INTERNATIONAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Principal's Message
IGS is a vibrant school with a warm and inclusive community. Our campus is located near the heart of the city, in Ultimo, just a short stroll from the University of Sydney, UTS and the creative hubs of Glebe and Chippendale. We are an independent, secular, Preschool to Year 12 co-educational school. In the Early Learning and Primary years, our students are immersed in a flagship bilingual program. They then go on to study at least one language in Years 7 to 10 and a choice of languages for the Higher School Certificate. At IGS, we offer a broad liberal education. We believe that the teacher’s role is to honour and nurture childhood while drawing out the innate gifts of the child. We take our students on an educational journey that empowers them to explore their gifts, find their voices and become their best selves as they move with growing confidence and independence towards adulthood. Unity through Diversity is our motto and our five core values — diversity, personal achievement, connectedness, vibrancy and authenticity – are at the heart of who we are and what we do. My colleagues and I are committed to providing a unique educational experience that gives our students views of the world from every classroom and learning space. We are proud of our innovative campus and curriculum, our Global Centre for the Teaching and Learning of Languages, our Imaginarium, our SAGE program, our Philosopher in Residence, Critical Thinking for the 21st Century and much more, unique to IGS. At IGS, learning happens in and beyond the classroom – on the stage, in the orchestra, on the sporting field, in the vast array of after school clubs, and while abroad on international exchange. We are a passionate learning community – a local school with a global outlook. Our students are our greatest ambassadors. They are in the moment: happy, warm, open-minded, curious, kind and respectful. Speak to them and they will tell you what makes IGS a great school! We look forward to meeting you. Shauna Colnan IGS Principal

Igs Logo 2025
Founded on principles of bilingual learning and unity through diversity, International Grammar School (IGS) is a co-educational secular school dedicated to shaping future generations of globally-conscious citizens. The school values diversity, authenticity, connectedness, personal achievement and vibrancy, empowering students through a broader definition of education that celebrates academic achievement through deeper learning and champions personal growth.
 

Facilities: The school’s main campus is on Kelly Street and Mountain Street, Ultimo, near Broadway, close to Victoria Park, Wentworth Park, UTS and The University of Sydney. The campus offers the Global Learning Centre for the Teaching and Learning of Languages, the Bibliothèque, Literarium, the Centre for Dramatic Arts, Year 6 Centre, specialist music rooms, contemporary design centre, science laboratories, visual arts studios, hall, rooftop playground and basketball court, Year 12 Study Centre and more. The Renaissance Centre houses a lecture theatre, seminar rooms, and dance studio. The school’s idyllic Kangaroo Valley Retreat offers students a host of immersive experiences, including language camps, science and sustainability field studies, Shakespeare in the Glade, music camps, writers’ retreats, art en plein air and leadership programs.

Early Learning: Partial bilingual immersion and daily music offer an enriching learning environment for the school’s youngest learners. Extended-hours care from 7.30am to 6pm is available.

Primary School: The innovative IGS curriculum offers integrated studies and deeper learning experiences, many in the student’s additional language. Students are supervised from 7.30am, and After-School care is available until 6pm.

Subjects Year 7 to 10: Philosophy, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, French and Mandarin are offered in addition to a full range of subjects including Mathematics, English, Human Society and Its Environment, Drama and the Sciences.

Subjects Year 11 and 12: In addition to a full range of courses, including Extension 1 and 2 courses, new courses such as Legal Studies, Aboriginal Studies and Investigating Science are offered. Students are regularly accelerated in Mathematics and languages, and HSC results are consistently impressive. 

Sport: IGS students compete in a number of inter-school competitions, including on Tuesday afternoons. The school offers swimming, netball, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, cricket, athletics, gymnastics and a full Outdoor Education Program.

Wellbeing and a welcoming community: A dedicated wellbeing team with a counselling suite is offered to the community, two therapy dogs visit the school regularly, and Mental Health First Aid Australia recognises IGS as a GOLD Mental Health First Aid Skilled Workplace.

Special Features: A rich mix of global learning opportunities is offered, built upon long standing partner-school relationships in Europe and Asia. In Primary School, part of the regular curriculum is taught through the medium of the second language. In Early Learning, Music is taught daily by highly qualified Orff Schulwerk teachers. Scholarships are offered for entry into Years 7 and 11, and more than 20 students are part of the school’s Indigenous Scholars Program, with two scholarships awarded in
Kindergarten each year.

Check out IGGS’ Virtual School Tour today!

Principal: Shauna Colnan

School Information

IGS Logo
  • Type: Independent
  • Coeducational or single-sex: Coeducational

  • Faith-based: None
  • Year: Pre-Kindergarten - Year 12
  • Day/Boarding: Day School
  • Enrolment: 1350 students
  • Interview Required Upon Enrolment: Yes
  • International Baccalaureate Programs offered: N/A  
  • ESL Support: N/A
  • Scholarships Available: Yes
  • Gifted and Talented Program: Yes
  • Preschool or Early Learning Centre: Own Preschool
  • After School Care/ OOSH Options: Own After School Care
  • Fees: Please visit the website.
  • Address:4-8 Kelly Street, Ultimo 2007
  • Email:admissions@igssyd.nsw.edu.au
  • Phone:02 9219 6700
  • HSC/VCE Subjects offered:IGS offers more than 40 HSC courses in the arts, sciences and humanities including extension courses. Please view our HSC results at www.igssyd.nsw.edu.au for a comprehensive list.
  • Clubs and Extra-curricular programs:More than 80 clubs are on offer including many music, sports and drama groups, debating, Theatresports, robotics, science clubs, knitting, film, sewing, scuba diving and Girls' Maths Club and more.
  • Scholarships Available:Indigenous and academic
  • Special Needs Support:Physical disability, Mental disability, Learning disability, Developmental disability

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