Sydney Boys High School is one of NSW's most prestigious selective boys' schools, located in Moore Park near the CBD. Founded in 1883, it combines a strong academic tradition with an exceptional sporting culture, making it unique among selective schools for its emphasis on the 'complete scholar-sportsman'.
Elite boys' school with a distinctive blend of high academic standards and a strong sporting identity. A prestige choice for families in the Inner City and Eastern Suburbs seeking both academic rigour and a well-rounded school experience.
Key Features
Languages: French, Japanese, Chinese
Estimated Cutoff Scores
How Sydney Boys compares under the old and new test systems.
Entry Requirements
- 1Sit the NSW Selective High School Placement Test (May 2026)
- 2List 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 Sydney Boys entry.
Preparing for 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 Sydney Boys.
Sydney Boys High School is estimated to require scores in the range of 100–110 out of 120 on the new computer-based test format (equivalent to approximately 220–230 out of 300 on the old system). NSW DoE no longer publishes official cut-off scores, so these are estimates based on historical data and market analysis.
Both are elite boys' selective schools, but they differ in profile. North Sydney Boys (Tier 1) generally has higher estimated cutoffs and a slightly stronger academic reputation. Sydney Boys (Tier 2) offers a unique combination of academics and elite sport through its GPS membership. The choice often comes down to geography, with Eastern Suburbs and Inner City families preferring Sydney Boys, and North Shore families preferring North Sydney Boys.
Yes. Sydney Boys is a member of the GPS (Great Public Schools) sporting association, which is unique among selective schools. Students can compete at a high level in rowing, rugby, athletics, cricket, and more. This makes Sydney Boys distinctive for families who value both academic excellence and serious sport.
Sydney Boys offers approximately 180 Year 7 places each year, making it one of the larger selective school intakes. Despite the larger intake, competition remains very strong given the school's prestige and central location.
Yes. Located in Moore Park, Sydney Boys is very accessible from the Eastern Suburbs, Inner City, and CBD via public transport. For families in these areas, it avoids the long commutes required to reach North Shore or Hills District selective schools, while offering a comparable academic standard.