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  2. NSW's Top Primary Schools 2026: Public & Private Rankings Revealed

The results are in, and NSW's public and private primary schools have plenty to feel chuffed about. A new ranking of the top 100 public and private primary schools in NSW highlights the schools leading the way in reading, writing and numeracy across Years 3 and 5. 

What are the Top 100 Public Primary Schools in NSW?

Sign of Beecroft Public School - Top 100 Primary Schools in NSW
And the winner is Beecroft Public School!


Taking out the number one spot for public schools is Beecroft Public School, followed by Roseville Public School, Matthew Pearce Public School in Baulkham Hills, St Ives North Public School and Lindfield East Public School. In other words, Sydney's north has entered the group chat, and they've scored an A+!

News Corp analysed 5,000 public schools based on Year 3 and 5 NAPLAN scores, student-staff ratios, socio-educational status and attendance rates. The rankings spotlight some of the state's strongest-performing public primary schools, with many of the top spots going to Sydney schools, particularly those in the north and north-west. But it is not all leafy postcodes and school-zone real estate panic. The list also includes a mix of larger campuses and smaller standout schools, showing that strong results can come from all kinds of school communities.

While NAPLAN is only one measure of a school's performance, it remains one of the clearest snapshots of how students are tracking in key literacy and numeracy areas. ACARA also notes that school results should be considered alongside other factors such as curriculum, extracurricular offerings, facilities and the overall school environment. Translation: yes, the numbers matter, but so do the teachers, the culture, the playground politics and whether your child actually wants to walk through the gate each morning.

For families researching the best public primary schools in NSW, the top 100 list is a handy starting point, especially if you are comparing school catchments, planning a move, or simply indulging in a little educational curiosity. 

What are the Top 100 Private Primary Schools in NSW?

Sydney Grammar School in Darlinghurst
And the winner is Sydney Grammar School in Darlinghurst!


A new analysis by News Corp has shed some light on where Sydney's private public schools rank nationally. Assessing more than 2,000 private primary schools across Australia, again focusing on NAPLAN results, student-staff ratios, socio-educational ratings and attendance levels, the research places two Sydney schools in the top five nationally.

Taking the number one spot in Australia is Sydney Grammar School in Darlinghurst, the prestigious all-boys school, which claimed the nation's top Year 5 NAPLAN results alongside excellent attendance and small class sizes. Sydney is also represented in second place nationally by elite all-girls school Abbotsleigh, before Melbourne schools take out third and fourth place. All-boys St Aloysius' College in Sydney rounds out the national top five.

All five top-ranked private schools are combined primary and secondary schools, meaning families who choose them early are investing in a long-term academic pathway. It's worth noting the research reflects academic and attendance metrics and not necessarily the full picture of what makes a school the right fit for your child.

Read on for the top 100 public schools and top 100 private schools in NSW.

