Top 10 Girls’ Schools in Sydney (2024)
Discover Sydney's best private girls schools. Our latest Schools360 rankings showcase the top 10 schools based on our independent, rigorous 360 analysis encompassing Academic Excellence, Student Development & Wellbeing, Learning Programs, Learning Environment, and Institutional Excellence.
***What’s new in our 2024 rankings?*** Our Schools360 framework has had some minor updates based on feedback from parents to ensure that we continue to analyse what’s important. Some individual scoring elements have changed to provide a greater focus on: school diversity; anti-bullying policies and practices; inclusive educational practices; social justice initiatives; outdoor education; practical-based learning; and, career readiness.
| 2024 Ranking | 2023 Ranking | School | Schools360 score | Location | Affiliation | # of students | Grades | Avg. Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | St Catherine’s School | 92.5% | Waverley | Anglican | 1060 | ELC3 - Year 12 | $40,133 |
| 2 | 1 | Pymble Ladies’ College | 92.0% | Pymble | Uniting Church | 2377 | ELC3 - Year 12 | $39,236 |
| 3 | 2 | Loreto Kirribilli | 90.9% | Kirribilli | Catholic | 1164 | ELC3 - Year 12 | $30,530 |
| 4 | 7 | Ravenswood School for Girls | 90.7% | Gordon | Uniting Church | 1405 | ELC3 - Year 12 | $38,277 |
| 5 (=) | 4 | Abbotsleigh | 90.2% | Wahroonga | Anglican | 1580 | ELC3 - Year 12 | $37,760 |
| 5 (=) | 6 | Kambala Girls | 90.2% | Rose Bay | Anglican | 984 | ELC3 - Year 12 | $45,783 |
| 7 | 7 | PLC Sydney | 89.8% | Croydon | Presbyterian | 1458 | ELC3 - Year 12 | $40,500 |
| 8 | 5 | MLC School | 89.4% | Burwood | Methodist | 1329 | ELC3 - Year 12 | $38,181 |
| 9 | 11 | Wenona School | 88.6% | North Sydney | No religious affiliation | 1349 | ELC3 - Year 12 | data not available |
| 10 (=) | 18 | Meriden School | 88.1% | Strathfield | Anglican | 1647 | ELC3 - Year 12 | $36,420 |
| 10 (=) | 10 | SCEGGS Darlinghurst | 88.1% | Darlinghurst | Anglican | 932 | ELC3 - Year 12 | $44,373 |
Avg. Fees calculated using the most recent published tuition fees for Years 7, 9 & 12 (as at 1 July 2024).
Each of these schools specialises in educating girls, and each stands out with its own unique strengths, ranging from top academic performance and diverse curriculums, to state-of-the-art facilities and innovative teaching methods, to impressive sporting performance and vibrant arts and music programs. Dive into this comprehensive overview of Sydney’s best girls’ schools to help guide your decision-making journey for your child's future.
Image credit: Pymble Ladies' College
Explore our Schools Directory with over 50 school profiles and detailed analysis of the best private schools in Sydney
#1 Girls’ School in Sydney | St Catherine’s School | Waverley
St Catherine’s School takes the number one spot as Sydney’s best private girls’ school in 2024. Up from third place last year, in 2024 St Catherine’s achieved a Schools360 score of 92.5%. The school delivers consistently high academic results, achieving a median ATAR of 91.5% in 2022 and 91.05% in 2023. The school is renowned for its strong focus on student wellbeing, and comprehensive student support programs that foster personal growth, encouraging students to excel not only academically but also in various facets of their lives. In addition to academic excellence, the school excels in sport, performing arts, STEM, and leadership development. St Catherines extensive co-curricular offering, ‘Beyond the Curriculum’, provides students the opportunity to ‘have a go’ at developing new skills and discovering a new passion; opportunities include Ballet, Cadets, and Surf Life Saving. St Catherine’s, Australia's oldest Anglican girls' school, has an enduring reputation as one of the finest private education institutions in Australia.
