Knox Grammar School is an established independent day and boarding school for boys in Wahroonga, on the Upper North Shore of Sydney. Founded in 1924 by the Presbyterian Church and now part of the Uniting Church, it teaches boys through to the Higher School Certificate and is one of a small number of Sydney schools to offer a substantial boarding programme alongside day places. With a large enrolment and a long academic record, it is a well known fixture of the North Shore independent scene. Families weighing the leading independent options can read this profile next to our pick of the best international schools in Sydney.
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | New South Wales curriculum leading to the Higher School Certificate |
| Stages | Early years through to Year 12 |
| Founded | 1924 |
| Type | Independent Uniting Church day and boarding school for boys |
| Boarding | Yes, a substantial boarding community |
| Location | Borambil Street, Wahroonga, Upper North Shore |
Curriculum and academics
Knox Grammar teaches the New South Wales curriculum and finishes with the Higher School Certificate, the state qualification used for entry to Australian universities, and the school has a long record of strong academic results. Alongside its academic programme, Knox is known for breadth in sport, music, cadets and co curricular life, reflecting the all round, character focused education typical of the established Sydney independent schools.
Knox follows the Higher School Certificate rather than the International Baccalaureate, so families set specifically on an IB pathway should compare schools that offer it; our IB curriculum guide explains how the Diploma differs from the HSC and which Sydney schools run it. Families comfortable with the HSC, and especially those who need boarding, will find Knox a strong and well resourced option.
Co curricular life is central to the way the school works. Boys take part in a wide programme of sport, music, drama, debating and outdoor education, and the school invests heavily in pastoral care and wellbeing alongside its academic teaching. For boarding families the residential community shapes much of school life beyond lessons, with supervised study, weekend activities and a settled routine that suits boys living away from home, and day boys share in much of the same co curricular calendar across the week.
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Knox Grammar School fees
Knox Grammar sits in the upper range of Sydney independent schooling, with day fees that rise by year group and a separate, higher charge for boarding places that covers accommodation and meals. The school publishes a current schedule, and we do not reproduce a figure here because fees are revised each year and we never publish a number we cannot verify against the current schedule. Families should also budget for an enrolment charge, uniforms, co curricular activities and excursions.
To see where this band sits against the rest of the market, our Sydney international school fees guide sets out the full range, and you can confirm the current day and boarding schedules directly with the school.
Admissions
The school follows the New South Wales academic year and takes its main intakes at the established entry points, with boarding places sought by families from regional New South Wales and beyond. Because demand for popular year groups is strong, Knox encourages early registration, and waiting lists for some intakes can form well ahead of time.
Admission usually involves registration, school reports, assessment and an interview. Families relocating to Sydney, or considering boarding from outside the city, should contact the admissions team early to understand availability and the boarding application process.
Location and who goes there
The campus is on Borambil Street in Wahroonga, a leafy suburb on the Upper North Shore around the northern end of the rail line, well connected to the city by train and a part of Sydney long associated with established independent schools. Day families are drawn from across the North Shore, while the boarding community brings boys from regional areas and interstate. For a full view of how Knox fits the wider city, including curriculum mix and fee tiers, start with the Sydney city hub, and see comparable senior schools such as Cranbrook School.
Knox Grammar School reviews
We do not yet hold any verified parent reviews for Knox Grammar School. GlobalSchoolGuide is an independent guide and no school pays to be listed, so we publish a rating only once we have collected enough verified first hand accounts to be fair to both the school and to families reading them. We would rather show nothing than show an invented score.
If your family has attended Knox we would value your account of admissions, teaching, boarding and value for money. Share it through our school reviews hub and we will add verified contributions to this page.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Knox Grammar School fees?
Knox sits in the upper range of Sydney independent schooling, with day fees rising by year group and a separate, higher charge for boarding. The school publishes a current schedule, so confirm the latest day and boarding figures directly with the school.
What curriculum does Knox Grammar School follow?
Knox teaches the New South Wales curriculum leading to the Higher School Certificate, with a long record of strong academic results, rather than the International Baccalaureate.
Does Knox Grammar School offer boarding?
Yes. Knox is one of a small number of Sydney schools with a substantial boarding community, drawing boys from regional New South Wales and interstate alongside its day families.
Where is Knox Grammar School located?
The school is on Borambil Street in Wahroonga, on Sydney's Upper North Shore, well connected to the city by the northern rail line.
Is Knox Grammar School a good school?
Knox is an established boys' school with a strong academic record, broad co curricular life and a boarding programme. We do not publish a rating without verified reviews, so we suggest you weigh the fit and visit the school.
