Independent Schools NSW

31/05/2026

Exciting news for EAL/D educators in NSW Independent schools.

The Independent Schools NSW EAL/D Teachers Network is back, led by new school-based convenors who bring deep expertise across research, curriculum and multilingual learner support.

Our Term 2 network meeting is coming up on Tuesday 9 June and we’re looking forward to connecting, sharing and shaping the network together.

Head to our website for more information about the network and to get in touch:

Independent Schools NSW offers dedicated support for students who from diverse backgrounds whose first language or dialect is not English to ensure they receive equitable access to learning opportunities.

29/05/2026

Across two dynamic days, our 2026 VET Conference brought together educators, leaders, students and industry to explore the future of vocational education.

From keynote insights and panel conversations to powerful student stories, day one set the scene before delegates stepped into industry, experiencing real workplaces and career pathways in action across tourism, sport, agriculture, technology and the creative industries.

Day two built on this momentum with workshops and future-focused sessions exploring apprenticeships, AI and emerging opportunities, alongside inspiring reflections from Young Australian of the Year Nedd Brockmann.

VET is opening more doors than ever, equipping young people with the skills and confidence to shape their own pathways.

Thanks to everyone who came aboard.

28/05/2026

A warm welcome to Rivers Christian College, Inverell as they join Independent Schools NSW.

Opened earlier this year, this new K–4 school is already building strong foundations for future growth, bringing a values‑based, low‑fee education option to families in regional NSW.

Associate Chief Executive Douglas Melrose-Rae was on the ground at the school earlier this week to meet with Principal Micah Payne and hear more about the schools plans for the future and its goal to benefit the Inverell community.

27/05/2026

This week, we recognise National Reconciliation Week, a time to reflect on our shared history and the journey toward a united future.

These dates mark two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey: the 1967 Referendum and the Mabo decision – both important steps toward recognising the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Independent Schools across NSW will mark this week with learning, listening and celebration. This year’s theme All In reminds us that the work of reconciliation is one of action and we each have a role to play in building communities that value and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and histories.

27/05/2026

Last night, Christian Schools Australia launched its latest research report, ‘Student Flourishing in Australian Christian Schools’. Independent Schools NSW's Lisa Ridings attended the event which brought together Independent school leaders and parliamentarians to celebrate this significant contribution to education and student wellbeing research.

Undertaken in collaboration with Harvard University, the research involved more than 22,000 students across 57 Christian schools. Congratulations to CSA Chief Executive, Dr Daniel Pampuch, and Dr Darren Iselin, Director of Research and Innovation, for their vision, leadership and commitment to this important work.

The report identifies six key components that contribute to student flourishing: family, formation, relationships, learning, spirituality and serving. These findings provide valuable insights not only for faith-based schools, but for all schools.

The research strongly aligns with Independent Schools NSW’s own whole-school wellbeing framework, which forms part of our broader Whole-school Wellbeing Initiative available to all NSW Independent schools.

Congratulations to CSA for leading this important work.

Find out more about the Whole-school Wellbeing Initiative: https://www.isnsw.edu.au/services/mental-health-wellbeing/whole-school-wellbeing/whole-school-wellbeing-initiative

26/05/2026

The Independent Schools NSW executive team recently visited colleagues at Independent Schools Victoria for a day of collaborative discussions, strengthening the strong connections between our states.

The visit provided an opportunity to explore the similarities and differences in how we support and service member schools, sparking fresh ideas and shared learning to help advance the Independent school sector.

25/05/2026

A wonderful visit to St Edmund's College Wahroonga recently.

Kelly Borg and Lisa Ridings met with Principal Rebecca Kirwan and explored the school’s new facilities, purpose-built to support students with diverse learning needs.

From flexible classrooms and specialist spaces to vibrant outdoor areas, it’s an inspiring example of how environments can support every student to thrive.

21/05/2026

Over the last two days nearly 170 school leaders gathered at Independent Schools NSW for the Sydney leg of our Annual Briefing tour.

These briefing meetings provide an opportunity to feed back to schools current trends regarding the sector as well as advocacy work underway on their behalf.

We really value the opportunity these briefings provide for us to hear directly from schools about the matters that mean most to them.

So far this year we have visited three regional areas for briefings, with eight more scheduled in the coming weeks.

20/05/2026

Sydney’s north-west continues to drive strong school growth, with two major new facilities opening over the last two days.

Australian International Academy - Kellyville School unveiled its four-storey Senior School building, a significant milestone for a school that has grown from 20 students in 2014 to almost 800 today. A plaque was also dedicated to five young students whose fundraising efforts helped bring the building to life.

In Marsden Park, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car MP officially opened a new building at Marsden Park Anglican College, one of the state’s fastest growing schools, adding around 200 students each year.

Together, these developments highlight the scale of growth in the region and the investment being made to support local families.

19/05/2026

Secondary educators won’t want to miss Dr. Shyam Barr at this year's Curriculum Conference.

With deep experience as a teacher, leader and researcher, Shyam focuses on how students develop agency, self‑regulation and confidence as learners.

Across the three‑day conference, Taking the wheel – From intent to impact will bring together leading thinkers, teachers and school leaders from across the Independent sector.

Sessions will explore how ideas move into practice, how agency shapes teaching, learning and assessment, and how dynamic learning environments and emerging tools, including Generative AI, can support meaningful, co‑designed learning.

Register today: https://www.isnsw.edu.au/featured-events/curriculum-conference