Inner Sydney High is a government co-ed school in Surry Hills with a reputation for strong pastoral care and student leadership.
NAPLAN averaging 29 points above national year-level averages; the result is a B overall.
Inner Sydney High is a government co-ed school in Surry Hills with a reputation for strong pastoral care and student leadership. It offers explicit teaching tailored to individual learners, with a dedicated High Potential and Gifted Education program (Inspire) and support for students who need additional help. The school values inquiry-led learning across purpose-built, flexible spaces within distinctive high-rise and heritage facilities. Known for its active sport program and tight-knit community, it suits families who want personalised academic support within a progressive, inclusive environment where leadership and pastoral connection matter.
Inner Sydney High School is also known as ISHS, Inner Sydney HS and ISHS Surry Hills.
1 HSC Top Achievers — #129 of 240 New South Wales schools.
Inner Sydney High School draws students from the Inner Sydney HS (and 1 more zone).
Inner Sydney High School has an overall SchoolRank score of 58.2/100, rated "Average". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades B+ (Good) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1104 (85th percentile; the national average is 1,000).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Inner Sydney High School, Year 7 students averaged 570 across the tested NAPLAN domains, above the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 596, above the national average of 569 for that year level. Relative to national year-level averages, the school's strongest domain is Numeracy. 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.
Inner Sydney High School is a large government secondary school with approximately 1,161 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.
Inner Sydney 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+ (Good) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
Inner Sydney High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 15.0:1. This is around the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning class sizes are typical for Australian schools. Support staff make up 16% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 89%, which is good.
In the 2025 HSC, 3 students at Inner Sydney High School were all-round achievers, with results in the top band across 10 or more units. The school had 1 top achiever place across 2025 HSC courses. The Year 12 completion rate is 100%. 90% of students received a university offer.
Inner Sydney High School is located in Surry Hills, NSW, in a major city. Its ICSEA is 1104 (85th 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.