James Ruse Agricultural High School and Baulkham Hills High School are the two strongest co-ed selective schools in NSW, about 10 km apart in Sydney's north-west. In the 2025 HSC, James Ruse ranked second in the state and Baulkham Hills ranked seventh. Both are excellent. The real differences are size, agriculture and the feel of the school.
Side by side
| James Ruse | Baulkham Hills | |
|---|---|---|
| Suburb | Carlingford | Baulkham Hills |
| Type | Agricultural high school (day only) | Fully selective |
| Students | Co-ed | Co-ed |
| Year 7 places (2027) | 120 (60 boys, 60 girls) | 180 (90 boys, 90 girls) |
| 2025 HSC rank | 2nd | 7th |
| 2025 top-band results | 70.4% (705 results) | 51.5% (623 results) |
| 2024 HSC rank | 2nd | 6th |
| 99.95 ATARs (2025) | 9, the most in NSW | 6 |
| Agriculture | Compulsory in Years 7 to 10 | Not compulsory |
HSC results
James Ruse is ahead on every HSC measure. Seven in ten of its HSC results were in the top band in 2025, and it had more perfect 99.95 ATARs than any other school in NSW. Baulkham Hills is still in the state's top ten, with more than half its results in the top band and six 99.95 ATARs.
At this level, the gap says more about intake than teaching. Both schools take students from the top of the placement test, and James Ruse's smaller intake is drawn from a higher-scoring group. A student who'd thrive at one would almost certainly do well at the other.
Entry
Neither school publishes a cut-off, and the department doesn't release entry scores. James Ruse has long been one of the hardest selective schools in NSW to get into, so many families list it first and Baulkham Hills second.
Two things to remember when ordering preferences:
- Order doesn't affect your chance. Every choice is decided on test results alone.
- A higher offer blocks lower ones. If your child is offered James Ruse, they won't be offered Baulkham Hills, even if you decline.
Size and school life
- James Ruse is small, with 120 students a year. Classes and year groups are tight-knit, and everyone knows everyone.
- Baulkham Hills is half as large again, with 180 students a year. That usually means a wider range of electives, teams and co-curricular groups.
Agriculture
At James Ruse, agriculture is compulsory from Year 7 to Year 10, with a working farm on campus. Some students love it, while others would rather spend that time on other electives. If your child has no interest in agriculture at all, weigh this seriously.
Travel
The two schools are close together, so for most Hills families travel doesn't separate them. Check the morning trip for both on the Transport NSW trip planner before you decide.
Which should you choose?
| Choose James Ruse if your child... | Choose Baulkham Hills if your child... |
|---|---|
| wants the most academically intense environment in NSW | wants a top-ten school with a larger year group |
| is happy with compulsory agriculture | would rather choose their own electives |
| suits a small, close community | wants more co-curricular options |
Many families list both. Order them by which school your child would most like to attend.
Read our full guides to James Ruse and Baulkham Hills, and see Western Sydney selective schools.
Preparing for the test
For 2028 entry, applications close on 15 February 2027 and the test is on 13 and 14 May 2027. Our NSW Selective practice tests include 8 full timed mocks with worked explanations and human-marked writing.
Frequently asked questions
Is James Ruse better than Baulkham Hills? James Ruse ranked higher in the 2025 HSC (2nd vs 7th) and had more 99.95 ATARs (9 vs 6). Both are among the best schools in NSW, and fit matters more than the rank gap.
Which is harder to get into? Neither publishes cut-offs. James Ruse has a smaller intake and is traditionally one of the most competitive selective schools in NSW.
Is agriculture compulsory at James Ruse? Yes, from Year 7 to Year 10.
Sources: NSW Department of Education, selective school list and places for 2027 entry; 2025 HSC rankings compiled from the NESA Distinguished Achievers list; 99.95 ATAR counts as reported by schools. Not affiliated with either school.