Hills Grammar
Secular
Updated July 2026
Languages
EnglishHills Grammar is an independent, co-educational, and non-denominational school for students from Pre-K to Year 12. Located on a 53-acre campus in Sydney’s Hills District, it provides a personalised learning journey focused on fostering each student’s potential for greatness.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Hills Grammar is guided by the core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E). The school’s pedagogical approach, 'Deeper Water, Deeper Learning,' is anchored in Guided Inquiry, which seeks to nurture curious, creative, and critical thinkers. It is committed to holistic wellbeing and the belief that children learn and develop best in a co-educational environment that celebrates individual abilities and fosters a sense of belonging.
Programmes
The school offers a continuous educational journey from Pre-K (ages 3–5) through to Year 12. The academic programme includes a wide selection of HSC courses and extension subjects, supported by innovative practices such as the integration of Generative AI and transdisciplinary projects. The school maintains intentionally small class sizes, with up to 20 students per class in the Junior School and up to 25 in the Senior School for core subjects.
Outcomes
The school reports consistent performance in state and nationwide testing and offers a wide selection of courses for HSC students, including rigorous extension subjects. Graduates are prepared as confident, accomplished individuals equipped with the skills and mindset to navigate a diverse global landscape. The school’s focus on student agency and micro-credentialing through the Hills Education Passport for the Future further validates student achievements beyond the standard curriculum.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs specialist support teachers and provides targeted programs through its Learning Enrichment Program. These resources are designed to provide a balance of challenge and support, ensuring that teaching and learning experiences are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- How much is tuition at Hills Grammar?
- Annual tuition at Hills Grammar is A$32.2K–A$50K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Hills Grammar co-educational?
- Hills Grammar is a co-ed school.
- Where is Hills Grammar located?
- Hills Grammar is an international school in Blacktown, Australia.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| ECEC | 3–5 | — |
| Kindergarten | 5–6 | A$32.2K |
| Year 1 | 6–7 | A$32.2K |
| Year 2 | 7–8 | A$32.2K |
| Year 3 | 8–9 | A$34.7K |
| Year 4 | 9–10 | A$34.7K |
| Year 5 | 10–11 | A$34.7K |
| Year 6 | 11–12 | A$34.7K |
| Year 7 | 12–13 | A$46.4K |
| Year 8 | 13–14 | A$46.4K |
| Year 9 | 14–15 | A$48K |
| Year 10 | 15–16 | A$48K |
| Year 11 | 16–17 | A$50K |
| Year 12 | 17–18 | A$50K |
Source:PDFHills-Grammar-Policy-ECEC-Fee-Schedule.pdfPDFHills-Grammar-Map-2025-Master.pdfPDFHills-Grammar-Policy-International-Fee-Schedule.pdf
Other fees(4)
| Application fee· K-12 application fee. Also applies to the 1st child for ECEC ($220 for consecutive ECEC children). Waived for children of Hills Grammar Alumni. | A$275 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· K-12 enrolment fee ($1,500 for Year 11 commencement). | A$2.5K |
| Enrolment fee· ECEC enrolment fee. | A$1.8K |
| Deposit· Refundable enrolment deposit for K-12. | A$6K |
Discounts
- Full-payment discount: 2.5%
- Sibling discount: 20%
- Sibling discount: 30%
Admissions
Prospective families are invited to request a prospectus, book a campus tour, or apply online via the school website. The school provides specific information regarding tuition fees, scholarships, and enrolment procedures for international students. Enrolment enquiries can be directed to the school’s admissions office via phone or email.
Facilities
About the campus
The school is situated on a 53-acre bushland campus featuring contemporary, climate-controlled classrooms and no high-rise buildings. Key facilities include state-of-the-art science and innovation spaces, an industrial technology workshop, a hospitality kitchen, art studios, and dedicated performance spaces, including the 280-seat RJ Phipps Performance Centre. Sports facilities comprise a gymnasium and fitness centre, a multi-purpose hall, an international-sized floodlit grass oval, and two FIFA-standard synthetic fields. Additionally, students have access to the adjacent Hills Grammar Tennis Centre for professional coaching.
Co-curriculars
The co-curricular program is structured around six core areas: Music, Leadership & Service, Sport, Outdoor Education, STEM, and the Creative, Spoken, and Performing Arts. Students may participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which includes levels for Bronze, Silver, and Gold, or engage in service learning activities such as volunteering at local aged care facilities or the Early Childhood Education Centre. The school also offers the Hills Education Passport for the Future, which provides alternative credentialing by awarding points for achievements across four domains aligned with school values.
Karen YagerPrincipalKaren has over 25 years of experience in education across public and independent sectors, including over 18 years in senior leadership. She is a published author, a presenter on topics like generative AI and student agency, and has been recognized with an Innovation Excellence Award.
- David HamperDeputy Principal/Head of Senior School
David brings almost three decades of experience to the school, having held senior roles in diverse independent schools with portfolios including teaching and learning, wellbeing, innovation, and school operations. He is a prolific writer who has authored, edited, and contributed to numerous books and journal articles.
Sarah BlackHead of Junior SchoolSarah is a specialist in inclusive education who has worked across Pre K to Year 12 since joining Hills Grammar in 2010. She has held various leadership roles focusing on curriculum design, student wellbeing, and inclusive practices, and is a strong advocate for personalised learning.
Dr Geoff GatesDirector of Learning and Teaching Pre-K to 12Geoff chairs K-6 and 7-12 curriculum meetings and works with staff on whole-school pedagogy, including projects like Designing for Deep Learning and GenAI integration. He holds a Doctor of Creative Arts degree and has extensive experience in teaching and leadership roles in Sydney, London, and Hamburg.
Yass SidarosDirector of Co-curricular ProgramsYass has spent over 16 years at Hills Grammar and previously served as a senior curriculum advisor for the Department of Education and Training. He oversees the operation and strategic development of the school's co-curricular program, which includes music, sport, STEM, and performing arts.
Dr Christine FurnerDirector of Professional LearningChristine has held various teaching and leadership positions and holds a PhD focused on boosting teacher learning to improve student outcomes. Her role is focused on ensuring staff are professionally challenged and supported to develop expertise in alignment with the school's vision.
David SextonDirector Business ServicesDavid is an accomplished executive leader with over 25 years of experience at C-Suite and Board level across sectors including education, not-for-profit, and professional services. He oversees the financial, operational, and commercial aspects of the school, including strategic initiatives and campus development.