NSW's Top 100 Public Primary Schools For 2026
 

  1. Beecroft Public School, Beecroft — national rank 1
  2. Roseville Public School, Roseville — national rank 2
  3. Matthew Pearce Public School, Baulkham Hills — national rank 3
  4. St Ives North Public School, St Ives — national rank 4
  5. Lindfield East Public School, East Lindfield — national rank 5
  6. Epping Public School, Epping — national rank 8
  7. Cherrybrook Public School, Cherrybrook — national rank 13
  8. Artarmon Public School, Artarmon — national rank 14
  9. Murray Farm Public School, Carlingford — national rank 15
  10. Hornsby North Public School, Hornsby — national rank 17
  11. Oakhill Drive Public School, Castle Hill — national rank 21
  12. Carlingford West Public School, Carlingford — national rank 23
  13. Gordon East Public School, Gordon — national rank 24
  14. Epping West Public School, Epping — national rank 25
  15. North Rocks Public School, North Rocks — national rank 26
  16. Neutral Bay Public School, Neutral Bay — national rank 27
  17. Dobroyd Point Public School, Haberfield — national rank 28
  18. Hurstville Public School, Hurstville — national rank 29
  19. Epping Heights Public School, Epping — national rank 30
  20. Woollahra Public School, Woollahra — national rank 31
  21. Eastwood Public School, Eastwood — national rank 33
  22. Pymble Public School, Pymble — national rank 34
  23. Lindfield Public School, Lindfield — national rank 35
  24. Summer Hill Public School, Summer Hill — national rank 36
  25. West Pymble Public School, West Pymble — national rank 37
  26. West Ryde Public School, West Ryde — national rank 39
  27. Denistone East Public School, Eastwood — national rank 40
  28. Warrawee Public School, Turramurra — national rank 41
  29. Gordon West Public School, Pymble — national rank 42
  30. Wahroonga Public School, Wahroonga — national rank 46
  31. Girraween Public School, Girraween — national rank 47
  32. Earlwood Public School, Earlwood — national rank 48
  33. Jasper Road Public School, Baulkham Hills — national rank 49
  34. Kent Road Public School, Eastwood — national rank 50
  35. John Purchase Public School, Cherrybrook — national rank 52
  36. Turramurra Public School, Turramurra — national rank 53
  37. Camdenville Public School, Newtown — national rank 54
  38. Excelsior Public School, Castle Hill — national rank 58
  39. Annandale Public School, Annandale — national rank 59
  40. Beaumont Road Public School, Killara — national rank 60
  41. Ermington Public School, West Ryde — national rank 64
  42. Chatswood Public School, Chatswood — national rank 65
  43. Forestville Public School, Forestville — national rank 68
  44. Strathfield North Public School, North Strathfield — national rank 69
  45. Bella Vista Public School, Bella Vista — national rank 71
  46. Cammeray Public School, Cammeray — national rank 74
  47. Waitara Public School, Wahroonga — national rank 75
  48. Glenmore Road Public School, Paddington — national rank 76
  49. Sydney Distance Education Primary School, Surry Hills — national rank 77
  50. Annangrove Public School, Annangrove — national rank 78
  51. Mosman Public School, Mosman — national rank 79
  52. Lane Cove Public School, Lane Cove — national rank 89
  53. Crestwood Public School, Baulkham Hills — national rank 90
  54. Randwick Public School, Randwick — national rank 94
  55. Balmain Public School, Balmain — national rank 95
  56. Castle Hill Public School, Castle Hill — national rank 96
  57. Rose Bay Public School, Rose Bay — national rank 97
  58. Castle Cove Public School, Castle Cove — national rank 101
  59. Coogee Public School, Coogee — national rank 102
  60. Ashfield Public School, Ashfield — national rank 107
  61. Bellevue Hill Public School, Bellevue Hill — national rank 108
  62. Mowbray Public School, Lane Cove — national rank 109
  63. Haberfield Public School, Haberfield — national rank 112
  64. Turramurra North Public School, North Turramurra — national rank 117
  65. Normanhurst Public School, Normanhurst — national rank 118
  66. Samuel Gilbert Public School, Castle Hill — national rank 120
  67. Paddington Public School, Paddington — national rank 123
  68. Waverley Public School, Waverley — national rank 124
  69. Smalls Road Public School, Ryde — national rank 127
  70. Killarney Heights Public School, Killarney Heights — national rank 128
  71. Normanhurst West Public School, Thornleigh — national rank 130
  72. Carlingford Public School, Carlingford — national rank 138
  73. Marie Bashir Public School, Strathfield — national rank 140
  74. Truscott Street Public School, North Ryde — national rank 142
  75. North Ryde Public School, North Ryde — national rank 144
  76. Vaucluse Public School, Vaucluse — national rank 145
  77. Balgowlah Heights Public School, Balgowlah — national rank 148
  78. Epping North Public School, North Epping — national rank 152
  79. Baulkham Hills North Public School, Baulkham Hills — national rank 153
  80. Northbridge Public School, Northbridge — national rank 154
  81. Greenwich Public School, Greenwich — national rank 155
  82. Oatley West Public School, Oatley — national rank 156
  83. Pennant Hills Public School, Pennant Hills — national rank 158
  84. Thornleigh West Public School, Thornleigh — national rank 160
  85. Beauty Point Public School, Mosman — national rank 164
  86. Killara Public School, Killara — national rank 165
  87. Sutherland Public School, Sutherland — national rank 169
  88. Roselea Public School, Carlingford — national rank 172
  89. Erskineville Public School, Erskineville — national rank 173
  90. Kellyville Public School, Kellyville — national rank 175
  91. Forest Lodge Public School, Forest Lodge — national rank 176
  92. Eastwood Heights Public School, Eastwood — national rank 178
  93. Bronte Public School, Bronte — national rank 182
  94. Ironbark Ridge Public School, Rouse Hill — national rank 183
  95. Willoughby Public School, Willoughby — national rank 188
  96. Rozelle Public School, Rozelle — national rank 190
  97. Crown Street Public School, Surry Hills — national rank 194
  98. Leichhardt Public School, Leichhardt — national rank 203
  99. Caddies Creek Public School, Glenwood — national rank 204
  100. Double Bay Public School, Double Bay — national rank 205

