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Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Primary School, Secondary School, High School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction
International Grammar School (IGS) Sydney is an independent, coeducational, secular day school following the Australian Curriculum. From Early Learning a bilingual program places Languages and Music at the center of learning, with six languages taught and second language study compulsory through Year 10. The Primary School offers rich, challenging opportunities in a supportive environment, while the High School uses an interdisciplinary approach that extends beyond NSW standards. A standout feature is SAGE, a cross-disciplinary project-based program with week-long learning experiences outside the classroom, complemented by a school-wide emphasis on outdoor education and hands-on STEAM learning. The campus comprises Reg St Leon House for Early Learning and science labs; the Wright Building for IT, drama and design; Kerrie Murphy Building for language learning; and the Renaissance Centre with a university-style theatre, dance studio, libraries and studios. With 70+ clubs, the school delivers language, arts and sport opportunities and intercultural exchanges globally.
International Grammar School has 1,253 pupils, typical class sizes of 9, instruction in English.
Location
Gadigal Land, 4-8 Kelly Street, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia. A short walk from Broadway Shopping Centre, close to the University of Sydney, Notre Dame, UTS and Glebe Point Road. Buses run along Parramatta Road; about a 10-minute walk from Central Railway Station.
Stages
Preschool to Year 12
Type
Independent, coeducational, secular day school
Religious affiliation
Secular
Fees
Annual tuition at International Grammar School ranges from AUD 25,510 to AUD 35,906 for 2026/27.
Application and enrolment charges
- Application Fee: AUD 250 (non-refundable). - Enrolment Fee (Kindergarten to Year 12): AUD 1,950 (payable on confirmation; non-refundable). - Enrolment Fee (Early Learning Centre): AUD 750 (payable on confirmation; non-refundable). - Fee Deposit (all levels): AUD 1,200 (paid on confirmation; may be credited against the family's fee account when the student/child leaves the School, at the request of the parent/carer). - Fees in Advance on confirmation: - Kindergarten–Year 12: one third of the current annual tuition fee is payable on confirmation (waived for siblings). - Early Learning Centre: two weeks of current daily fees are payable on confirmation.
Tuition fees — Kindergarten to Year 12 (annual and per term amounts)
- Kindergarten — Annual: AUD 25,510. Per term (annual ÷ 4): AUD 6,377.50. - Year 1–2 — Annual: AUD 25,935. Per term: AUD 6,483.75. - Year 3 — Annual: AUD 26,017. Per term: AUD 6,504.25. - Year 4–6 — Annual: AUD 26,801. Per term: AUD 6,700.25. - Year 7–9 — Annual: AUD 33,624. Per term: AUD 8,406.00. - Year 10 — Annual: AUD 34,398. Per term: AUD 8,599.50. - Year 11–12 — Annual: AUD 35,906. Per term: AUD 8,976.50.
Early Learning Centre (ELC) fees and daily rates
- Daily rates (2026 ELC fee schedule): - Term-time attendance (2, 3 or 5 days): AUD 162 per day. - Extended-hours attendance (7:30am–6:00pm, inclusive of term breaks): AUD 203 per day. - On confirmation of ELC enrolment: AUD 750 enrolment fee (non-refundable), AUD 1,200 fee deposit, and two weeks fees in advance. - Government fee relief (Start Strong) amounts for eligible children in 2026 are published for 3- and 4-year-olds and applied to the ELC fee structure. Parents remain responsible for Child Care Subsidy eligibility and any gap fee.
Sibling discounts
- 2nd child: 10% of tuition fees. - 3rd child: 15% of tuition fees. - 4th child: 20% of tuition fees. - 5th and subsequent children: 25% of tuition fees.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Available payment options for K–12 tuition: - Full payment in advance (a discount of AUD 500 per student if paid by 2 February 2026). - Payment in three instalments due: 2 February 2026, 4 May 2026 and 27 July 2026. - Payment in ten instalments by direct debit from a nominated credit card or bank account via School EasyPay. - Regardless of method chosen, fees will be billed three times per year; fees paid in advance appear as a credit on the account. - ELC fee payment: fees are payable by direct debit from the nominated bank account or by credit card, processed by DebitSuccess (on behalf of Xplor). Fees are paid fortnightly on dates prescribed in the Direct Debit Schedule. - Surcharges and transaction fees (as published): DebitSuccess surcharges (November 2025): Credit Card (Mastercard/VISA) 2.86% (minimum transaction charge AUD 0.50); AMEX 5.23% (minimum AUD 0.50); Direct Debit charge AUD 1.09 (minimum AUD 0.50). Schools' payment processors may apply additional fees for insufficient funds or dishonoured payments. - Late payment: fees unpaid by the due date attract an administration charge of AUD 35 per week overdue. A student's enrolment may be discontinued and costs of collection debited to the student's account. Parents with outstanding balances at the end of the year will not be allowed to re-enrol until all outstanding balances are paid.
