PREPARING FOR �HIGH SCHOOL

STEP 1: Selecting a High School Setting

STEP 2: The Application Process

STEP 3: Essential Skills

AN INVITATION FOR YEAR 4 & 5 PARENTS

IT IS TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S NEXT STEPS IN THEIR SCHOOL LIFE.�

• It’s never too early to have a plan for your child’s high school options.
• The decision about school choice is a difficult one and takes time to consider which setting is the best fit for your school.
• We recommend starting the discussions early (late Year 4/ early Year 5).
• There are many options for types of schools

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WHAT KIND OF HIGH SCHOOL CAN MY CHILD ATTEND?

LOCAL DESIGNATED HIGH SCHOOL

• Local school is designated based on your address.
• Apply during Term 1 Year 6 by simply signing the appropriate page on the EOI form.
• There are no additional requirements for this kind of application.
• Newtown High School of the Performing Arts is the local High School for most students currently attending Newtown Public School.
• Every student is entitled to enroll at their designated local school.

To find out more about your child's local school click link below: https://schoolfinder.education.nsw.gov.au/

ACADEMICALLY SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOLS

1. Alexandria Park
2. Tempe High
3. Fort Street
4. Sydney Secondary College (Leichhardt campus)
5. Sydney Boys/Girls

Applications are now open for selective high school and opportunity class enrolments for 2026. Applications close 21 February 2025.

Process includes:

• selecting preferred schools
• sitting the selective tests (Year 6, Term 1)
• Primary school submitting scores to the panel based on current school achievement

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• https://shsoc.education.nsw.gov.au/

SPECIALIST SCHOOLS

Newtown: Performing Arts

Dulwich Hill: Visual Arts and Design

Matraville: Sports

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• In all cases, you can find out about what is offered at various schools be visiting their website.
• Each will have their own criteria and process for selection and enrollment listed on their website once the information is available.
• Recommend checking school websites for updates from Term 3 onwards.

OUT-OF-AREA �ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS�

• Some schools offer specific programs (eg Enrichment Programs) or other pathways.

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• Nearby schools with enrichment programs include:

Sydney Secondary College

Dulwich Hill

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• Seek information from their websites about how to apply, application criteria and key dates.

OUT-OF-AREA ENROLMENTS

• This means: any public school that is not your local school.
• Some schools accept a limited number of out-of-area enrolments.
• Check the website of any out-of-area school that you wish to consider to see if they accept non-local applicants.
• Apply on the Expression of Interest form (Year 6 Term 1). School websites will advise of any other criteria.

YEAR 5 PARENTS CHECKLIST:

1. Right now, you should ponder. “Which setting is right for our child?”

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2. In Term 3, you should check high school websites and DoE website.

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3. In Term 4, you might need to apply for selective or specialist programs. Don’t miss the boat.

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4. In Term 1 Year 6, the Expression of Interest form is released. A meeting will be held explaining the various parts of the form when it is released. It can be confusing depending on the type of enrolment you seek. It gets its own meeting for this reason.

Essential Skills for High School

• Reading timetables​
• Organising and planning time to complete activities and tasks​
• Accessing digital platforms for Homework tasks​
• Completing homework tasks on time​
• Advocating for self​
• Asking for help​

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What NPS will do to support your child’s transition to high school.

In Year 5:

• Homework Program to support development of essential skills
• Term 4 - High School Week
• Peer Support Programs

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In Year 6: As above +

• Partnering with NHSPA
• Collaboration with other local High Schools
• Transition sessions with local high schools

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