#2 Girls’ School in Sydney | Pymble Ladies College | Pymble
Pymble Ladies’ College maintains its reputation as one of Sydney’s best girls’ schools, ranking second in 2024. With a Schools360 score of 92.0%, Pymble Ladies’ College excels in academic excellence, co-curricular offerings, learning environment, and technology and innovation. The school delivers consistently high NAPLAN and HSC results, in 2023 their median ATAR was 90.45%, slightly down from 90.9% in 2022. Pymble Ladies’ College focuses on four key intelligences: academic, social, emotional and digital; empowering students to be confident, well-rounded and innovative future leaders. Pymble Ladies’ College is the largest private girls’ school with over 2,300 students, its campus sits on 50 acres of park-like grounds on Sydney’s upper North Shore. The school has a strong sporting culture, students have access to a range of sports, excellent facilities and comprehensive athlete programs. Pymble Ladies’ College has a strong future vision and stands out in its commitment to advancing girls’ education, continuing to make a strong impact with its ‘Watch Us Change the World’ campaign.
#3 Girls’ School in Sydney | Loreto Kirribilli | Kirribilli
Loreto Kirribilli is ranked in the top three for a second consecutive year, and maintains its position as the top-ranked Catholic girls’ school in Sydney. Loreto Kirribilli achieved a Schools360 Score of 90.9%, reflecting its dedication to providing a comprehensive and impactful educational experience for girls. The school performs well academically, achieving high NAPLAN and HSC results, in 2023, 52% of their HSC students achieved an ATAR above 90%. Loreto Kirribilli is known for nurturing well-rounded individuals and providing a holistic education. The school has a comprehensive sports program, impressive sports facilities, and a history of outstanding sports achievements. Loreto Kirribilli’s has a distinctive focus on sustainability education, environmental awareness and sustainability practices. As a Catholic institution, Loreto places a strong emphasis on faith and service; encouraging students to participate in social justice initiatives and having a positive impact. Loreto Kirribilli offers families excellent value, with average fees of $30,530 (the lowest any school to make the top ten list).
Image credit: Ravenswood School for Girls, Gordon
Academic Results 2023*
*Note that the 360 analysis utilises the available 2023 HSC/IB/ATAR data. Click Here for the latest HSC results or visit the individual school websites.
| 2024 Ranking | School | Median ATAR | ATAR % >95 | ATAR % >90 | SMH Rank | HSC Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Catherine’s School | 91.05% | data not available | data not available | 21 | 38% |
| 2 | Pymble Ladies’ College | 90.45% | 33.00% | 51% | 19 | 38% |
| 3 | Loreto Kirribilli | data not available | 27.00% | 52% | 22 | 38% |
| 4 | Ravenswood School for Girls | 90.40% | 30.00% | 52% | 34 | 32% |
| 5 (=) | Abbotsleigh | 93.50% | 45.00% | 65% | 10 | 46% |
| 5 (=) | Kambala Girls | data not available | 34.00% | 47% | 25 | 36% |
| 7 | PLC Sydney | data not available | data not available | 48% | 28 | 35% |
| 8 | MLC School | data not available | data not available | data not available | 60 | 24% |
| 9 | Wenona School | 90.15% | 23.50% | 50% | 31 | 34% |
| 10 (=) | Meriden School | 93.10% | 38.00% | 63% | 12 | 44% |
| 10 (=) | SCEGGS Darlinghurst | data not available | 40.00% | 60% | 9 | 46% |
#4 Girls’ School in Sydney | Ravenswood School for Girls | Gordon
Ravenswood School for Girls jumped three places to be ranked the number four girls’ school in Sydney. With a Schools360 score of 90.7%, Ravenswood continues to stand out for its distinct emphasis on technology, innovation, and STEM subjects. The school consistently delivers high NAPLAN results and achieved a median ATAR of 90.4% in 2023. As an IB school, Ravenswood offers both the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and Diploma Program. Located in Gordon, this day and boarding school has impressive modern learning spaces and sports facilities. The school's commitment to technology, innovative teaching methods, and personalised learning underscores its dedication to academic excellence and modern educational practices. Ravenswood has an ambitious future strategy and dynamic leadership team. The school is a top choice for families seeking a high-quality and well-rounded education.
