Ravenswood School for Girls

"Ravenswood School for Girls — known affectionately to its community as "Ravenswood" or simply "Ravo" — is an independent, Uniting Church day and boarding school for girls from Prep through to Year 12, located in Gordon on Sydney's Upper North Shore."

With a history stretching back to 1901 and a current enrollment of more than 1,400 students, Ravenswood occupies a prominent place in Australian girls' education, offering a well-rounded academic environment grounded in strong values and a clear commitment to developing young women of character and capability. The school was founded in 1901 by Mabel Fidler, a pioneering educator whose vision of excellence in girls' education laid the foundation for what has grown into one of Sydney's most respected independent schools. That founding spirit — of purposeful, high-quality education tailored to the needs and ambitions of girls — continues to shape the school's culture and direction more than a century later. Academically, Ravenswood has embraced the International Baccalaureate framework at the senior level, having been authorized as an IB World School since June 2004. The school offers the IB Diploma Programme, providing students in Years 11 and 12 with a rigorous, globally recognized qualification that is well-suited to families with international backgrounds or those considering university study abroad. Alongside the IB Diploma, the school follows the Australian curriculum across its junior and middle school years, giving students a strong local academic grounding that transitions naturally into the internationally oriented senior program. For expat families and relocating professionals seeking a school that bridges Australian educational standards with global recognition, this combination is a meaningful advantage. The school community numbers over 1,400 students, including approximately 50 boarders drawn from Years 7 to 12. The boarding program makes Ravenswood a practical choice not only for families living further afield within Australia but also for international families seeking a nurturing residential environment within a well-established school setting. Day students come predominantly from the surrounding Upper North Shore suburbs, while boarders contribute an additional layer of diversity and community spirit to school life. As a Uniting Church school, Ravenswood maintains a Christian ethos that informs its values and pastoral care approach, though the school welcomes girls from a wide range of backgrounds and beliefs. The school holds memberships in several peak educational bodies, including the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia, the Australian Boarding Schools' Association, and the Alliance of Girls' Schools Australasia, reflecting its active engagement with best practice across independent and girls' education sectors. Situated in Gordon, a leafy and well-connected suburb approximately 20 kilometers north of Sydney's CBD, the school benefits from a calm, residential setting with easy access to public transport links into the city. For families relocating to Sydney — whether from interstate or overseas — the Upper North Shore offers a welcoming community environment, and Ravenswood's long-established presence in the area makes it a natural anchor for settling in.