North Sydney Boys High School is one of the most prestigious boys' selective schools in NSW. Located in Crows Nest on Sydney's Lower North Shore, it regularly trades top HSC positions with James Ruse and is considered an elite academic institution with a strong tradition of excellence.
Elite boys' school that often trades top HSC positions with James Ruse. One of the two or three hardest schools in the state to enter.
Key Features
Languages: Japanese, French, Latin
Estimated Cutoff Scores
How North Sydney Boys compares under the old and new test systems.
Entry Requirements
- 1Sit the NSW Selective High School Placement Test (May 2026)
- 2List North Sydney Boys 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 North Sydney Boys entry.
Preparing for North Sydney Boys means targeting the top band in every section. The estimated cutoff scores place this school among the most competitive in NSW, so balanced excellence is essential.
Assess Current Level
Target Your Weaknesses
Master Time Management
Polish Your Writing
Simulate Exam Day
Focus on advanced Thinking Skills strategies, timed writing under exam conditions, and reading comprehension at the highest difficulty level. AI writing feedback can help identify exactly where to improve your argument structure and expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from parents about North Sydney Boys.
North Sydney Boys is estimated to require scores in the range of 105-115 out of 120 on the new computer-based test format (equivalent to approximately 230-240 out of 300 on the old system). These are estimates — NSW DoE no longer publishes official cut-off scores.
North Sydney Boys is generally considered more competitive for entry, with higher estimated cutoff scores. Both are elite boys' selective schools, but North Sydney Boys consistently ranks higher in HSC results. Sydney Boys has a strong sport and tradition overlay. Many families preference both.
North Sydney Boys offers approximately 150 Year 7 places each year through the NSW Selective High School Placement Test. With extremely high applicant numbers, competition for entry is intense.
North Sydney Boys is located in Crows Nest with good train and bus access. However, families from Western Sydney may face commutes of 60-90+ minutes each way. Consider whether a closer Tier 1 school like Baulkham Hills or James Ruse might be more practical for daily travel.
North Sydney Boys is known for elite academic results, particularly in science, mathematics, and computing. It has a strong school culture, the prestigious Old Falconians alumni network, and a reputation as one of the two or three most competitive selective schools in NSW.