#5 (=) Girls’ School in Sydney | Abbotsleigh | Wahroonga
Abbotsleigh secures fifth position in our ranking of the best girls’ schools in Sydney. A Pre Kindergarten to Year 12 Anglican day and boarding school for girls, Abbotsleigh achieved a Schools360 score of 90.2%. In 2023, Abbotsleigh achieved a median ATAR of 93.5% and was ranked #10 by the Sydney Morning Herald based on its outstanding HSC performance. In addition to academic excellence, Abbotsleigh also excels in fostering a vibrant arts, music, and drama culture. Located in Wahroonga, the school is committed to holistic education, offering day and boarding students with an inclusive learning environment, excellent teaching staff, and impressive facilities. Abbotsleigh nurtures academic success, creative expression and well-rounded personal development. The school maintains strong engagement with its accomplished alumni network, and is widely acknowledged as one of the finest academic institutions in Sydney.
#5 (=) Girls’ School in Sydney | Kambala | Rose Bay
Sharing fifth position is Kambala, an Anglican girls’ school located in Rose Bay. With a Schools360 score of 90.2%, Kambala is a recognised leader in girls’ education, focused on providing students with transformational learning for a transforming world. The school offers both HSC and IB Diploma; in 2023 nearly 1 in 3 graduating students achieved an ATAR above 90%. With an emphasis on nurturing the whole individual, Kambala provides robust support systems and programs aimed at ensuring positive wellbeing and mental health of its students. The school maintains a positive and encouraging environment conducive to personal growth and academic achievement. Kambala encourages its students to have a positive impact on their local communities, as well as aspiring to have global ambitions. The school stands out for dedication to professional development of its teaching staff to enhance teaching excellence. Despite average fees of $45,783 Kambala remains a popular choice for families in Sydney’s affluent eastern suburbs.
#7 Girls’ School in Sydney | Presbyterian Ladies College | Croydon
Presbyterian Ladies College maintains seventh place for a second consecutive year. Achieving a Schools360 score of 89.8%, PLC Sydney consistently performs well in both NAPLAN and HSC. Located in the inner-western suburb of Croydon, PLC has an impressive campus with a range of facilities including specialist science and technology innovation labs, food gardens, and open/green learning spaces. The school is known for its diverse curriculum; PLC offers a broad spectrum of academic opportunities and co-curricular activities including outstanding arts, music, and drama programs. PLC offers extensive sporting programs coupled with exceptional sports facilities. Uniquely, from 2025, PLC will offer Cambridge A-Levels as an alternative to the HSC in Years 11 and 12; specifically targeted at students with aspirations to study abroad. PLC Sydney takes a holistic educational approach and has a well-earned reputation as one of Sydney’s best girls’ schools.
#8 Girls’ School in Sydney | MLC School | Burwood
MLC School secures eighth position in our ranking of the best private girls’ schools in Sydney. With a Schools360 Score of 89.4%, MLC delivers a well-rounded education and extensive co-curricular options. The school delivers consistently high NAPLAN results, and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in addition to HSC. Beyond academics, MLC Burwood takes pride in its state-of-the-art campus and modern facilities. Recognised for its commitment to providing an environment conducive to learning, the institution continuously invests in its infrastructure, ensuring students have access to cutting-edge resources and innovative learning spaces. Located in the inner-western suburb of Burwood, the school is a popular option for both local families and international students. MLC Sydney has a well-earned position as one of Sydney’s distinguished private educational institutions.
