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International Grammar School

Australia, Sydney

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$25,510 - 35,906
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 1253
Type Co-educational
Opened 1984
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Australian Curriculum
Taught languages French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 9
Strengths Languages, Outdoor Education, Academic Enrichment
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.

The Essentials

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
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
IGS has a formal school uniform policy. Uniforms are available for purchase at The Uniform Shop on 278 Norton Street, Leichhardt. New students must have a uniform fitting, and orders can be placed online with options for click-and-collect or home delivery.

Food Options
The IGS Canteen operates every day from 7am to 2pm during term time and is run by Anthony Catering. It takes online orders for Preschool to Year 12 via the Flexischools app, and the canteen menu is available online, with GF options indicated on the menu where applicable.

House System
IGS has a House System for Primary and High School. There are four Houses: Kuyal, Bamal, Gura and Baado. Year 11 students are given responsibility in the House system and House assemblies, and there are ongoing House competitions across campus.

Governance and Ownership
The School is incorporated as The International Grammar School, Sydney, Ltd; it is a non-profit company limited by guarantee managed by a Board of non-paid directors. The current Board comprises nine directors; the School was formed in 1983 and began operating on 4 February 1984.
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.
Parent Experience

History
IGS began with Professor Reg St Leon, who envisioned the nation's first bilingual school to unite a multicultural society. It opened on 3 February 1984 in Randwick with 44 students from Kindergarten to Year 11. By the end of the first year enrolment reached 123, and by early 1985 it had grown to 231. After losing the Randwick lease, the school moved to the Elizabeth Arden factory in Riley Street, Surry Hills, which was converted into a school in six weeks. In 1997 IGS relocated to its current premises on the Dalgety Wool Store site in Kelly Street, Ultimo, with later expansions including the Wright Building in 2000 and the Kerrie Murphy Building in 2011.

Community
IGS sits on Gadigal land and has a long and proud Indigenous education tradition, supported by a dedicated Indigenous Education team and Aboriginal Studies introduced as a Stage 6 elective in 2017. The School hosts International Day, a whole-school cultural event with food stalls run by parents and families, performances and workshops. International Day also showcases exchange students from partner schools in China, Japan, Italy, France, Germany and Spain.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The P&C goes deeper than a traditional committee by ensuring input adds value to the lives of children, teachers and parents/carers. Membership is open to all parents and carers of students, staff, alumni and friends of staff or alumni. The P&C is represented by a Committee of around 20 parents from Early Learning to High School and meets twice per term. To volunteer or join, sign up via the provided links or contact ptf@igssyd.nsw.edu.au. Details about P&C activities and events are published in IGs Notices, and communication is also shared through Year group WhatsApp groups and school newsletters. The P&C fundraising includes Entertainment Books (20 percent of sales donated back), Rue Kelly second‑hand uniform stalls, The P&C Label Drive (25 percent of each registered label order donated back), and P&C merchandise sold through the PTF site.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
IGS Sydney has a multi-building inner-city campus with an Early Learning Centre, Primary School and High School. The Reg St Leon Building houses the Early Learning Centre, three refurbished science labs and a prep room, plus a Literarium and Bibliothèque. The Wright Building contains IT facilities, the Centre for the Dramatic Arts, a Design Centre and a Peace Garden. The Kerrie Murphy Building houses the Centre for the Teaching and Learning of Languages, with language rooms named Rome, Paris and Tokyo on Level 1 and Beijing, Berlin and Madrid on Level 2, and it also includes a gym and a climbing wall. The Renaissance Centre opened in 2023, offering a university-style lecture theatre and the Manuela Bachmann Dance Studio, with learning spaces including two libraries, nine music rooms, language rooms, Visual Arts studios, outdoor art terraces, a rooftop garden and a rooftop basketball court.

Sports Facilities
IGS offers a gym and a rooftop basketball court on campus, with access to nearby Wentworth Park and the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre for additional venues. All students develop swimming skills and participate in swimming, athletics and cross-country carnivals. Students can represent at regional, state-wide and national levels and take part in Championship Days in netball, basketball, touch football and soccer. Compulsory sport for Years 7 and 8 on Tuesday afternoons includes surfing, skating, soccer, netball, racquet sports, indoor climbing, various martial arts, basketball and general fitness.

Academic Facilities
Reg St Leon Building includes the Early Learning Centre, three refurbished science labs and a prep room, plus a Literarium and Bibliothèque. The Wright Building contains IT facilities, the Centre for the Dramatic Arts and the Design Centre, plus a Peace Garden. The Kerrie Murphy Building houses the Centre for the Teaching and Learning of Languages, with language rooms named Rome, Paris and Tokyo on Level 1 and Beijing, Berlin and Madrid on Level 2; a gym and a climbing wall are also part of the Kerrie Murphy facilities. The Renaissance Centre opened in 2023, offering a university-style lecture theatre, seminar rooms and the Manuela Bachmann Dance Studio. Learning spaces include three refurbished science labs, nine music rooms, two libraries, language rooms, a Design Centre, Visual Arts studios, outdoor art terraces, a rooftop garden and a rooftop basketball court.

