导航|地址|刷新
Girls' Private Schools in Sydney - Educa…

menuWhirlpoolGo to navigation

Whirlpool

Search

Forums

Education

Girls' Private Schools in Sydney

Archive ViewReturn to standard view

from July 2015

to July 2026

last updated –
posted 2026-Jul-31, 1:37 pm AEST

posted 2026-Jul-31, 1:37 pm AEST

User #6945345posts

koalansw3

I'm new here, please be nice

reference: whrl.pl/RelvMv

posted 2015-Jul-7, 4:20 am AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelvMv

posted 2015-Jul-7, 4:20 am AEST

O.P.

Hello,
We'll be moving to Sydney from overseas and due to some curriculum-related and other reasons will be using private schools. Would welcome any recommendations on girls' schools (high school level) which are strong, but not overly elitist or formal. Do any exist?

Also thinking about Lycee Condorcet. Any experience at the high school level with that school?

Thank you!

User #4438283565posts

Doormouse1

Whirlpool Forums Addict

reference: whrl.pl/RelvO6

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:47 am AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelvO6

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:47 am AEST

koalansw3 writes...

We'll be moving to Sydney from overseas and due to some curriculum-related and other reasons will be using private schools. Would welcome any recommendations on girls' schools (high school level) which are strong, but not overly elitist or formal. Do any exist?

Also thinking about Lycee Condorcet. Any experience at the high school level with that school?

Are you coming from France? I had never heard of Lycée Condorcet and after a quick google it seems to be a very unique school for Australia/NSW. It doesn't follow the NSW curriculum etc and follows French curriculum. If you are looking for something like that, then I don't know of many that will be able to assist (apart from what you have found). That's a bit more than just 'strong, but not overly elitist or formal' (which i originally thought were quite broad requirements – but if your looking at Lycée Condorcet that's a very narrow range of schools!).

Are you looking for single sex (you mentioned girls' school) or are you keen (or happy) for co-ed? Other aspects that come with picking private schools are budget as there's quite a range.

In terms of other schools, i can't think of any like that one. School's with a more 'international' focus could include (off the top of my head) International Grammar School in Ultimo.

Alternatively if you're keen on schools that offer the IB in senior levels rather than just the HSC (is that the 'curriculum' issue?) then schools like SCEGGS Redlands could be an option – there are lists available online of schools that offer the IB.

User #32030433717posts

Miss Purple

Whirlpool Forums Addict

reference: whrl.pl/RelvQk

posted 2015-Jul-7, 7:22 am AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelvQk

posted 2015-Jul-7, 7:22 am AEST

Have you thought about Catholic schools?

Some private girls' schools may have a waiting list so how quickly do you need to get in?

I don't know Lycee Condorcet. But if you are interested in the curriculum or feel of a school you can probably look up their website and arrange a visit and see if you like it.

User #6945345posts

koalansw3

I'm new here, please be nice

reference: whrl.pl/RelvWA

posted 2015-Jul-7, 8:20 am AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelvWA

posted 2015-Jul-7, 8:20 am AEST

O.P.

Hi, Lycee Condorcet is an option for us because it runs on the Northern Hemisphere schedule, is co-ed and offers the IB. However, it does, as you note, follow the French curriculum if you don't do the IB. We prefer co-ed schools (ideally with the IB), but we might also have to consider girls-only schools (due to waiting lists, location and a couple of other factors). The girls-only schools all seem pretty formal...

User #6945345posts

koalansw3

I'm new here, please be nice

reference: whrl.pl/RelvWQ

posted 2015-Jul-7, 8:22 am AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelvWQ

posted 2015-Jul-7, 8:22 am AEST

O.P.

We've decided against Catholic schools, as we're not religious. We have some time to decide, but we live far away so we're trying to narrow down the list of which ones to visit...

User #51182653posts

ValenMinbari

Participant

reference: whrl.pl/RelwnD

posted 2015-Jul-7, 11:13 am AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelwnD

posted 2015-Jul-7, 11:13 am AEST

People are going to assume you mean single sex schools because of the title. I'd suggest you mention you prefer co ed in the original post. Co ed is far more common anyway.

