Sydney Grammar School (SGS) is one of Australia’s most prestigious independent schools, a non-denominational boys’ school with a history spanning more than 170 years in the heart of Sydney.
The school’s main campus is located on College Street, Darlinghurst, New South Wales — in the inner city, adjacent to Hyde Park — with two preparatory campuses at Edgecliff (Paddington) and St Ives (upper north shore). SGS is a founding member of the Great Public Schools Association (GPS) and a member of the Associated Grammar Schools network.
Founded in 1857 under the auspices of the NSW government, Sydney Grammar has consistently ranked among Australia’s top academic schools, producing alumni who have made significant contributions across law, medicine, academia, literature, politics, the arts, and many other fields.
Headmaster and School Philosophy
Sydney Grammar School is led by Headmaster John Vallance, who has held the role since 2012. The school is distinctive among elite independent schools for its deliberate, principled rejection of several orthodoxies: it does not compete for an academic ranking, publishes no league table position, and avoids many trappings of institutional prestige in favour of a quiet, focused commitment to learning for its own sake.
The school’s philosophy centres on the cultivation of lifelong intellectual curiosity and academic rigour, with a curriculum that retains significant emphasis on classical disciplines — Latin, Ancient Greek, History, and Literature — alongside modern sciences, mathematics, and languages. SGS is notable for not offering the International Baccalaureate, choosing instead to complete the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC), which the school has consistently dominated.
Three Campuses
| Campus | Location | Years |
|---|---|---|
| College Street (Main Campus) | Darlinghurst NSW 2010 | Years 7–12 (Senior School) |
| Edgecliff Preparatory School | Alma Street, Paddington NSW 2021 | Kindy – Year 6 |
| St Ives Preparatory School | Ayres Road, St Ives NSW 2075 | Kindy – Year 6 |
Sydney Grammar School Term Dates 2026 (Official — All Campuses)
The following dates are sourced directly from the official SGS website (sydgram.nsw.edu.au/news-events/term-dates/).
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| New Boys (Year 7 first day) | Tuesday, 27 January 2026 |
| Term I | Wednesday, 28 January – Wednesday, 1 April 2026 |
| Term II | Monday, 20 April – Friday, 26 June 2026 |
| Term III | Tuesday, 21 July – Wednesday, 23 September 2026 |
| Term IV | Monday, 12 October – Thursday, 3 December 2026 (Speech Day) |
Sydney Grammar School Term Dates 2027 (Draft — Official)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| New Boys (Year 7 first day) | Thursday, 28 January 2027 |
| Term I | Friday, 29 January – Wednesday, 7 April 2027 |
| Term II | Tuesday, 27 April – Friday, 25 June 2027 |
| Term III | Tuesday, 20 July – Wednesday, 22 September 2027 |
| Term IV | Monday, 11 October – Thursday, 9 December 2027 (Speech Day) |
Note: 2027 dates are marked as DRAFT on the official school website — confirm final dates via sydgram.nsw.edu.au closer to the year.
The Edgecliff and St Ives Preparatory Campuses may have slightly different start/end dates from the main College Street Campus — confirm directly with each campus at the contacts below.
Last verified: 09th July 2026. Official source: Sydney Grammar School — Term Dates (directly from sydgram.nsw.edu.au)
Co-Curricular Life
Sydney Grammar School offers a rich and highly competitive co-curricular programme, particularly in:
- Sport — GPS competition in rowing (Boat Club), cricket, football, swimming, athletics, and many other codes; weekly fixtures and training schedules published on the school website
- Music — multiple ensembles, orchestras, and choirs; regular concerts
- Debating — GPS Debating Competition, Eastside Debating, and Independent Schools competitions
- Drama — annual productions at the College Street campus
- Cadets — Army Cadet Corps and Air Force Cadets
- Chess, Mathematics competitions, and other clubs
The school’s Boat Club is particularly distinguished, with a long history in Sydney rowing and strong results in the Head of the River.
Publications and Community
SGS maintains several community publications, including:
- Grammar Newsletter — regular school news
- SGS Magazine — feature publication
- The Sydneian — annual school record
Alumni are known as Old Sydneians, with an active Old Sydneians’ Cricket Club and regular community events including “Dr V’s Swing Thing” (a beloved music event).
Parent associations include the Women’s Association, Fathers’ Association, Music Association, and Parents and Friends of the Boat Club Association.
Contact Information
| Campus | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| College Street (Main) | College Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 | (02) 9332 5800 |
| Edgecliff Preparatory | Alma Street, Paddington NSW 2021 | (02) 9366 0100 |
| St Ives Preparatory | Ayres Road, St Ives NSW 2075 | (02) 8302 5200 |
| Website | sydgram.nsw.edu.au | — |
Admissions and Enrolment
SGS offers several admission pathways, including standard enrolment, Fee-Assisted Places (means-tested financial assistance), and Scholarships. Entrance assessments are required, and demand for places is high — early enquiry is recommended. The school publishes a prospectus available via the website. Families interested in the preparatory campuses should note that St Ives Preparatory has its own separate admissions process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sydney Grammar School a selective school?
SGS has an entrance assessment process, but it is an independent school, not a government selective school. Entry is managed by the school independently.
Does SGS offer the IB?
No. Sydney Grammar School completes the NSW HSC rather than the International Baccalaureate — a deliberate philosophical choice consistent with the school’s focus on the NSW curriculum.
What are the three campuses?
College Street (Darlinghurst) for Years 7-12, Edgecliff Preparatory (Paddington) and St Ives Preparatory (St Ives) for Kindergarten-Year 6.
When is Speech Day for 2026?
Speech Day falls on Thursday, 3 December 2026, marking the close of Term IV.
Who do I contact for admissions?
Contact the relevant campus directly: College Street (02) 9332 5800, Edgecliff (02) 9366 0100, or St Ives (02) 8302 5200.
Related New South Wales School Calendars
- Ascham School Calendar
- North Sydney Boys High School Calendar
- Parramatta High School Calendar
- Artarmon Public School Calendar
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