Extra Curricular Facilities
More than 70 clubs are available to students. Outdoor education includes an overnight camp for Years 5 and 6, with progressively challenging camps for Years 7, 8 and 9. Year 10 students participate in SAGE week in Tasmania, trekking, kayaking and Writing the Island.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
More than 50 clubs are on offer before and after school. The high school program includes about 40 clubs that run at lunchtimes, covering science, technology and academic pursuits such as Zero Robotics, Rubik's Cubing, Year 7 and 8 Science Club, and Girls' Maths Club. Clubs are delivered by teachers and external experts who share their specialist knowledge. The Primary Co-curricular Program aims to broaden learning beyond the traditional classroom and supports intellectual development alongside physical and creative growth.

Arts & Creative
Drama is supported by Drama Companies that complement the Drama program and help students develop confidence and performance skills. High School students can choose from a range of options within the High School Drama Company program, including Junior and Senior Theatresports, Shakespeare Carnival, Year 7/8 Drama Companies, Production Companies, and other theatre-focused groups. Students learn acting and storytelling with access to professionals who bring passion to their craft. The Music program offers private tuition and a broad ensemble program, including String Groups, a Symphony Orchestra, Concert Bands, Jazz Bands, Rock Bands and Chamber Groups, with ensembles performing at festivals, camps and concerts.

Cultural & Language
Six languages are taught at IGS, and a second language is compulsory for all students from Preschool to Year 10. The second language options include Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian and Japanese, with a third language in Year 7 (Spanish or Chinese) and all languages available to Year 12. Bilingual partial immersion occurs from Preschool to Year 6, with language embedded in core units through songs, games and activities. Intercultural learning and Exchange programs provide opportunities for immersion in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and reciprocal exchanges with China and Japan.

Social & Hobbies
There are more than 70 clubs across age groups, with many social and hobby-based options such as War Gaming Club, Film Watching Club, Ukulele Club, and Year 11 Scuba Diving Club among the high school offerings. Clubs are often run during lunchtimes or after school and are delivered by teachers and external experts. The program supports students' interests outside traditional academics and encourages peer connection and collaboration.

Community & Service
The IGS Foundation supports community and learning initiatives, including life-changing Indigenous scholarships and a Library Fund to enhance literacy resources. Community Giving activities, such as the Colour Run, involve students in fundraising for Indigenous scholarships and school projects. Indigenous Scholarship funds assist local First Nations students, and donations help improve learning spaces and access to resources.

Leadership & Professional
Year 11 students are elected as School Leaders for the House's Art, Music, Language, Sport, Community Service and co-curricular activities. The tutor system is vertical, enabling senior students to mentor junior students, with Year 9 mentoring Year 4 as part of the curriculum and senior students leading House activities. In the Primary School, Year 3–6 students may be selected as class representatives on the Student Representative Council, with elections held twice a year. These structures foster leadership, citizenship and participation in school life.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sport and outdoor education are central to life at IGS, with a gym, rooftop basketball court and access to Wentworth Park and the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre. All students learn swimming and participate in swimming, athletics and cross-country carnivals, with opportunities to represent the school regionally, statewide and nationally in events such as netball, soccer, tennis, basketball and AFL. Compulsory sport for Years 7 and 8 runs on Tuesday afternoons, offering a mix of recreational and competitive activities. Outdoor education includes overnight camps for Years 5–6 and progressively challenging camps for Years 7–9, plus Tasmania excursions for Year 10 during SAGE Week.
Languages

Language Provision
The languages syllabuses taught are French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese. In High School, Year 7–10 continue a second language (French, German, Japanese or Italian) and study a third language (Chinese or Spanish); beginner language classes are available for new Year 7 entrants. In Stage 6 (Year 11–12), students continue the study of their second language and may continue or add a third language (e.g., Chinese, Spanish or Beginners Italian).

Bilingual Teaching
The School offers bilingual language immersion from the first days of attendance in Early Learning. A daily 30-minute language experience is provided in either French, German, Italian, Chinese (Mandarin) or Japanese. Bilingual language immersion is a core aspect of the Early Learning program.

Immersion Programs
Language immersion begins from the start of the program with a 30-minute daily language experience in a chosen language (French, German, Italian, Chinese Mandarin or Japanese). Language Immersion Day demonstrates cross-language activities across languages such as Japanese, Italian, French and German.
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.
School Events
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