Parramatta High School (PHS), affectionately known as “Parra High,” is a government-funded, co-educational, partially selective secondary school located on the Great Western Highway in the central business district of Parramatta, a major hub in Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Established on 22 February 1913, Parramatta High School holds the distinction of being the first co-educational school in the Sydney metropolitan area. The school was officially opened at a cost of A£13,000 by Campbell Carmichael, the then Minister of Public Instruction. Today, the school operates a dual-modality model — partially academically selective alongside a comprehensive intake — and serves over 1,000 students from Year 7 to Year 12.
A Century of History
In 2013, Parramatta High School celebrated its centenary, marking 100 years since its establishment. The Class of 2018 — the 100th cohort to enrol — honoured this milestone by adopting the Phoenix as a symbol on the back of their Year 12 jerseys. The Phoenix, representing resilience and rebirth, originates from the school’s own Phoenix Magazine of the 1940s and continues to be celebrated annually through PHS Phoenix Week.
The school’s Latin motto, “Fax Mentis Incendium Gloriae” — “The torch of the mind is the flame of glory” — reflects its long-standing commitment to intellectual excellence.
School Leadership and Structure
Parramatta High School is led by Principal Domonique Splatt. At the start of Year 7, all students are placed into one of four school houses, and the calendar includes two major sporting carnivals each year — athletics and swimming.
The school operates a partially selective model, admitting 60 academically meritorious students annually into Years 7 to 10 via NAPLAN results and academic records (without an entrance exam for ongoing selective entry in Years 8-12). The remaining intake follows the standard comprehensive enrolment process for students within the designated catchment area.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Great Western Hwy & Pitt St, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia |
| Phone | (02) 9635 8644 |
| Principal | Domonique Splatt |
| Website | parramatta-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
| School type | Government, co-educational, partially selective secondary school |
| Year levels | Year 7 – Year 12 |
School Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 8:00 am – 3:00 pm (gates typically open from 8:20 am) |
| Saturday – Sunday | Closed |
Parramatta High School Term Dates 2026 (Eastern Division)
Parramatta High School follows the NSW Department of Education’s Eastern Division calendar, which applies to all public schools across the Greater Sydney region.
| Term | Start Date (Students) | End Date | School Development Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Monday, 2 February 2026 | Thursday, 2 April 2026 | Tue 27 Jan – Fri 30 Jan 2026 |
| Term 2 | Wednesday, 22 April 2026 | Friday, 3 July 2026 | Mon 20 Apr – Tue 21 Apr 2026 |
| Term 3 | Tuesday, 21 July 2026 | Friday, 25 September 2026 | Mon 20 July 2026 |
| Term 4 | Tuesday, 13 October 2026 | Thursday, 17 December 2026 | Mon 12 October 2026 |
Parramatta High School Term Dates 2027 (Eastern Division)
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Thursday, 28 January 2027 | Friday, 9 April 2027 |
| Term 2 | Tuesday, 27 April 2027 | Friday, 2 July 2027 |
| Term 3 | Monday, 19 July 2027 | Friday, 24 September 2027 |
| Term 4 | Monday, 11 October 2027 | Monday, 20 December 2027 |
Note: As a selective/comprehensive secondary school, exact student start dates each term may vary slightly — confirm with the school directly. ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, so NSW does not observe a substitute Monday holiday.
Last verified: 29 June 2026. Official source: NSW Department of Education — 2026 Term Dates and Parramatta High School official website.
Enrolment
Parramatta High School offers enrolment to students residing within its designated intake area through an online application process. For Year 7 admissions, families begin with an Expression of Interest, while out-of-area applicants are assessed under the NSW Department of Education’s enrolment policy.
- Selective stream entry: 60 places annually for Years 7-10, based on academic merit
- Years 8-12 selective entry: requires academic records and NAPLAN results, without a separate entrance exam
- International students: welcome, with many progressing to tertiary education after completing the HSC
Student Wellbeing and Support
The school’s Wellbeing Team includes Year Advisers, a Head Teacher Wellbeing, Deputy Principals, school counsellors, and a Student Support Officer, working together to support students’ mental health and wellbeing through individual mentoring, group sessions, and collaboration with external agencies. The school maintains policies promoting respectful behaviour, restricting mobile phone use during class time, and prohibiting bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any kind.
Technology and Learning
Parramatta High integrates digital tools across all subjects, with access to modern computer labs, interactive whiteboards, and online learning platforms. The school runs programs in coding, robotics, and digital design, supporting the NSW “Bring Your Own Device” framework alongside school-based learning resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Parramatta High School historically significant?
It was the first co-educational school in the Sydney metropolitan area, established in 1913.
What does the school’s Phoenix symbol represent?
The Phoenix represents resilience and rebirth, originating from the school’s 1940s Phoenix Magazine and adopted by the Class of 2018 to mark the school’s centenary cohort.
Is Parramatta High School fully selective?
No. It operates a partially selective model, admitting 60 academically meritorious students annually into Years 7-10 alongside its comprehensive intake.
Who is the current Principal?
Domonique Splatt is the Principal of Parramatta High School.
Who do I contact for enrolment or school-specific queries?
Contact Parramatta High School at (02) 9635 8644 or visit parramatta-h.schools.nsw.gov.au.