Enrolment

Sydney Girls High School is a selective state school and has a rigorous admissions process.

In Year 7, selection is based on academic merit, and in Years 8-11, selection is based on academic merit, participation, and achievement in a range of co-curricular, competition, and leadership activities.

In Years 7 to 10, there is a maximum enrolment of 150 students per year group, and vacancies are limited. In Years 11, up to 25 places may be offered, subject to applicants satisfying the selection criteria. Sydney Girls High School does not accept students into Year 12.

Enrolment is available to Australian citizens, permanent residents or families of diplomats. Applicants must meet the residency requirements to enrol at a selective high school:

• Students and their families must be living in NSW by the beginning of the school year of entry.
• Conditions may apply to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of Australia or citizens of New Zealand. Review the conditions at Visa subclasses and enrolment conditions.

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.

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.

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.

The Application Process

Key dates for the 2026 enrolment intake for Years 8-11 are listed below:

Applications Open: Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Applications Close: Friday, 25 July 2025, 3 pm AEST

Edutest entry test date: Saturday, 16 August 2025

The application process includes several key components, and all applicants must:

• satisfy the requirements and undertake the application process for Selective Schools – Years 8 to 11 by the required date as published on the NSW Government Education website
• submit the Sydney Girls High School Application to Enrol in Years 8 to 11 form
• submit a portfolio highlighting their academic and co-curricular achievement
• must sit for the Edutest entrance test
• undertake an interview, if requested.

It is essential that all applicants submit their complete application to the school by the closing date on the Department's website.

The school does not accept applications via email. 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 from 18^th June to the 25^th July 2025. The school office is closed during the July school holiday.

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 contact the school via email: administration@sghs.nsw.edu.au

Student Portfolio

The portfolio should include supporting evidence from the current and previous calendar year, including:

• The student’s school reports. All academic results and comments are reviewed, emphasising 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. Further information regarding the test can be found on their website including timelines for test registration.

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 will incur an additional fee.

A combined application processing fee must be paid to Edutest.

Selection Process

The selection process is overseen by the selection committee which consists of the school principal, the deputy principal, the student support officer and teaching staff.

The selection committee will create a longlist of candidates based on the results of the Edutest entrance test. After evaluation of these candidates’ portfolios, a shortlist will be compiled, and these candidates will be interviewed.

Candidates who are successful at the interview will be offered places.

Course Acceleration

Entry into existing accelerated courses for new students is not possible.

Response to offers

If you receive an offer, please respond to the school as soon as possible. If you do not respond within the time specified in your offer letter, the school will assume you do not want to accept the offer.

If you will be away on holiday when offers are being made, you should leave alternative contact details or delegate someone to respond on your behalf.