Frequently
Asked Questions

Is Ascham one of the best girls’ schools in Sydney?

Ascham is widely regarded as one of Sydney’s leading independent girls’ schools, having provided excellence in girls’ education since 1886. Our unique use of the Dalton Plan, strong academic outcomes and commitment to developing confident, well-rounded young women set us apart from other schools in Sydney. Read about the Dalton Difference and our offer of an outstanding education for every girl.

Why is Ascham considered a leading independent girls’ school?

We are proudly a girls’ school without religious affiliation, centred around strong values, a focus on academic excellence and a culture of positive leadership. Our inspiring environment, combined with the Dalton Plan academic structure and the Vi et Animo Wellbeing Framework, gives every girl the opportunity to reach her full potential academically, personally and socially.

Is Ascham an academically selective school?

No. Ascham is academically non-selective, yet the school consistently achieves outstanding academic results for girls of all abilities. Our Dalton Plan’s highly flexible structure is designed to support every learner, whether she needs extension, consolidation or additional support, making Ascham a school where girls of varying abilities genuinely thrive. Read more on the Academic Results page.

Is single-sex education better for girls?

There is strong evidence globally that single-sex education for girls leads to higher academic achievement, greater confidence, more participation and grander aspirations. Every aspect of our teaching and learning environment is tailored specifically to the needs and preferences of girls, and this focused environment, combined with the Dalton Plan, fosters a strong sense of empowerment and determination in each student. Read more about why to choose a girls’ school here.

What is the Dalton Plan?

The Dalton Plan is a highly flexible teaching structure built around three pillars: Assignment, Lesson and Study. Our teaching philosophy embraces its four key principles of Independence, Collaboration, Responsibility and Reflection, to inspire classroom learning and encourage a goal-oriented mindset. The Plan gives each girl meaningful one-on-one time with her teachers and teaches her to take ownership of her own learning. Learn more about Dalton here.

Is Ascham the only school in Australia that uses the Dalton Plan?

How many students are in a class at Ascham?

Does Ascham School offer boarding, and who is it suited to?

How does Ascham support student wellbeing?

When should I apply to enrol my daughter at Ascham?

Where is Ascham School and how do I get there?

What are Ascham School’s tuition fees?

Does Ascham School offer scholarships?

What sports can my daughter play at Ascham?

Ascham offers over 18 different sports, many coached by specialist Head Coaches. Saturday sport options for students include Netball, Hockey, Football, Rowing, Sailing, Tennis, Basketball, Touch Football and Water Polo. Girls can also pursue Swimming, Diving, Athletics, Cross-Country, Dance, Gymnastics, Snowsports, Equestrian, as well as strength and conditioning, and multi-skills programs. Our Sports Department fosters leadership opportunities, high levels of athleticism, and drives the Sisters in Sport Leadership Network. Read more about our Sports programs here.

What does the Music program look like at Ascham?

Music is a vibrant and central part of life at Ascham—the department’s motto is ‘Music for All’! The school has more than 75 instrumental and choral performance groups, from orchestras and chamber ensembles to jazz groups, rock bands and choirs, with tuition available across a wide range of instruments. There is a residential Senior Music Camp each year as well as a Junior Music Camp on campus, and major orchestra and choir tours have taken girls to Europe and China. There are ensembles and opportunities at every level, with performances throughout the year celebrated across the whole school community. Read more about Music at Ascham.

Does Ascham offer community service?

Yes, our commitment to service comes from our values, not our affiliation. As a proudly non-denominational school, we believe that a sense of responsibility to the broader community is central to what it means to be an educated, empathetic young woman. Through a diverse range of volunteer opportunities, our students build empathy, develop leadership skills, and make meaningful contributions to the community. Our girls volunteer at local aged-care facilities, vet clinics, Vinnies, Salvos, after-school care for disadvantaged children, and sewing menstrual kits for a global charity. Girls are also encouraged to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program from Year 8, which includes a voluntary service component.

How does Ascham engage with social justice and charitable causes?

Ascham weaves a genuine sense of social responsibility through school life, from the curriculum to co-curricular programs. Girls are encouraged to think critically about the world they live in and to act with purpose. From Prep right through to Year 12, all Ascham girls are involved in awareness and fundraising for multiple charities every year. In addition, there are dedicated Social Justice and Charity Committees, comprised of Year 12 students, who advocate and fundraise for a number of causes. Read more about our community-centred leadership.

Does Ascham offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?

Yes, from Year 8 onwards, girls can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, one of the most recognised personal development programs in the world. The Award challenges young women to grow across four areas: Physical Activity, Skill Development, Voluntary Service and an Adventurous Journey. It sits naturally alongside the independence and self-directed learning that the Dalton Plan builds in every Ascham girl throughout her senior years. Participation has reached record levels in recent years, with an outstanding number of students completing Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards—a reflection of their commitment and determination.

What is the North-East Arnhem Land Immersion for Year 10?

The North-East Arnhem Land immersion is one of the most distinctive and meaningful programs we offer. Every year, as an entire cohort Year 10 travels to North-East Arnhem Land in Australia’s Northern Territory for an immersive cultural experience with Aboriginal communities, grounded in deep listening, genuine respect and reciprocal connection. Girls return with a profoundly shifted perspective on Country, culture and identity, with many describing it as one of the most significant experiences of their school years. The program reflects our Ngara Commitment, Ascham’s ongoing dedication to meaningful engagement with First Nations people, knowledge and ways of knowing. Read more about our Ngara Commitment.

Does Ascham run a Student Exchange Program or overseas tours/excursions?

Yes, both. Our formal, and highly successful, Student Exchange Program has been in place since the 1960s and has grown immensely since then. Every year, selected Year 10 students exchange with students at other leading girls’ schools around the world, in countries including the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, South Africa and Argentina, giving girls the opportunity to live and study abroad for approximately 4–8 weeks. In turn, their exchange sisters come to live with them and go to school at Ascham for their weeks here in Australia.

International tours are also a valued part of life at Ascham and vary from year to year based on student interest and opportunity. In recent years, girls have travelled to New York and Europe on Art and Drama tours, to Vienna for a Choir tour, to Oxford Summer School in the UK, and to Ladakh in India on community service and trekking tours.

What camps does Ascham offer?

From Year 3 to Year 10, outdoor education camps are an important part of the Ascham experience across the Year levels. Every camp builds resilience, teamwork and confidence through challenge in a natural environment. Camps are designed to deepen friendships, develop independence and broaden our students’ experience of the world beyond the classroom. They provide a valuable opportunity to step away from technology, slow down and engage with the world. Fresh air, physical activity and shared experiences contribute to positive mood, improved focus and a renewed sense of perspective. These experiences are a valued complement to the academic rigour of the Dalton Plan.

What other co-curricular activities does Ascham offer?

Our Co-curricular program is broad and responsive to the girls’ interests, and the range of activities on offer evolves from year to year. Current activities include over 18 sports, Speech and Drama, Music ensembles and choirs, Chess, Debating and Public Speaking, da Vinci Decathlon, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), Future Problem Solving, Robotics, STEAM Clubs, Theatresports, Tournament of Minds, Art Clubs and a wide range of lunchtime clubs. Girls are encouraged to try new things, pursue their passions and take on informal leadership in the areas that matter most to them.

Does Ascham have co-educational opportunities with boys’ schools?

Under the banner of Ascham Integrate, our school has a dedicated program of enriching coeducational experiences with local boys’ schools, as well as universities and the wider community. Across both Junior and Senior Schools, these experiences span creative arts, mental health advocacy, leadership development and service learning—each fostering a stronger sense of connection and purpose.