Bowral High School is an academically intense government secondary serving a tight-knit community in the Southern Highlands.
NAPLAN 33 points below national year-level averages; the result is a C+ overall.
Bowral High School is an academically intense government secondary serving a tight-knit community in the Southern Highlands. The school runs a STEM Academy and Inspire program for high potential and gifted students, alongside dedicated support structures including a Year 9-12 Support Unit and learning-wellbeing teams. Known for its annual ski trip and pastoral care, it suits families seeking a school that combines academic rigour with genuine attention to student welfare.
Bowral High School is also known as Bowral HS and BHS Bowral.
Bowral High School draws students from the Bowral HS (and 1 more zone).
Bowral High School has an overall SchoolRank score of 36.8/100, rated "Below average". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades B− (Slightly below average) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 956 (27th percentile; the national average is 1,000).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Bowral High School, Year 7 students averaged 500 across the tested NAPLAN domains, well below the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 542, below the national average of 569 for that year level. National averages are specific to each year level, because NAPLAN scores are scaled so older year levels score higher. A school-wide average can't be compared with a single national figure.
Bowral High School is a medium-sized government secondary school with approximately 564 students. It offers education for years 7-12. As a government school, enrolment is generally available to students living within the school's designated catchment zone. Families outside the zone may apply for out-of-area placement subject to availability.
Bowral High School is a government school, so there are no tuition fees. Families may be asked to contribute to voluntary school fees covering materials, excursions, and activities. The school grades B− (Slightly below average) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
Bowral High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 10.1:1. This is below the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning students generally receive more individual attention. Support staff make up 23% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 80%, which is below average.
The Year 12 completion rate is 58%.
Bowral High School is located in Bowral, NSW, in inner regional Australia. Its ICSEA is 956 (27th percentile; the national average is 1,000). ICSEA measures the advantage of a school's community, from its parents' education and occupation, not the school's quality. A school with a lower ICSEA and strong academic results may be teaching particularly effectively.