Compulsory and additional costs
- ICT Levy: AUD 500 per student (annual). - Sports Levy: AUD 110 per term for Year 7 and Year 8 (Tuesday afternoon sports program). - Compulsory activity charges (examples charged to family accounts with the first instalment): - Year 4 Language Camp: AUD 410. - Year 5 Language Camp: AUD 410. - Year 5 Outdoor Education Camp: AUD 830. - Year 6 Language Camp: AUD 410. - Year 6 Outdoor Education Camp: AUD 830. - Year 6 Canberra Trip: AUD 588. - Year 7 Language Immersion Day: AUD 110. - Year 7 Outdoor Education Camp: AUD 830. - Year 7 The SAGE Program: Shakespeare Boot Camp: AUD 263. - Year 8 Language Immersion Day: AUD 110. - Year 8 Outdoor Education Camp: AUD 830. - Year 8 The SAGE Program: The Rocks Quest: AUD 263. - Year 9 The SAGE Program: Opera on Kelly Street: AUD 420. - Year 9 Outdoor Education Camp or Bronze Duke of Ed: AUD 1,103. - Year 10 The SAGE Program: Tasmania – Writing the Island: AUD 1,500. - Faculty fees, excursions and other activity fees: additional fees may be charged throughout the year as required by faculties or for optional activities. - After School Care: Session Rate AUD 31; Casual Rate AUD 39. Vacation Care charges vary by program and are communicated before each holiday period. Fees for after school care and vacation care are billed in Xplor; Child Care Subsidy may apply where eligible. - Building Fund (voluntary): suggested contribution AUD 1,000 per family (AUD 250 per account invoice); voluntary and tax deductible; annual receipts issued in July.
Withdrawal and refund rules
- Application fees are non-refundable. Enrolment fees are non-refundable. Fee deposits may be credited to the family's fee account when the child/student leaves the School, on request. - Withdrawal notice requirements (Kindergarten–Year 12): written notice to the Principal two terms in advance for students leaving Year 6 and Year 12, or one term in advance for other year groups. Failure to provide required notice will incur a late withdrawal fee equal to one term's fees (defined as one quarter of the annual tuition fee). - Withdrawal (ELC): written notice to the Director of Early Learning ten weeks in advance; failure to provide ten weeks' notice attracts a late withdrawal fee equal to ten weeks' fees. - Fees are payable for the whole year of enrolment; no deduction is made for non-attendance. Leave is not granted on a no-fee basis.
Boarding
- The School operates as an early learning, primary and secondary day school; boarding facilities are not provided and boarding fees do not apply.
Fee payment options (summary)
- Direct debit from a nominated bank account (ELC fortnightly via DebitSuccess/Xplor; K–12 via School EasyPay for instalments). - Credit card payments (Mastercard, VISA, AMEX) via the School's payment processor — applicable surcharges apply (see surcharge amounts above). - Full payment in advance (discount applies if paid by the advertised date). - School invoices are issued according to the billing schedule; a final invoice is issued in November for sundry charges from July to December.
Academics
International Grammar School teaches Australian Curriculum.
Curriculum
IGS offers a bilingual program from Early Learning, with Languages and Music central to learning. The Primary School provides rich and challenging opportunities in a supportive environment. The High School uses an interdisciplinary approach that extends beyond NSW Education Standards Authority requirements. SAGE is a middle-years, cross-disciplinary, project-based program offering week-long learning experiences outside the classroom. STEAM education integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics in an interdisciplinary and cohesive approach, and co-curricular activities extend opportunities for all students.
Exam Results
HSC results for 2022 were strong. A total of 118 IGS students were awarded the HSC in 2022, and two students topped their courses in NSW, both in languages. Six IGS students were NSW All-round Achievers, and one student topped the State in Spanish Continuers. There were 56 Distinguished Achievers and 118 Honourable Mentions across HSC courses.
Higher Education Progression
Post-school destinations for the Class of 2022 show main entry to universities within the NSW/ACT area, including Australian Catholic University, Charles Sturt University, ICMS, Macquarie University, NAS, University of Canberra, University of New England, University of Newcastle, University of Notre Dame, University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, University of Wollongong, UNSW and Western Sydney University.
Gifted and Talented
SAGE is a middle-years, cross-disciplinary, project-based program offering authentic, real-world learning experiences outside the classroom. SAGE stands for Student choice, Authentic learning experiences, Global relevance, Exhibitions and celebrations of learning, and provides rich, week-long learning opportunities such as Shakespeare Bootcamp (Year 7), The Rocks Quest (Year 8), Opera on Kelly Street (Year 9), and Tasmania: Writing the Island (Year 10).
