sydney Grammar School in Darlinghurst ranks first among Sydney private schools we cover, with an ICSEA of 1274. Year 12 fees for 2026 are $52,410. However, "best" is highly child-specific, fit, single-sex vs co-ed preference, religious orientation, and travel time matter as much as raw academic data. Visit at least 3 open days before deciding.

How much do Sydney private schools cost in 2026?

Sydney private school Year 12 tuition for 2026 ranges from $41,960 to $52,410 per year across the 15 schools we cover (median $48,100). Junior school fees are typically 30–40% lower than Year 12. Boarding adds a further $25,000–$45,000 per year on top of tuition. Don't forget capital levies, building fund contributions, IT, uniforms, camps, and music tuition, these can add $5,000–$15,000 per year.

When should I apply for a private school place in Sydney?

For mid-tier independent and Catholic schools, 12–24 months before entry is standard. For elite-tier independents (especially Year 7 boys' schools), waiting lists can be years long, many parents apply at birth or by age 2. Year 9 and Year 11 entry typically have more availability than Year 7. Always check each school's specific application deadlines on their website.

What is ICSEA and why does it matter?

ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is published by ACARA via MySchool.edu.au. It measures the socio-educational advantage of a school's student community on a scale where 1,000 is the national average. Most Sydney private schools score 1,150–1,210. ICSEA is a strong correlate of NAPLAN and ATAR outcomes, but it measures the family advantage students bring to the school, not the school's teaching quality. Use it as one input alongside ATAR results, programs, culture and fit.

How much do private schools cost in Australia in 2026?

Elite independent schools (Geelong Grammar, Sydney Grammar, Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College): $42,000-$55,000/year for Year 12. Mid-tier independents: $25,000-$38,000/year. Catholic systemic schools: $4,000-$10,000/year. Boarding adds $25,000-$45,000 on top. Year 7-9 fees typically 30-40% lower than Year 12. Total K-12 cost: $400,000-$650,000 for elite schools, $40,000-$120,000 for Catholic systemic. Add $5,000-$15,000/year for uniforms, IT, camps, music tuition.

When should I apply for a private school?

Elite schools (Scotch, Geelong Grammar, Sydney Grammar): apply at birth or before age 2 for Year 7 entry. Waiting lists at top schools are 1,000+ children. Mid-tier independents: apply 2-4 years before entry year. Catholic systemic: 12-24 months before entry year. Most competitive entry points: Reception (limited places open most spots), Year 7 (start of secondary, biggest intake), Year 11 (VCE/HSC start). Apply to 4-8 schools simultaneously to maximise options.

What's ICSEA and how does it relate to school quality?

ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) measures the socio-economic background of a school's community. Average is 1000. Elite private schools typically score 1180-1230. ICSEA correlates strongly with academic outcomes, but it measures family advantage, not school teaching quality. To assess teaching quality, look at "value-added" data (how much the school improves students above their starting point), Education Department websites publish this. A school with ICSEA 1200 should produce strong results; a school with ICSEA 1100 producing strong results is doing more impressive teaching.

Are private school scholarships realistic to get?

Top elite schools: 5-15 academic scholarships per year for Year 7 entry, 200-500 applicants. Highly competitive, typically requires top 1% performance on ASCAS test plus interview. Mid-tier schools: easier scholarships available, often 30-50% fee reduction. Music scholarships at most schools: less competitive than academic, requires 5+ years instrument experience and grade 6-7 AMEB level. Sport scholarships: rare, mostly for boarding. Financial assistance (means-tested): 5-30% of places at most schools. Apply to 3-5 schools simultaneously to maximise chances.

Catholic vs Independent, which should I choose?

Catholic systemic schools (parish-funded): $4,000-$10,000/year, generally similar academic outcomes to mid-tier independents, religious instruction (Catholic but increasingly inclusive), community-focused, lower socio-economic mix. Independent schools (privately governed): $25,000-$55,000/year, broader extracurricular options, smaller classes, more international students, stronger university preparation, higher ATAR outcomes. Catholic congregational schools (Loreto, Xavier, Mary MacKillop College, etc.) bridge the two, Catholic ethos but independent governance, fees $20,000-$35,000. Many families choose Catholic for primary, independent for secondary.

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