User #4755941992posts

chillwave

Whirlpool Enthusiast

reference: whrl.pl/RelxNr

posted 2015-Jul-7, 5:52 pm AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelxNr

posted 2015-Jul-7, 5:52 pm AEST

Couple of things to think about:

1. Secular, co-ed and private is a rare combination. I can only think of Reddam House and IGS. As you might imagine, being non-religious these are quite 'progressive' so to speak, meaning lax uniform restrictions etc. I'd say Lycee Condorcet is quite similar in culture, except of course all the kids are French. If you're not French, bad idea.

2. The more expensive private schools go, the less religion matters (it's basically just there for tradition's sake). The very best girls schools are SCEGGS Darlinghurst, Abbotsleigh, Ascham and Kambala. These are all $25k-$30k+ p.a however. Kambala/Ascham are by far the most elitist, although you'll find Australia is very egalitarian and wealth is no social barrier between classmates.

3. If co-ed is important, you might also consider SCEGGS redlands.

If you let us know where you will be living, that will immediately narrow down the list.

User #5742111080posts

NatashaP

Whirlpool Enthusiast

reference: whrl.pl/RelxTY

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:25 pm AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelxTY

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:25 pm AEST

koalansw3 writes...

Also thinking about Lycee Condorcet. Any experience at the high school level with that school?

I know this school. I remember they used to teach classes in French but I think that has changed.

Where do you live in Sydney? Because there are a lot of schools.
Also, how old is your girl?
What are her talents? Is she musical? Academic? What kind of subjects? Sporty?
What does she dislike – subjects, sports etc?

Someone mentioned IGS, I know someone who attended it and LOVED it but didn't learn anything. She said it's very social and not academically rigorous. Obviously people will have different experiences but there is one.

St Andrews is good. It is Anglican but not really 'religious' like most Catholic schools. While the title hints at it being religious it really isn't in the same league as other religious schools. That is girls only until year 10 then co-ed.

SCEGGS Darlinghurst is absolutely amazing. I have not heard of one person who disliked that school. Good academics and amazing social reputation. I would have loved to have graduated from that school but stayed at mine. I don't want to say my school name but I will say principals at girls schools envy that school because students in high school constantly apply for it so they lose great students to it.

What do you mean by elitist? If you mean people acting superior to others that is a personality issue not a school issue. I went to an 'elitist' school and I certainly don't act superior to others. There will be people that do at every school. Whether it's for looks, intelligence, male friends etc.

User #5742111080posts

NatashaP

Whirlpool Enthusiast

reference: whrl.pl/RelxVy

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:27 pm AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelxVy

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:27 pm AEST

chillwave writes...

2. The more expensive private schools go, the less religion matters (it's basically just there for tradition's sake). The very best girls schools are SCEGGS Darlinghurst, Abbotsleigh, Ascham and Kambala. These are all $25k-$30k+ p.a however. Kambala/Ascham are by far the most elitist, although you'll find Australia is very egalitarian and wealth is no social barrier between classmates.

So true.
Kambala used to be Anglican but dropped that in 2000.
My experience (and I know what I am talking about):
Best to worst

1. Sceggs D

2. Ascham - this is an amazing school but seriously challenging academically. Hence it coming second. If you don't work or keep yourself accountable you will hate it. Very old money (but since the old principal left it has become MUCH more liberal accepting students it never would have 10 years ago and the education quality has simultaneously declined). Shame because it was truly incredible for a while.

3. Abbotsleigh

7834810923910. Kambala - for reasons. Fabulous English department though. You don't learn independence - Very spoon-fed education. New money.

User #606914428posts

MaxB12

Forum Regular

reference: whrl.pl/RelxWE

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:33 pm AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelxWE

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:33 pm AEST

Where are you going to live? In my opinion that is the main factor as you really do not want your daughter to have to travel across Sydney (although many do) to go to school – or yourself either as most schools have extra-curricular activities outside school hours that don't work so well with public transport.

