Fort Street High School is one of the most historically significant selective schools in NSW, located in Petersham in Sydney's Inner West. Founded in 1849, it is the oldest selective high school in Australia and retains a strong academic brand with deep local loyalty, particularly among Inner West and inner-city families.
Historic prestige with fierce Inner West loyalty. Parents choose Fort Street for its academic strength, co-ed environment, and the cultural value of attending Australia's oldest selective school.
Key Features
Languages: French, Japanese, Italian
Estimated Cutoff Scores
How Fort Street compares under the old and new test systems.
Entry Requirements
- 1Sit the NSW Selective High School Placement Test (May 2026)
- 2List Fort Street as a preference on your application
- 3Score competitively across all four modules: Reading, Maths, Thinking Skills, and Writing
- 4Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
How to Prepare
A structured approach to preparing for Fort Street entry.
A strong, balanced performance across all four sections is key to gaining entry to Fort Street. Consistent practice across Reading, Maths, Thinking Skills, and Writing will build the confidence and speed needed for test day.
Assess Current Level
Target Your Weaknesses
Master Time Management
Polish Your Writing
Simulate Exam Day
Practise under timed conditions to build exam stamina and focus on any weaker areas. Use AI writing feedback to refine your typed responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from parents about Fort Street.
Fort Street is estimated to require scores in the range of 97–103 out of 120 on the new computer-based test format (equivalent to approximately 216–222 out of 300 on the old system). These are estimates, as NSW DoE no longer publishes official cut-off scores.
Yes. Fort Street is a fully co-educational selective school, which sets it apart from many other high-ranking selective schools in the Inner City area that are single-sex (such as Sydney Boys and Sydney Girls). This makes it a top choice for families who prefer a co-ed environment.
Many Inner West families prioritise Fort Street because of its proximity, historic prestige, co-ed environment, and strong community culture. For families in Petersham, Newtown, Marrickville, and surrounding suburbs, it avoids long commutes to other selective schools while offering excellent academic outcomes and a unique school identity.
Fort Street offers approximately 150 Year 7 places each year. As one of the larger co-ed selective intakes in the Inner City, it attracts strong demand from across the Inner West and beyond.
Fort Street was founded in 1849, making it the oldest selective high school in Australia. Its alumni — known as 'Fortians' — include notable figures in politics, law, journalism, and the arts. The school's heritage is a source of pride and a distinctive part of its identity.