What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 4pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm Thursday 8:30am - 4pm Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Macquarie Grammar School

Home
Australia
Sydney, NSW
Macquarie Grammar School

We are Sydney's fully comprehensive, co-educational, secular, inclusive, academic grammar school for Years 7 to 12 in the heart of the CBD.

Phone: +61 2 8228 3022 Macquarie Grammar School, Sydney, NSW

School Statement

Macquarie Grammar School is Sydney CBD’s only secular, independent, non-selective, Yrs 7-12 School. Located just by the Queen Victoria Building, on Clarence Street, the School boasts an HSC-focussed curriculum with a strong emphasis on maximising students’ ATAR without the stress and distractions found at many Schools. The booming population in Sydney’s CBD and inner suburbs has led to a squeeze on local Schools, leaving frustrated families stuck on long waiting lists, to access independent alternatives. Macquarie Grammar School Ltd has never conformed to the 19th century ideals of single-gender and religious-based, favouring instead a 21st century model that is secular, coeducational, and open to all. Founded in 2004, the School’s mission is to provide a liberal-based curriculum and prepare students for the Higher School Certificate, pre-vocational and University education, and the workplace, by providing quality education to its students and fostering an enjoyment of and respect for learning. We value every student regardless of his/her ability or genetic predisposition and, with respect for cultural diversity and inclusiveness, by demonstrating compliance with the Anti-Discrimination Act. Teaching and learning take place in a nurturing, student-centred, caring, and safe environment, where every effort is made to cultivate the individual's full potential. Our neatly-attired and well-behaved students voluntarily attend our Macquarie Coaching School. The School is neutral to differences and inclusive of all religious and political views. We welcome freedom of expression, including the wearing of jewellery, dying hair, etc. Fridays are casual days for members of staff and students. Fees are kept to a minimum because we utilise our City’s World-Class facilities. Macquarie Grammar has gained a reputation as a friendly School, free of bullying, violence, and illegal drugs. MGS is firmly building its quality and management processes, by adopting a culture of belonging and an attitude of gratitude. Our second cohort of HSC students enabled Macquarie Grammar to be included on the “2010 HSC Honour Roll”, “2010 Mathematics Merit List”, and the “2010 Board of Studies NSW Distinguished Achievers’ List”. Overall, 75% of MGS students received Band 5 and/or Band 6. We jumped a record 255 places on the ‘Top Schools’ List’, to number 293. Graduates may choose to articulate to Macquarie Institute’s Certificates, Diplomas, or Advanced Diplomas, or on-Campus Degree Programmes, in partnership with Charles Darwin University, which are all part of Macquarie Education Group. Inspectors from the Board of Studies NSW reported that, “Macquarie Grammar School presents a calm and professional atmosphere”. Statement of Core Values
Macquarie Grammar School practises the following values for Australian Schooling articulated in the National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools that underpin the activities, actions, and behaviours within its community:
Care and Compassion
Care for self and others

Doing Your Best
Seek to accomplish something worthy and admirable, try hard, and pursue excellence

Fair Go
Pursue and protect the common good where all people are treated fairly for a just society

Freedom
Enjoy all the rights and privileges of Australian citizenship free from unnecessary interference or control, and stand up for the rights of others

Honesty and Trustworthiness
Be honest, sincere and seek the truth

Integrity
Act in accordance with principles of moral and ethical conduct; ensure consistency between words and deeds

Respect
Treat others with consideration and regard, respect another person’s point of view

Responsibility
Be accountable for one’s own actions, resolve differences in constructive, non-violent and peaceful ways, contribute to society and to civic life, take care of the environment

Understanding, Tolerance and Inclusion
Be aware of others and their cultures, accept diversity within a democratic society, being included and including others

04/08/2026

Year 11 students explored contemporary portraiture, with a focus on the diverse styles represented in the Archibald Prize. They analysed a range of artists and approaches before creating their own self- portraits, selecting a style and medium that best expressed their identity and artistic vision.

Considering Macquarie Grammar? Contact us today!
正在考虑麦考瑞文法学校吗？立即联系我们！

28/07/2026

Considering Macquarie Grammar? Contact us today!
正在考虑麦考瑞文法学校吗？立即联系我们！

MGS’s Biggest Morning Tea

The Student Representative Council (SRC) is proud to share the success of this year’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea initiative, held at Macquarie Grammar School on 22 May 2026.

The event brought together students and staff in support of a meaningful cause, raising an impressive total of $248 for cancer research and support services.

Beyond fundraising, the Biggest Morning Tea provided an opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of cancer and the importance of supporting those affected. It was inspiring to see the school community come together with such compassion and purpose.

26/07/2026

This term in our Year 11 Chinese and Literature class, we explored the theme of Youth Culture through the contemporary lens of Education in Young People’s Lives Today. To bring this topic to life, we used a dynamic role-play format in which three students, taking on the personas of professionals from different parts of the world, shared firsthand perspectives and insights on the key differences between Western and Asian education systems.

Through a dynamic role-play format, our guest speakers engaged students in real, meaningful discussions. The classroom was buzzing with energy as every student took part in interactive activities designed to encourage open dialogue. The most important outcome, however, was watching our students step out of their comfort zones: they tried new ways of thinking, confidently expressed their own ideas, and learned to share and respect diverse perspectives.

