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NSW school rankings

Published lists of top-performing NSW schools, based on NAPLAN 2024 results released by ACARA in December 2024.

Rankings measure test results only — they don't measure how happy, safe or supported children feel. Many top-listed schools are selective or have Opportunity Classes, which means students pass an exam to get in. A local school where your child feels welcome matters more than a number. Rankings change every year; check the sources below for the latest.

Top primary schools — Year 5 NAPLAN 2024

Ranked by average Year 5 NAPLAN score. Government schools marked 'Opportunity Class' run classes for high-potential students (entry by exam in Year 4).

1

Sydney Grammar School

Darlinghurst

Independent
2

Abbotsleigh

Wahroonga

Independent
3

Woollahra Public School

Woollahra

GovernmentOpportunity Class
4

Matthew Pearce Public School

Baulkham Hills

GovernmentOpportunity Class
5

Beecroft Public School

Beecroft

GovernmentOpportunity Class
6

Artarmon Public School

Artarmon

GovernmentOpportunity Class
7

Balmain Public School

Balmain

GovernmentOpportunity Class
8

Pymble Ladies' College

Pymble

Independent
9

Northcross Christian School

Ryde

Independent
10

Hornsby North Public School

Hornsby

Government
11

Al-Faisal College

Campbelltown

Independent
12

St Aloysius' College

Kirribilli

Independent
13

Meriden School

Strathfield

Independent
14

Dural Public School

Dural

GovernmentOpportunity Class
15

Knox Grammar School

Wahroonga

Independent
16

Oakhill Drive Public School

Castle Hill

Government
17

Summer Hill Public School

Summer Hill

GovernmentOpportunity Class

Top high schools — Year 9 NAPLAN 2024

Ranked by average Year 9 NAPLAN score. Most top schools here are fully selective — entry is by the Selective High School Placement Test in Year 6.

1

James Ruse Agricultural High School

Carlingford

GovernmentSelective
2

North Sydney Boys High School

Crows Nest

GovernmentSelective
3

Sydney Grammar School

Darlinghurst

Independent
4

North Sydney Girls High School

Crows Nest

GovernmentSelective
5

Sydney Boys High School

Surry Hills

GovernmentSelective
6

Baulkham Hills High School

Baulkham Hills

GovernmentSelective
7

Sydney Girls High School

Surry Hills

GovernmentSelective
8

Hornsby Girls High School

Hornsby

GovernmentSelective
9

Normanhurst Boys High School

Normanhurst

GovernmentSelective
10

Girraween High School

Girraween

GovernmentSelective
11

Fort Street High School

Petersham

GovernmentSelective
12

St Aloysius' College

Milsons Point

Independent
13

Penrith High School

Penrith

GovernmentSelective
14

Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus

Manly

GovernmentSelective
15

Caringbah High School

Caringbah

GovernmentSelective

Check the latest results yourself

My School (ACARA) — official

The Australian Government's official site. Compare any school's NAPLAN results, student background and finances. Free.

Better Education — NSW rankings

Independent site publishing HSC and primary school rankings each year. Some features are paid.

NSW Education — HSC honour rolls

NESA publishes the official HSC Distinguished Achievers and Top Achievers lists each December.