North Sydney Boys High School (Crows Nest) and Sydney Boys High School (Moore Park) are Sydney's two best-known boys' selective schools. North Sydney Boys ranked first in NSW in the 2025 HSC, for the third year running. Sydney Boys ranked sixth, up from ninth. Both are outstanding. The bigger differences are size, sport and location.
Side by side
| North Sydney Boys | Sydney Boys | |
|---|---|---|
| Suburb | Crows Nest | Surry Hills (Moore Park) |
| Year 7 places (2027) | 150 | 180 |
| 2025 HSC rank | 1st | 6th |
| 2025 top-band results | 71.6% (663 results) | 54.2% (653 results) |
| 2024 HSC rank | 1st | 9th |
| 99.95 ATARs (2025) | 7 | Not in the top four schools |
| Sport | CHS (government schools' competition) | GPS (with Sydney's elite private schools) |
| Sister school next door | North Sydney Girls | Sydney Girls |
HSC results
North Sydney Boys has the edge on results. Seven in ten of its 2025 HSC results were in the top band, the highest rate in NSW. Sydney Boys' rate was 54.2%, but because its cohort is larger, its total number of top-band results (653) was close to North Sydney Boys' (663).
Sport and school culture
This is the clearest difference.
- Sydney Boys is the only government school in the GPS (Great Public Schools) association, so it plays rowing, rugby and other sports against schools like Sydney Grammar, King's and Riverview. Sport and tradition are a big part of school life.
- North Sydney Boys plays in the government schools' competition. Its reputation centres more on academics, music and debating.
Size
Sydney Boys takes 180 boys a year and North Sydney Boys takes 150. Both are mid-sized for selective schools.
Location and travel
- North Sydney Boys is in Crows Nest, near Crows Nest metro station and St Leonards station. It suits the lower and upper North Shore, the Northern Beaches and the north-west via the metro.
- Sydney Boys is near Moore Park, a short trip from Central station. It suits the city, inner west, eastern suburbs and south.
For most families, the commute decides it. Check both on the Transport NSW trip planner for a school-day morning.
Which should you choose?
| Choose North Sydney Boys if your son... | Choose Sydney Boys if your son... |
|---|---|
| lives north of the harbour | lives in the city, east, south or inner west |
| wants the state's top academic results | loves rowing, rugby or competitive sport |
| prefers a slightly smaller school | wants a school with a strong sporting tradition |
Read our guides to North Sydney Boys and Sydney Boys, and see North Shore selective schools and inner west and city selective schools.
Entry
Neither school publishes a cut-off. North Sydney Boys is traditionally one of the most competitive selective schools in NSW. Order your preferences by where your son would most like to go. Putting a school first gives no extra chance.
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 North Sydney Boys better than Sydney Boys? North Sydney Boys ranked higher in the 2025 HSC (1st vs 6th). Both are among the best schools in NSW, and sport, size and travel usually decide between them.
Does Sydney Boys play GPS sport? Yes. It's the only government school in the GPS association.
Can my son list both? Yes. You can list up to three selective schools, in order of preference.
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; school websites. Not affiliated with either school.