NSW's Top 100 Private Primary Schools For 2026
 

  1. Sydney Grammar School, Darlinghurst — national rank 1
  2. Abbotsleigh, Wahroonga — national rank 2
  3. St Aloysius' College, Kirribilli — national rank 5
  4. Meriden School, Strathfield — national rank 6
  5. Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga — national rank 8
  6. Ascham School, Edgecliff — national rank 9
  7. Ravenswood School for Girls, Gordon — national rank 12
  8. Arden Anglican School, Junior Campus, Beecroft — national rank 13
  9. Pymble Ladies' College, Pymble — national rank 15
  10. Northcross Christian School, Ryde — national rank 16
  11. John Colet School, Belrose — national rank 17
  12. Cranbrook School, Bellevue Hill — national rank 19
  13. Redeemer Baptist School, North Parramatta — national rank 21
  14. The Scots College, Bellevue Hill — national rank 23
  15. Al-Faisal College - Campbelltown, Minto — national rank 25
  16. St Andrew's Cathedral School, Sydney — national rank 28
  17. Queenwood, Mosman — national rank 30
  18. St George Christian School, Hurstville — national rank 31
  19. St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Stanmore — national rank 32
  20. Roseville College, Roseville — national rank 33
  21. Barker College, Hornsby — national rank 37
  22. Masada College, St Ives — national rank 38
  23. Galilee Catholic Primary School, Bondi Beach — national rank 41
  24. Danebank - An Anglican School for Girls, Hurstville — national rank 46
  25. Trinity Grammar School, Summer Hill — national rank 50
  26. Kambala, Rose Bay — national rank 53
  27. MLC School, Burwood — national rank 54
  28. Moriah College, Bondi Junction — national rank 55
  29. Presbyterian Ladies' College Sydney, Croydon — national rank 56
  30. The Illawarra Grammar School, Wollongong West — national rank 57
  31. SCEGGS Darlinghurst, Darlinghurst — national rank 65
  32. Loreto Kirribilli, Kirribilli — national rank 66
  33. Sydney Japanese International School, Terrey Hills — national rank 67
  34. SCECGS Redlands, Cremorne — national rank 68
  35. Wenona School, North Sydney — national rank 69
  36. Claremont College, Randwick — national rank 70
  37. SHORE - Sydney Church of England Grammar School, North Sydney — national rank 72
  38. Newington College, Stanmore — national rank 74
  39. Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Primary School, Epping — national rank 78
  40. The Hills Grammar School, Kenthurst — national rank 80
  41. Tara Anglican School for Girls, North Parramatta — national rank 82
  42. William Clarke College, Kellyville — national rank 83
  43. Reddam House, Woollahra — national rank 86
  44. Emanuel School, Randwick — national rank 88
  45. St Raphael's Catholic Primary School, South Hurstville — national rank 89
  46. International Grammar School, Ultimo — national rank 90
  47. Mosman Church of England Preparatory School, Mosman — national rank 93
  48. The King's School, North Parramatta — national rank 95
  49. Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Lindfield — national rank 98
  50. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Randwick — national rank 100
  51. St Brigid's Catholic Primary School, Coogee — national rank 104
  52. St Therese's Catholic Primary School, Denistone — national rank 106
  53. St Charles' Catholic Primary School Waverley, Waverley — national rank 108
  54. Greenacre Christian College, Greenacre — national rank 116
  55. St Anthony's Catholic Primary School, Marsfield — national rank 117
  56. St Thomas' Catholic Primary School, Willoughby — national rank 119
  57. Coogee Boys' Preparatory School, Randwick — national rank 127
  58. Redfield College, Dural — national rank 130
  59. Kincoppal - Rose Bay School of the Sacred Heart, Rose Bay — national rank 134
  60. Covenant Christian School, Belrose — national rank 136
  61. Central Coast Grammar School, Erina Heights — national rank 138
  62. The Armidale School, Armidale — national rank 139
  63. Frensham Junior School, Mittagong — national rank 144
  64. Hurstville Adventist School, Hurstville — national rank 147
  65. St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Summer Hill — national rank 150
  66. St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Lane Cove — national rank 153
  67. Al-Faisal College, Auburn — national rank 155
  68. Marist Catholic College North Shore, North Sydney — national rank 158
  69. Macarthur Anglican School, Cobbitty — national rank 159
  70. Inner Sydney Montessori School, Balmain — national rank 160
  71. St Margaret Mary's Catholic Primary School, Randwick North — national rank 162
  72. St Aidan's Catholic Primary School, Maroubra Junction — national rank 164
  73. Mount Sinai College, Maroubra — national rank 165
  74. St Francis of Assisi Regional Catholic Primary School, Paddington — national rank 167
  75. Santa Sabina College, Strathfield — national rank 168
  76. St Mark's Catholic Primary School, Drummoyne — national rank 169
  77. Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Waitara — national rank 170
  78. Newcastle Grammar School, The Hill — national rank 172
  79. Pittwater House Schools, Collaroy — national rank 181
  80. St Brendan's Catholic Primary School, Annandale — national rank 182
  81. Tangara School for Girls, Cherrybrook — national rank 187
  82. Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Villawood — national rank 189
  83. St Luke's Grammar School, Dee Why — national rank 190
  84. Italian Bilingual School, Meadowbank — national rank 191
  85. St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Meadowbank — national rank 192
  86. St Columba Anglican School, Port Macquarie — national rank 197
  87. Montgrove College, Orchard Hills — national rank 200
  88. Saint Mary MacKillop Colleges Limited, Wagga Wagga — national rank 202
  89. St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Oatley — national rank 203
  90. German International School Sydney, Terrey Hills — national rank 204
  91. Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Pymble — national rank 206
  92. Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School, Clifton Gardens — national rank 209
  93. St Anthony's Catholic Primary School, Clovelly — national rank 210
  94. McAuley Catholic Primary School, Rose Bay — national rank 211
  95. St Paul of the Cross Catholic Primary School, Dulwich Hill — national rank 213
  96. St Bernard's Catholic Primary School, Botany — national rank 216
  97. St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School, Balgowlah — national rank 217
  98. Wahroonga Adventist School, Wahroonga — national rank 220
  99. St Kieran's Catholic Primary School, Manly Vale — national rank 221
  100. Regents Park Christian School, Regents Park — national rank 224

