Arthur Phillip High School (APHS) is a coeducational public secondary school located across both sides of Macquarie Street in the heart of Parramatta’s central business district, New South Wales, Australia.

The school was established in 1960 in its own right, operating within buildings that had been continuously used as a school since 1875 — making it the oldest continuously operating public school site in Parramatta.

The school is named after Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales and founder of Sydney. Its origins trace back to Parramatta South Public School, which opened in 1873 and moved to its current Smith Street site in 1875.

Over the following decades, the school evolved through several stages — becoming a “Superior Public School” in 1887, being renamed Parramatta in 1907, and combining separate boys’ and girls’ post-primary classes into a single Central School in 1944 — before formally becoming Arthur Phillip High School in 1960 when the primary school relocated to Macquarie Street.

Sydney’s First High-Rise Public School

A defining feature of the modern campus is its redevelopment into the first vertical (high-rise) public high school in New South Wales, completed and occupied from 2019 to 2020. Rising 65 metres above Parramatta, the new building can accommodate up to 2,000 secondary students and incorporates flexible, technology-rich learning spaces designed to support collaboration and personalised learning across a dense, growing metropolitan precinct.

Despite the modern redevelopment, the heritage Old School House (1875) — the oldest continuously used educational building in Sydney — remains preserved on campus, connecting current students to the school’s long history.

School Leadership and Community

Arthur Phillip High School is led by Principal Linda Macleod. The school serves a highly multicultural student population, with students from more than 40 different cultural backgrounds. It runs a well-regarded Refugee Transition Programme, supporting the broader migrant and refugee community in Western Sydney through workshops, seminars, and group projects that promote cross-cultural dialogue and integration.

Curriculum and Subjects Offered

Arthur Phillip High School offers a comprehensive curriculum across key learning areas, including:

• Creative Arts — including visual arts, drama, and music.
• English and Languages
• Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) — including Geography, Legal Studies, and Modern/Ancient History.
• Mathematics and Science — including Physics and Biology.
• Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) — including Design and Technology, Computing Studies, Hospitality.
• Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education (PDHPE)
• Religion and Ethics

Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways are also offered, including Business Services, Information Technology, Retail, and Hospitality. The school maintains a support unit for students with moderate intellectual disabilities and a hearing support unit for hearing-impaired students.

Contact Information

School Hours

Bell Times

Years 7–10

Year 7 students are expected to arrive by 8:30 am and finish at 3:00 pm (2:30 pm on Wednesdays).

Years 11–12

On other days, Years 11–12 finish earlier, around 12:15 pm, following a reduced two-period schedule.

Arthur Phillip High School Term Dates 2026 (Eastern Division)

Arthur Phillip High School follows the NSW Department of Education’s Eastern Division calendar, which applies to all public schools across the Greater Sydney region.

Arthur Phillip High School Term Dates 2027 (Eastern Division)

Note: ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, so NSW does not observe a substitute Monday holiday.

Last verified: 30 June 2026. Official source: NSW Department of Education — 2026 Term Dates and Arthur Phillip High School official website

Enrolment

Arthur Phillip High School manages enrolment for students living within its designated catchment area as well as those applying for special programmes. Families must provide proof of residence and complete enrolment forms, available online or through the school office.

• Local enrolments are prioritised within the catchment area.
• Non-local applications are considered based on criteria such as siblings already enrolled or specific educational needs.
• International students are supported through a separate application pathway.
• Temporary Residents Program available for eligible families.

Early application is encouraged to support a smooth transition and ensure access to academic and extracurricular resources from the start of the school year.

School Planning and Strategic Direction

The school operates under a formal Strategic Improvement Plan, setting goals aligned with NSW Department of Education priorities. Annual reports highlight student achievement, learning priorities, staff professional development, and community engagement, with planning involving staff, students, and parents to ensure a positive, inclusive learning environment.

Student Wellbeing and Support

Arthur Phillip High School provides a range of wellbeing initiatives, including:

• Student health and safety programmes
• Support for transitioning into high school
• The Student Representative Council (SRC) and Welfare programmes
• Dedicated support for international students
• Inclusive learning support and Special Religious Education options

Counselling services and mentorship opportunities help students overcome challenges, supported by a strong sense of community collaboration between staff, students, and families.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Arthur Phillip High School?

The school was formally established in 1960, but operates in buildings continuously used as a school since 1875, making it the oldest continuously operating public school site in Parramatta.

Is Arthur Phillip High School really a high-rise school?

Yes. Completed in 2019-2020, it became the first vertical (high-rise) public high school in New South Wales, rising 65 metres and accommodating up to 2,000 students.

Who is the current Principal?

Linda Macleod is the Principal of Arthur Phillip High School.

What is the Refugee Transition Programme?

It is a school initiative supporting newly arrived migrant and refugee students, engaging with the broader migrant and refugee community in Western Sydney through cross-cultural workshops and group projects.

Who do I contact for enrolment or school-specific queries?

Contact Arthur Phillip High School at +61 2 8855 8100 or visit arthurphil-h.schools.nsw.gov.au.

Related New South Wales School Calendars

• Parramatta High School Calendar
• North Sydney Boys High School Calendar
• Model Farms High School Calendar
• Sydney Grammar School Calendar