Independent (non-denominational) · girls · Sydney

Ascham School

ICSEA 1217 Boarding Est. 1886

Independent (non-denominational) girls school in Edgecliff, Sydney. Dalton Plan progressive education methodology (one of few in Australia)

In short

Is Ascham School a good private school?

Ascham School is a independent (non-denominational) girls private school based in Edgecliff, Sydney. ICSEA 1217 (Australian median is 1000). Independent (non-denominational) girls school in Edgecliff, Sydney. Dalton Plan progressive education methodology (one of few in Australia)

Profile information cross-referenced against public sources at time of publication. Verify a provider's current credentials directly with the relevant Australian regulator before engaging.

Key takeaways

  • Ascham School is a Independent (non-denominational) school in Edgecliff, Sydney (girls).
  • ICSEA score: 1217 (the Australian median is 1000; top tier).
  • 2026 fees on application.
  • Boarding available.
  • Founded in 1886.

Academic outcomes

Ascham School's Year 12 ATAR results

Most recent published cohort. Compare against the national outcomes leaderboard to see where Ascham School sits among Australia's top-performing private schools.

Year 12 academic outcomes

Ascham School

HSC cohort, most recent published year

HSC

9%

% ATAR 99+

Top 1% nationally

50%

% ATAR 90+

Top 10%

Source: Better Education HSC rankings. ATAR figures published by the school or the state results notification.

National leaderboard →

NAPLAN context

Ascham School's NAPLAN benchmark

2025 national + state means for Year 9 — the benchmark to compare against Ascham School's individual school result on MySchool.

National Y9 Reading

567.7

2025 mean (all students)

NSW state mean

571.4

New South Wales Y9 Reading mean

National Y9 Numeracy

572.6

2025 mean (all students)

For Ascham School's actual NAPLAN figures, use MySchool. It publishes the school's per-domain mean, % in each proficiency band, Year 5 → Year 9 student gain, and "similar schools" comparison (the right metric for value-add).

View Ascham School on MySchool

New to NAPLAN reading? Read our parent's guide — what each year level + domain measures, the parental-education premium, and what to look for on MySchool.

Location + links

Find Ascham School

Edgecliff, Sydney, Australia.

What Ascham School offers

Independent (non-denominational)
Girls
Boarding

Common questions

Ascham School FAQs

What are Ascham School's 2026 fees?

Ascham School's 2026 fee schedule is published on the school site. Fees typically index 3.5–6% annually — model 6-year totals using our calculator before committing. Additional levies (technology, camps, uniform, capital) usually add 8–15% on top of the headline tuition.

What is Ascham School's ICSEA score?

Ascham School has an ICSEA score of 1217. The Australian median is 1000; ICSEA measures the socio-educational advantage of the parent community (not academic value-add). Schools at 1150+ are top decile nationally. ICSEA is published by ACARA on MySchool and updated each calendar year.

Does Ascham School offer boarding?

Yes, Ascham School offers boarding. Boarding fees are charged in addition to tuition. Most AU boarding schools also charge a separate annual boarding levy + activities fee.

Where is Ascham School based?

Ascham School is primarily based in Sydney, Australia, and serves clients across Sydney and surrounding areas. Check with the provider directly for specific service-area coverage.

What are the alternatives to Ascham School?

Our independent ranking of the top private schools in Australia includes Melbourne Grammar School, Scotch College, Wesley College. Each has different strengths — see our comparison for a side-by-side breakdown.

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.

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