#9 Girls’ School in Sydney | Wenona
A new entrant in our top ten ranking this year is Wenona School in North Sydney, securing ninth place. Wenona achieved a Schools360 score of 89.1%, and has a reputation for academic excellence. Wenona delivers consistently high NAPLAN and HSC results, in 2023 their median ATAR was 90.15%. The school prioritises student wellbeing, ensuring an inclusive, supportive and nurturing environment where students feel comfortable and supported in their learning goals. Additionally, Wenona has dedicated resources and expert support required to tailor learning to different styles and capabilities, ensuring that diversity is recognised, valued, encouraged and catered for. Wenona stands out for its STEM program; for several years, the school has aimed to increase girls’ interest and performance in STEM related subjects. Co-curricular offerings include a comprehensive performing arts program that includes drama, music and dance. Wenona is a top choice for families seeking a holistic education in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
#10 (=) Girls’ School in Sydney | Meriden | Strathfield
Meriden is our biggest mover this year, jumping eight places to secure its position in the top ten. Sharing tenth spot with a Schools360 score of 88.1%, the school is renowned for delivering a future-ready curriculum through specialist teachers and cutting-edge facilities. Meriden delivers consistently high academic results; the school’s 5 year rolling median ATAR is above 90, and in 2023 the median ATAR was 93.1%. Beyond academics, Meriden encourages girls to explore other areas of interest, including sport, the performing arts, STEM, languages and service to the community. The school has a student-centred approach with comprehensive wellbeing and student support programs designed to enable its girls to achieve their potential. The school has an ambitious future strategy and continues to invest in modernising its facilities. Meriden’s place in the top ten is well-deserved, and the school is an excellent option for families in Sydney’s inner-west and southern suburbs.
#10 (=) Girls’ School in Sydney | SCEGGS Darlinghurst | Darlinghurst
SCEGGS Darlinghurst maintains its place as one of the top ten girls’ schools in Sydney. Sharing tenth spot with a Schools360 score of 88.1%, SCEGGS Darlinghurst is recognised for its dedication to academic excellence. SCEGGS Darlinghurst is the only girls’ school in Sydney to score a perfect 100% in our Academic Excellence analysis. The school provides extensive student support and learning enrichment programs. This inner-city school is the smallest school to make the top ten list, with just over 900 students, SCEGGS also has the lowest student to teacher ratio of only 8 students per teacher, enabling them to cater to the individual learning needs of each student. Additionally, the school has a strong focus on developing independence and leadership qualities to prepare students for the future. SCEGGS has a long standing reputation as one of Sydney’s premier learning institutions.
Below is a comparison of scores for the factors that parents told us are most important when choosing a private school. Note that scores are out of 10. To learn more about our school ranking methodology click here and view the school profiles to see in-depth analysis.
| Schools360 ranking | School | Academic Excellence | Wellbeing & Development | Learning Opportunities | Learning Environment | Institutional Excellence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Catherine’s School | 98% | 90% | 97% | 87% | 87% |
| 2 | Pymble Ladies’ College | 95% | 83% | 97% | 93% | 90% |
| 3 | Loreto Kirribilli | 95% | 88% | 87% | 88% | 97% |
| 4 | Ravenswood School for Girls | 92% | 88% | 92% | 93% | 87% |
| 5 (=) | Abbotsleigh | 98% | 82% | 90% | 87% | 92% |
| 5 (=) | Kambala Girls | 95% | 88% | 87% | 90% | 88% |
| 7 | PLC Sydney | 87% | 88% | 97% | 92% | 85% |
| 8 | MLC School | 92% | 88% | 90% | 88% | 87% |
| 9 | Wenona School | 92% | 88% | 88% | 88% | 83% |
| 10 (=) | Meriden School | 93% | 92% | 85% | 83% | 83% |
| 10 (=) | SCEGGS Darlinghurst | 100% | 87% | 77% | 83% | 90% |
Image credit: Meriden School, Strathfield
