TL;DR

• Big & inclusive high school (~1,800 students) with strong systems for wellbeing, academic extension and support for all types of needs
• Broad subject choice and extensive clubs on offer; visible strength in Design & Technology & Timberwork
• The school building is an older-style “block” building with a recent additional block providing more modern facilities 
• New Principal joining Term 4, 2025

Snapshot (Quick Facts)

• Years: High school (Y7–12)
• Co-ed: Yes
• Religion: Non religious 
• Sector: Government 
• Location: East Killara; near bus stops; nearest train stations: Gordon/Killara (would require a connecting bus)
• Year 12 fees: N/A (Government school)
• Typical intake points: Local/catchment-based 
• Notable programs: Clubs & activities across interests, Design & Tech/HSC major projects, Duke of Edinburgh, mentor groups, school camps
• Uniform: Yes (the open day was a no-uniform day but this was the exception)

Overview

Visited on 29 August 2025 for an open day. I attended as a prospective parent given we live in the catchment area and Killara High School is a school option for our family. 

We started with an address from the Principal and then completed a student led tour of the school. 

Principal’s Address: Key Messages

These were my takeaways from the Principals address: 

1. Inclusive School Culture: Killara High School celebrates diversity and welcomes everybody unconditionally for who they are. 
2. The school is enormous with 1800 students and sees that as an enormous advantage. More opportunities, more friends, more niche interests catered for. 
3. The school is academically very well organised and they have extensive systems and structures in place to cater for the needs of diverse students. Including opportunities for enrichment and extension. And a strategically well-resourced learning support for people who learn differently. 
4. Extensive well-being support system for students. He described a 3 tier system to support student well-being ranging from group level support through to private support with external providers. 
5. Extensive range of extra curricular clubs and activities are a feature of Killara High School. Helps kids to flourish and connect outside of the classroom. 
6. A place for everyone. He was very proud that when students come to KHS the size and culture means every kid finds a place here. 

Few Things I Learnt (from students who led my tour)

• Both students said the school basically doesn’t have any bullying as there is such a strong focus on student wellbeing. They said that any issue at the school; any incidents (including online) are taken very seriously and addressed quickly. They also went on to say that discipline is taken seriously in general and dealt with quickly. 
• Both students said the school is very safe and that Killara High School is a great place to be.
• Sport is compulsory in Years 7–10 (soccer, volleyball, touch, basketball are the most popular options according to the students I asked on the tour).
• There’s a wide range of clubs; neither of my guides participated in them, possibly as they were in year 12, but they said there were lots of options available. 
• There are a range of leadership positions available and the students need to apply with a written application (which is displayed publicly in the canteen on election). 
• Subject availability depends on student demand and teacher availability; it sounded like there needs to be enough students who want to do it for it to be possible. 
• Design & Technology and Timber are popular and the students felt that most people are able to get their first choice of subject options.
• Sounds like the majority of children in Years 11 to 12 participate in some sort of external tutoring. My guide mentioned Matrix in Epping was a really popular choice (which surprised me as that is far from school and there are so many options in Gordon and Chatswood which are much closer). 
• Students said it was very easy to extend in subjects like maths and science, in any age group, and that opportunities were available to participate in extra modules or competitions for advanced students. 
• Assessment cadence: Year 11 has a single exam per subject in the year and Years 7–8 have two exams per year. Note, from what I understood, this is based on NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) guidelines and therefore I expect it may be similar across all public schools in NSW (TBC). 
• Students join a mentor group (teacher + prefect) to support their belonging and wellbeing.
• They participate in 3 camps throughout school – Year 7 (1 day), Year 9 (3 days) Year 11 (6 Days).
• They receive career guidance through a dedicated program and also are connected to career related opportunities via Google Classroom.

Note: the information above came from the experience of just two Year 12 students on the tour so may not be representative of the whole school. 

Facilities & Day to Day

• Mixed-age campus with both newer spaces and older “block” buildings
• Sports facilities include a multi-use hall and courts, a soccer pitch, a volleyball area, and access to the park across the road for large events such as sport days 
• They also have a lecture hall / theatrette where we listened to the Principal
• Day-to-day rhythm emphasises academics, sport (Y7–10), and access to clubs/competitions

Extra-curricular Activities

• Wide range of clubs and activities spanning interests (principal highlighted this as a defining feature of the school)
• Team sports options are strong with good variety. They play against other schools on Thursdays 
• Duke of Edinburgh award available 
• Academic extension available via competitions, especially in STEM

Who this suits

• KHS is designed to suit everyone, they are very proud of this
• Must live in the Kilara High School Catchment area 
• Students who are ATAR-focused and keen to excel academically
• Families looking for an inclusive school with a broad range of programs and options
• Good fit for families who want a Government school that is highly inclusive, has a strong focus on well-being and academic excellence 
• Might not suit if you’re seeking a small school or a campus where all facilities are newly built.

Enrolment Tips

• You don’t have to wait until your child is a certain age to tour the school. You may tour at any time. This is really helpful if you are considering a move into the area specifically for this school or if you are considering private schools that often have earlier application dates 
• If you’re in the local intake area, attend an open day early to have a look around and get a feel for the school 
• Check transport options (bus routes; walk/ride to Gordon/Killara stations)
• With a new Principal starting in Term 4, 2025, ask about any strategic priorities for 2026.

FAQ

Sources & Timestamp

• Sources: EdScout open day tour notes; principal’s address; student guide conversations (29 Aug 2025).
• Updated: August 2025.

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