Why choose us?

Fort Street High School, the oldest government high school in Australia, is a progressive, academically selective co-educational high school with a long tradition of providing education for gifted and high potential students. The school is located on Gadigal and Wangal land in Petersham and has an enrolment of approximately 920 students.
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Our school community is culturally and liguistically diverse with 73% of students from language backgrounds other than English. We are proud to be part of a strong public education system and welcome students from all backgrounds and cultures.

Our vision:

Since 1849, Fortians have been encouraged to be the makers of their own destiny, supported by our motto, faber est suae quisque fortunae. This motto underpins the values and expectations of the school. The school exit profile articulates the vision for student achievement.

Successful Fortians:

The Fort Street community believes that every student and teacher should be challenged to learn and continually improve in a respectful, inclusive, engaging and high expectation environment.

Take a virtual tour with our Student Leaders

At the Fort, students are prepared to excel and lead in a vast number of career paths and to become contributors to society with a highly developed social conscience. The school is known for developing leadership across an extensive range of areas and endeavours and prides itself in providing a wide range of extra-curricular programs in Sport, Science, Technology and Creative and Performing Arts which enhance the learning of our students. Over one third of all Fortians participate in the prestigious Instrumental Music Program; Fort Street also facilitates the largest Duke of Edinburgh program in all NSW state schools.

Established as the Fort Street Model School in 1849, the school's unique place in NSW epitomises and embraces academic excellence, a liberal tradition in educational philosophy, individuality, diversity and school traditions. Fort Street is proudly supported by a diverse and engaged parent community and alumni.

Ms Juliette McMurray, Principal with students

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What families value about Fort Street

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Extensive range of student opportunities and activities

At Fort Street High School, we offer a variety of programs in the classroom and across the school to help students build new skills, make friends and explore new interests.

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Wellbeing at Fort Street is for all students

A focus on wellbeing goes beyond the welfare needs of a few individual students and aims for all students to be healthy, happy, successful and productive individuals who are active and positive contributors to the school and society in which they live.

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High quality education

The Fort Street High School ethos is to engage Fortians in effective learning, developing teamwork and problem-solving to become critical, creative, ethical thinkers and leaders of the 21st century.

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Easy to access

Located in PETERSHAM, our school is easy to access by public transport, walking or driving. This makes every day at school more convenient for our families.

"As a parent of both a graduate and a current student at Fort Street High School, I can confidently say the school deserves its excellent reputation.

The co-educational environment has also been invaluable in teaching both my daughter and my son collaboration and communication skills, setting them up well for their university experience."

Elizabeth— a parent of Fort Street High School

Ready to apply?

Learn more about the application and enrolment process. Join our school community today!

How to apply

Stories and highlights

Hear about stories, wins and proud moments from our staff and students.

Policies and reports

Discover our local school policies, reports and plans.