Some schools to consider (and I will probably leave some off the list – my girls attend one of the following so just going off the ones I know from sport related activities) :

Sydney East: Kambala, St Catherine's, Ascham, Redlands, Sceggs Darlinghurst
Inner West: PLC Sydney, MLC Burwood, Meridan, Santa Sabina, International Grammar School (Co-Ed but may work for you);
North: Abbotsleigh, Ravenswood, PLC Pymble, Roseville College, Loreto Kirribilli Loreto Normanhurst, Wenona, Queenwood, SCEGGS Redlands.

Around half of those schools offer the IB. I know girls at most of the schools on the list, all seem very happy. I would however caution against travelling too far to school. To give you an idea, we live 10 minutes from my daughters school by car. The school bus works for her 2 out of every 10 trips on a school week because 4 out of 5 days she has school activities starting at 7am (or earlier) and finishing at 6pm (she does a lot of sport and music). As we are close to the school, we can either pick up or easily carpool as many other families live near by.

Best of luck with your decision!

User #606914428posts

MaxB12

Forum Regular

reference: whrl.pl/RelxW6

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:35 pm AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelxW6

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:35 pm AEST

I also disagree with the pp's "best" list – however I haven't had children at those schools.

My experience is really inner west – I have children at one of those schools and my wife has taught at another (now teaches at a boys school).

User #606914428posts

MaxB12

Forum Regular

reference: whrl.pl/RelxXD

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:39 pm AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelxXD

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:39 pm AEST

And don't let rumours of waiting lists deter you. The schools even with the longest of lists look favourably on overseas transfers. Kind of a mutual agreement for their own students who may have to relocate.

User #4438283565posts

Doormouse1

Whirlpool Forums Addict

reference: whrl.pl/RelxZ8

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:52 pm AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelxZ8

posted 2015-Jul-7, 6:52 pm AEST

koalansw3 writes...

Hi, Lycee Condorcet is an option for us because it runs on the Northern Hemisphere schedule, is co-ed and offers the IB.

Ok I'm not sure there will be many other schools that operate on the northern hemisphere schedule – is that a requirement?

The girls-only schools all seem pretty formal...

What do you mean by formal? Required to wear school informs? (99.9% of schools do). I guess some of the top private schools are more strict about wearing uniforms etc.

I agree with people's lists of schools above (although I'm biased) however also note that budget will come into it. At Sceggs Darlinghurst, Ascham etc fees at the moment are aprox $30k for year 12.

Sceggs Redlands could be an option – co-ed, does IB and a bit different to the others (not quite 'alternative' but perhaps almost).

On the religious front, a lot of the private schools have some form of religious affiliation but the extent to which it affects school life / routine varies eg some just have chapel once a week but don't ram it down people's throats / account for all beliefs really etc. (and aren't actually linked to a church anymore) ie can be more focused on the ethics then the religion aspects (particularly the catholic ones) others are a lot more religious, so don't necessary discount schools just because it technically has some form of affiliation.

User #606914428posts

MaxB12

Forum Regular

reference: whrl.pl/Relx2y

posted 2015-Jul-7, 7:05 pm AEST

ref: whrl.pl/Relx2y

posted 2015-Jul-7, 7:05 pm AEST

I agree not to let religious affiliation influence you until you visit and investigate the school – my DD's school has Christian Studies once every 2 weeks (50 minutes) and Chapel once a term and they are technically a "religious" school. It is more pastoral care.

Some emphasise religion more than others (compulsory study in Year 12 for example).

Decide where you are going to live first and then start looking at schools :) – there are many good ones in Sydney.

User #606914428posts

MaxB12

Forum Regular

reference: whrl.pl/Relx2H

posted 2015-Jul-7, 7:06 pm AEST

ref: whrl.pl/Relx2H

posted 2015-Jul-7, 7:06 pm AEST

And I think all schools listed in this thread are more than $30K in senior years.

Sad but true.

User #1236065090posts

Xanthivar

Whirlpool Forums Addict

reference: whrl.pl/Relyl3

posted 2015-Jul-7, 9:00 pm AEST

ref: whrl.pl/Relyl3

posted 2015-Jul-7, 9:00 pm AEST

Be aware that a lot of the schools have long wait lists, so even getting a look in might be hard depending what year(s) you wish your daughter to start.
I used to work at Loreto and we had wait lists for Year 7 for many, many students over the intake numbers.