FAQs About NSW Primary School Rankings

How should parents use primary school rankings?

School rankings can be a helpful starting point, especially if you are comparing catchments, planning a move or weighing up local school options. But they should not be the whole story. Families should also look at school culture, leadership, wellbeing programs, learning support, extracurricular activities, commute times, before and after-school care, facilities and whether the school feels like the right fit for their child. In other words, NAPLAN matters, but so does the vibe at the school gate.

Are these NSW primary school rankings based on NAPLAN?

The rankings are based on the latest available NAPLAN results, alongside other school performance indicators, such as student engagement, class sizes and school community demographics.

Are private schools included in this NSW primary school ranking?

Yes, this list focuses on public and primary schools in NSW. Families comparing public, Catholic and independent schools should also review each school's individual profile, fees, curriculum and facilities.

Is NAPLAN the best way to choose a primary school?

NAPLAN can be a useful academic snapshot, but it should be considered alongside school culture, facilities, extracurricular activities, wellbeing support, location and your child's individual needs.

What is the top public primary school in NSW?

Beecroft Public School is ranked as the top private primary school in NSW in the latest rankings.

What are the top 5 public primary schools in NSW?

The top five public primary schools are Beecroft Public School, Roseville Public School, Matthew Pearce Public School, St Ives North Public School and Lindfield East Public School.

What is the top private primary school in NSW?

Sydney Grammar School in Darlinghurst is ranked as the top private primary school in NSW in the latest rankings.

What are the top 5 private primary schools in NSW?

Sydney Grammar School, Abbotsleigh, St Aloysius' College, Meriden School, and Knox Grammar School are the top five private schools. 


These results were published on The Daily Telegraph using data from News Corp.

Parents can visit ACARA for more information about NAPLAN.

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