It often feels like just yesterday you were teaching them to walk, and suddenly, you鈥檙e navigating the complex world of school open days and enrollment forms. We know that choosing a school is about more than just facilities or ATAR results; it鈥檚 about finding a community where your child will truly belong.
To help you start that journey, we鈥檝e gathered 20 private schools in Sydney that offer distinct approaches to education from faith-based to secular, and traditional to progressive.
Please note, this list is in no particular order and is not a ranking. Every child is different, and our goal is simply to shine a light on some of the wonderful options available to your family.
1. 91女神 Christian School
Location: Belrose | Type: Co-educational (Preschool 鈥� Year 12)
Located on the Northern Beaches, 91女神 is a co-educational Christian school operating under a unique parent-controlled model. It offers a holistic curriculum where faith and learning are deeply integrated, partnering closely with parents to raise children with a strong Christian perspective.
Location: Lane Cove | Type: Boys (Day and Boarding)
Commonly known as Riverview, this Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition is situated on a sprawling campus along the Lane Cove River. It emphasises the development of the "whole person," aiming to produce young men of competence, conscience, and compassion who are committed to service.
Location: Bellevue Hill | Type: Transitioning to Co-educational
Historically an Anglican boys' school, Cranbrook is undergoing a major evolution. Starting in 2026, the Senior School becomes co-educational, welcoming girls into Year 7 and Year 11. The school promotes a philosophy of "balance," encouraging students to pursue intellectual potential alongside creative and sporting interests.
Location: Stanmore | Type: Transitioning to Co-educational
Known for diversity and inclusivity, Newington is a Uniting Church school currently transitioning to co-education. From 2026, girls will be admitted into Kindergarten and Year 5, with the Senior School to follow. It offers both the HSC and IB Diploma, fostering critical thinking and global engagement.
Location: North Parramatta | Type: Boys (Day and Boarding)
Founded in 1831, King's is Australia鈥檚 oldest independent school, located on a massive 300-acre campus. It is renowned for its distinctive military uniform, academic rigour, and a strong focus on leadership, character development, and sporting excellence.
Location: Pymble | Type: Girls (Day and Boarding)
One of the largest girls' schools in NSW, Pymble offers extensive facilities and a broad curriculum on the Upper North Shore. The college focuses on empowering young women to become influential global citizens through a balance of academic, sporting, and cultural opportunities.
Location: Wahroonga | Type: Boys (Day and Boarding)
A Uniting Church school noted for its "Knox Total Fitness" program, which supports boys academically, physically, and spiri
Location: Darlinghurst | Type: Boys
Sydney Grammar is a secular, non-denominational school renowned for its high academic standards and liberal education. With a historic campus near the CBD, it places a heavy emphasis on intellectual curiosity, music, and distinctively broad co-curricular programs.
Location: Wahroonga | Type: Girls (Day and Boarding)
Abbotsleigh is an Anglican school with a reputation for empowering young women through a rigorous academic program. It balances high educational standards with service learning and sport, operating across junior and senior campuses in Wahroonga.
Location: Darlinghurst | Type: Girls
Located in the heart of inner-city Sydney, SCEGGS uses its location to engage students deeply with the city鈥檚 cultural resources. The school prizes individuality and aims to provide a well-rounded education that fosters confidence and independence.
Location: Bellevue Hill | Type: Boys (Day and Boarding)
A Presbyterian school known for its strong Scottish heritage and pipe band. Scots emphasises experiential learning, most notably through its Glengarry outdoor education campus in the Kangaroo Valley, a rite of passage for Year 9 boys.
Location: Hornsby | Type: Co-educational
Barker College has completed its transition and is now fully co-educational from Pre-K to Year 12. It is well-regarded for its strong robotics, agriculture, and sports programs, offering a diverse and inclusive environment on the Upper North Shore.
Location: Strathfield | Type: Girls
Meriden is an Anglican school in the Inner West known for its friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. It places a strong emphasis on music and sport, focusing on producing articulate and confident young women prepared for leadership.
Location: Rose Bay | Type: Girls (Day and Boarding)
With spectacular views of the harbour, Kambala offers both the HSC and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The school values academic excellence alongside a nurturing pastoral care program to help girls flourish.
Location: North Sydney | Type: Boys (Co-ed K-2)
Shore is deeply rooted in the Anglican tradition and focuses heavily on character formation. While primarily a boys' school, it operates a co-educational Early Learning Centre and K-2 campus, maintaining high academic and sporting standards.
Location: Cremorne | Type: Co-educational
Redlands is an independent, co-educational school that offers families the choice between the HSC and the International Baccalaureate. It is known for its inclusive environment and global perspective, welcoming students of all backgrounds.
Location: Kirribilli | Type: Girls
A Catholic school located on the harbour foreshore, Loreto follows the Mary Ward tradition of educating women to be "seekers of truth and doers of justice." It is highly regarded for its strong social justice programs and academic results.
Location: Waverley | Type: Girls (Day and Boarding)
Established in 1856, St Catherine鈥檚 is Australia鈥檚 oldest independent Anglican girls' school. It focuses on positive psychology and academic challenge, offering a supportive environment near the eastern beaches.
Location: Summer Hill | Type: Boys
Trinity Grammar offers a wide range of vocational and academic pathways, including the IB Diploma. The school is particularly well-regarded for its arts and music programs, as well as its large cadet unit.
Location: Mosman | Type: Girls
A non-denominational, secular school on the Lower North Shore with a strong focus on liberal arts and sciences. Queenwood encourages girls to pursue their own paths, offering a balanced curriculum that values both academic and creative pursuits.
Summary of 2026 Changes
Cranbrook School: Co-ed transition begins (Girls admitted to Year 7 & 11).
Newington College: Co-ed transition begins (Girls admitted to Kindy & Year 5).