User #5402352977posts

Beer Baron

Whirlpool Forums Addict

reference: whrl.pl/RelyzJ

posted 2015-Jul-7, 10:04 pm AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelyzJ

posted 2015-Jul-7, 10:04 pm AEST

koalansw3 writes...

. Do any exist?

Here is my 2 cents worth.

In Sydney, I don't think you will find many private schools that aren't overly elitist or formal. However, there are catholic schools (that are sort of semi private), and many catholic schools aren't too full on with religion if that's what you're worried about.

Don't rule out public schools, because there are some very good public schools that do exist (that might be even better than most private schools, just without the luxuries), but you need to do your research with the demographics of the students attending these public schools.

User #4755941992posts

chillwave

Whirlpool Enthusiast

reference: whrl.pl/RelBJ9

posted 2015-Jul-8, 9:15 pm AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelBJ9

posted 2015-Jul-8, 9:15 pm AEST

NatashaP writes...

7834810923910. Kambala – for reasons. Fabulous English department though. You don't learn independence – Very spoon-fed education. New money.

Ahh you're barking up the wrong tree here...

In 2013, Kambala beat SCEGGS by 10 places in the HSC. In 2012, SCEGGS beat Kambala by 3, and in 2011 they were placed 13 and 14.

All these schools are incredible similar. I've known many people who've graduated from all in the past 5 years.

The biggest problem with Kambala is their lack of a decent music department, and the teachers who pander to the parents with 3 hour long speech days.

But the education is great, and the harbour views from the year 12 common room are sensational.

User #5742111080posts

NatashaP

Whirlpool Enthusiast

reference: whrl.pl/RelCIk

posted 2015-Jul-9, 8:46 am AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelCIk

posted 2015-Jul-9, 8:46 am AEST

chillwave writes...

Ahh you're barking up the wrong tree here...

Actually no I'm not.
I definitely know what I'm talking about.
I went to these schools myself.

In 2013, Kambala beat SCEGGS by 10 places in the HSC. In 2012, SCEGGS beat Kambala by 3, and in 2011 they were placed 13 and 14.

So? James Ruse came first and I know many people from there who hated it.
School is about more than HSC ranking. I don't know ONE person who didn't like SCEGGS. I know PLENTY who hated Kambala.
I did very well at school and hated it and it still affects me today. Beyond emotional issues, networking, the indirect aspects of school.

All these schools are incredible similar. I've known many people who've graduated from all in the past 5 years.

No they aren't. Not at all.
All my friends are from these schools and the brother schools.

User #5742111080posts

NatashaP

Whirlpool Enthusiast

reference: whrl.pl/RelCII

posted 2015-Jul-9, 8:49 am AEST

ref: whrl.pl/RelCII

posted 2015-Jul-9, 8:49 am AEST

chillwave writes...

The biggest problem with Kambala is their lack of a decent music department, and the teachers who pander to the parents with 3 hour long speech days.

Music is always under-resourced but it's MUCH better than other schools. And the Head of Music is incredible.
And Speech Day used to be THE ENTIRE DAY. Literally from 8 or 9am to the afternoon. 3 hours is nothing.
Seriously if that's the biggest issue you think the school has then wow.

But the education is great, and the harbour views from the year 12 common room are sensational.

The education is OK. Definitely not the best. You see where those students are in University. I know for a fact Economics is taught as to be memorised from the book.
Try applying that at an undergraduate level.

And the view? Your points are so odd. The view and Speech Day? Ok....

Look if you are a fan of the school then just say so. Like I wrote in my initial post everyone will have different experiences. But don't act like my view is the odd one because it definitely is not.
I think you need to branch out more with the students who have graduated from there.

They complain when the University lecturer doesn't remind them their assignments are due or place some emotional investment in their marks. They want their hands to be held and they are adults. That reflects really poorly on their education experience at high school. Beyond marks they should be taught independence and accountability which they aren't.
…(内容过长已截断)

------
导航页打开网址