Enrolments
Sydney Girls High is a selective state school. Enrolment is available to Australian citizens, permanent residents or families of diplomats.
Selection is based on academic merit.
Total enrolment is about 930 students. There is a maximum enrolment of 150 students in Years 7 to 10.
Prospective applicants should be aware that there are generally very few vacancies in Years 8 to 10. There is an increased intake in Year 11 in addition to any vacancies that arise in that Year group.
Course Selection
All students are offered a place at SGHS on the understanding they will be full-time students. The only exceptions to this are students who, through illness or other exceptional personal circumstances, are granted an exemption.
The definition of a full-time senior student is one who maintains 12 units in Year 11 and 10 units in Year 12 in school-based courses. A student may apply to study an additional course outside although this requires school approval.
The school offers a wide choice of courses. Students are expected to choose from these courses. The school will make every effort to offer classes according to the interests of the students, from among these courses, however, depending on numerous factors in any particular year, we may or may not be able to guarantee enrolment in all classes requested.
Students requestion Leave / Exchange Students
The school is obliged to maintain full enrolment because of the high demand for places and the existence of reserve lists in all years. Therefore, it is not possible for a student to take leave to go on exchange except for very short periods, usually at the very end of Term 4 or the beginning of Term 1, utilising the summer vacation period.
Even study leave of this limited duration MUST be approved in advance by the principal. Exchange for a year or six months will not be considered. A student would have to relinquish their place at the school in these circumstances.
The school is not allowed to accommodate fee-paying overseas exchange students, temporary visa holders or students from exchange organisations.
Year 7
Entry into Year 7 is through the Selective School Test, which is organised by the Selective Schools Unit (SSU).
All applications are handled by the Selective Schools Unit.
All information regarding Year 7 Enrolment and the Selective School Test is available on the Selective Schools Unit website:
https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7
SSU can also be contacted at 1300 880 367
Applications for Year 7 usually open in late October when most students are in Year 5 and close in mid-November.
The state-wide Selective School Test is normally held early in Semester 1 of the following year.
Years 8 - 12
The Application Process
The application process includes several key components.
- All applicants must satisfy the requirements and undertake the application process for Selective Schools – Years 8 to 12 by the required date as published on the NSW Government Education website. Generally, applications open and close in June/July.
- All applicants must submit a portfolio highlighting their scholastic achievement.
- All applicants must also sit for the Edutest entrance test.
- Applicants may be required to undertake an interview with members of the selection panel.
It is essential that all applicants submit the Application Form together with their Student Portfolio to the school by the closing date on the Department's website. We do not accept applications via email due to the high number of applications received, and we cannot be responsible for the printing of documents. You may submit applications via post, courier or in person at the school office between 8.30 am and 3.30 pm Monday to Friday.
Applicants must also register and pay for the Edutest entrance test via the Edutest registration webpage by the closing date published on that site.
Should you require further information please feel free to contact our Enrolment Officer Ms Ilsa Gay, email: administration@sghs.nsw.edu.au
Key Dates for 2025 Enrolment
School application opens: Friday 21 June 2024
Edutest registration opens: Friday 21 June 2024
School application closes: Friday 26 July 2024
Edutest Entrance Test: Saturday 10 August 2024 at The Governors Centre, Sydney Girls High School
Selection Criteria
The selection panel will create a shortlist of candidates based on the results of the Edutest entrance test. A priority Reserve list will then be compiled based on the test results and Student Portfolio. Offers will be made according to the rank order of the priority reserve list.
Student Portfolio
The portfolio should include a one-page introductory letter together with supporting evidence from the current and previous calendar year including:
- The student’s school reports. All academic results and comments are reviewed with emphasis on those from English, Maths and Science.
- Academic results from any external competitions and or tests including the most recent NAPLAN results.
- Evidence of a balanced and resilient student who can thrive in a selective school environment such as extracurricular participation including sport, leadership roles, service, volunteer work etc.
Edutest Entrance Test
All applicants must complete the Edutest entrance test. Their test is used by numerous academically selective high schools as part of the selection process. Further information regarding the test can be found on their website including timelines for test registration which are generally in July.
Applicants are required to sit the test at a nominated venue on a specific date. Interstate and overseas applicants should notify Edutest of their need for remote testing which would incur an additional fee.
A combined application processing fee must be paid to Edutest.
Interview
Members of the selection committee may interview applicants to finalise the enrolment process. Interviews may be in person or online.
Course Acceleration
Entry into existing accelerated courses for new students is not possible.
Accepting the Offer
Unlike other government secondary schools, students must request enrolment at a selective school. In doing so, students and their parents must be aware of certain expectations of the SGHS School community.
Response to offers
If you receive an offer, please respond to the school as soon as possible. If you do not respond within 7 days or within the time specified on your offer letter, the school will assume that you do not want to accept the offer. Where your offer is made by telephone you must respond within 24 hours.
If you will be away on holiday when offers are being made, you should leave contact details with the selective school(s) or delegate someone to respond on your behalf.
The offer will be withdrawn if the student fails to enroll at the school at the beginning of the school year without providing a satisfactory explanation.
You must negotiate any deferment with the Principal. You cannot defer enrolment beyond the first day of Term 2 of the following year.
If you accept the offer then later change your mind, please tell the school immediately so that the next eligible.
School Tours
Should you wish to visit Sydney Girls High School, we hold regular school tours for prospective students and their parents, which run from 8.00-9.00 am.
Bookings should be made with the front office (Tel: 9331 2336)
Moving overseas
Moving overseas and need school reports authenticated for DFAT?
Email document.authentication@det.nsw.edu.au to arrange to bring original documents to 105 Phillip Street, Parramatta 2150.