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school places emphasis on social and emotional learning as part of student wellbeing. IGS is a lighthouse school for good mental health practices. A multi-level student care team supports students, with Home Class teachers building knowledge of each child and tutors coordinating across years. School counsellors provide confidential support to students and parents. The Wellbeing hub offers resources for parents and students, and therapy dogs visit to support emotional wellbeing. Staff mindfulness and wellbeing initiatives are part of the school culture.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
IGS supports inclusion of children with specific needs. The appointment of Sarah Herbert as Deputy Principal Junior School highlights a commitment to strengthening inclusive practices. The student care structure and counsellors support the wellbeing and learning of all students, including those with needs.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
IGS offers bilingual and multilingual education from Preschool to Year 12, with languages at the centre of the curriculum. Languages are studied from Early Learning through Year 12, fostering intercultural understanding. IGS also runs Japanese language immersion programs as part of its language immersion offerings.
Mental Wellbeing
IGS has a formal wellbeing program with a dedicated wellbeing team. School counsellors provide confidential support to students and parents. The Wellbeing hub offers resources for parents and students, and SchoolTV provides credible wellbeing information. Therapy dogs visit as part of the wellbeing program, offering comfort and stress relief. R U OK? Day and other wellbeing initiatives, including staff mindfulness, promote mental health within the school community.
Safeguarding
IGS has a Child Protection Policy updated January 2024. The policy commits to keeping children safe and to compliance with Child Safe Standards. Staff receive annual child protection training and mandatory reporting; Working With Children checks are required for staff who work with children. The policy covers reporting and investigation of concerns and requires record-keeping. Related policies include a Code of Conduct, Privacy Policy, and Complaint Handling Procedures.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Submit an Enrolment Application online to place a child on the waitlist. The application is electronically signed by both parents/guardians and requires uploading the child's birth certificate; passport/visa details are needed for non-Australian citizens; school reports are required for entry to Year 1 onward. An application fee of 250 AUD per child is payable at submission. The International Student Application form is used for international student visa cases; contact Admissions for this form. 2. The application is reviewed by the Admissions Office in accordance with the Enrolment Policy. 3. Offers of Enrolment are made in writing by the Principal and accompanied by a contract of conditions to be signed by both parents/guardians and returned to the Admissions Office. 4. Enrolment is confirmed upon receipt of the signed contract and completion of the offer requirements.
Scholarships
Academic Scholarships are offered through the Australian Council for Educational Research Cooperative Scholarship Testing Program (ACER CSTP). Scholarships are for entry into Year 7 (CSTP Level 1) and Year 11 (CSTP Level 3) in 2027; testing for entry occurs on February 28, 2026, with applications open until February 8, 2026. Indigenous Scholarships are provided for First Nations students under the Indigenous Scholarship Program, funded by the Indigenous Scholarship Fund; applications follow IGS schedules. The Indigenous Scholarship Program covers tuition and related provisions for eligible students.
Waitlist
The waitlist is established by submitting an Enrolment Application signed by both guardians. The process requires uploading the child's birth certificate and, for non-Australian citizens, passport/visa details; school reports are required for entry to Year 1 and above. An application fee of 250 AUD per child applies. The waitlist is managed through the enrolment process, with offers issued in writing by the Principal and contracts sent to be signed by guardians.
FAQs
What makes IGS different from other schools?
IGS has been a pioneer of bilingual education since 1984, with a secular, co-educational approach emphasising unity through diversity. The school places languages, music, and arts at the centre of education.
What age groups does IGS cater for?
The school serves students from early learning (approximately age 3) through to Year 12 (age 18) across Early Learning, Primary, and High School divisions.
Is IGS a religious school?
No, IGS is a secular, non-denominational institution welcoming families of all backgrounds and beliefs. The school's ethos centres on diversity and inclusion rather than religious affiliation.
What languages are taught?
Bilingual learning is the school's founding commitment, with multiple language streams available from early learning. The diverse student body enriches language learning through peer interaction.
Does IGS offer boarding?
No, IGS operates as a day school only. OSHC (Out of School Hours Care) services are available for before and after school care.
Where is the school located?
IGS is located at 4-8 Kelly Street, Ultimo, within moments of Sydney's CBD. The central location is well served by public transport.
Who is the current Principal?
Shauna Colnan serves as Principal, leading the school with a commitment to the vision of Unity Through Diversity.
What co-curricular activities are available?
The school offers extensive co-curricular activities including clubs, creative and performing arts, sports, outdoor education, and the Koori Club for Indigenous cultural understanding.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the online enrolment process. Open mornings and virtual tours at igss.youtour.com.au help prospective families learn about the school.
What is IGS's approach to STEAM?
IGS integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics across the curriculum with a creative, inquiry-based approach. The bilingual programme enhances cognitive development alongside STEAM learning.
When was the school founded?
IGS was founded in 1984 with a vision to deliver globally-focused bilingual education enriched by music and arts study. The school is now celebrating over 40 years of educational excellence.
Does the school have a uniform?
Yes, students wear a dark blue school uniform. Uniform details and purchasing information are available through the school's parent portal.