The highlight of the session came when each student had the opportunity to ask our guest professionals individual questions. These questions went far beyond surface-level comparisons. Students asked about how Western and Chinese students think and react to different teaching methods, learning styles, and even how their approaches to education shape who they become as learners. It was truly inspiring to witness such curiosity and maturity.

This experience reinforced something I deeply believe as a Chinese and Literature teacher: learning a language in high school is not just about vocabulary or grammar—it’s a gateway to engagement, confidence, and academic excellence. When students learn Chinese, they gain the tools to connect with different worldviews, participate actively in classroom discussions, and achieve higher results across subjects. Language learning sharpens critical thinking, builds cultural awareness, and empowers students to express themselves with clarity and courage.

I encourage all students to embrace every opportunity to speak, ask questions, and share ideas in our classroom. That is where real growth happens.

23/07/2026

This term in Mathematics, students have been working hard.

But they have also been working smart.

What does it mean to work smart?

- Learning needs teamwork: Students are working excellently together.
- Learning is not limited to lessons: Students are learning at recess, lunch and after school.
- Learning as fun through the Chinese Lunar New Year activities day – interesting problems.
- Learning is a partnership: Students, teachers, tutors, siblings and parents – all working together

Considering Macquarie Grammar? Contact us today!
正在考虑麦考瑞文法学校吗？立即联系我们！

21/07/2026

Considering Macquarie Grammar? Contact us today!
正在考虑麦考瑞文法学校吗？立即联系我们！

In Term 2, MGS has two excursions to the University of Technology, Sydney. The juniors went on Tuesday. We went on foot through Chinatown. We were met in the lab by the UTS lab technicians who initially trained the student in lab safety. We all put on lab coats and goggles.

The technicians and teachers took the students through demonstrations and self-guided experiments, including biology, chemistry and physics. Highlights included making objects from casein plastics and determining the speed of sound via a tuning fork and resonance tube.

Students learned the skills of measuring, observing and recorded data, which they later processed and drew conclusions from.

The seniors went to UTS on Friday. These were the biology, chemistry and physics classes. There were some fascinating physics demonstrations including an anti-gravity electric force.

Overall, the students gained valuable experience in a university environment and had a fun excursion. We thank UTS for their enthusiastic assistance.

21/07/2026

Considering Macquarie Grammar? Contact us today!
正在考虑选择麦考瑞文法学校（Macquarie Grammar School）吗？立即致电我们，与招生团队联系！

Building Better Teams: From Professional Learning to Student Leadership

On 8 May 2026, I had the privilege of joining more than 100 school leaders at the Mosman Taronga Zoo Conference Hall for a full-day professional learning session exploring Artificial Intelligence and leadership. We heard from leading Australian thinkers including Dr. Kristy Goodwin (Neuro-Performance Scientist), Aimee Presnall (Founder of Well-Nest), and Dr. Kirsten Macaulay (Deputy Head, Teaching & Learning K-12).

Amid the conversations about AI, one simple question stopped me in my tracks: “What comes before team culture?” The answer changed how I think about leadership, not just for me as an educator, but for every teacher and every student leader at Macquarie Grammar School.

It is called The Leadership Chain, and it has three links:

Clarity – seeing what is actually happening, not what we assume;

Conditions – the foundations from which others grow; and

Culture – built by the team, but led every single day.

I also learned about The Five Foundations of High-Performing Teams (Sam Crome, 2023): Belonging (psychological safety and trust), Alignment (purpose, values, and goals), Development (coaching, debriefs, and leadership), Dynamics (motivation, conflict, cohesion, and wellbeing), and Operations (knowledge, roles, communication, and meetings).

I could not keep these insights to myself. First, I prepared a short 15-minute presentation and shared it with our teachers and students at a Monday Assembly. Together, we reflected on questions like: What have I been unable to see clearly because I have been too full? Which of the five foundations is most at risk in our team right now? What is one thing I might be doing, without realising, that is impacting team culture? Our teachers left with two commitments: one for themselves personally, and one for their teams.

I asked three of our remarkable student leaders, School Captain William Jinglin Jiao, Annie Phuong Binh Ngo, and Mike Zhang to take the content and share it with the whole school at the following Monday’s assembly. And they were nothing short of beautiful. William opened with confidence and poise, explaining why leadership is not just for adults but for every student in the room. Annie walked everyone through The Leadership Chain and the five foundations with remarkable clarity and warmth, making complex ideas feel simple and accessible. Mike challenged every student to ask themselves: What is one thing I might be doing without realising that affects my team’s culture? They did not simply repeat what I taught them. They made it their own. They spoke as genuine leaders, not as students reading from a script. I could not have been prouder of them.

Here is the truth I took away from this whole experience. Professional learning is valuable, but it becomes truly powerful only when it is shared. Our captains showed me that student leadership at Macquarie Grammar is not about preparing students to lead someday. It is about trusting them to lead now. William, Annie, and Mike did not just present well; they embodied clarity. They created conditions for their peers to listen and reflect. And they built a genuine moment of culture for our entire school community.

So what comes before team culture? Clarity. Conditions. Then Culture in that order. I went to the Taronga Zoo School Leaders Conference expecting to learn about AI. I left with something far more human and far more valuable for our school. And thanks to our dedicated teachers and our extraordinary student leaders, learning is now alive and growing here at Macquarie Grammar School.

Mrs Sun

Director of Welfare and Operations

20/07/2026

“Seven students qualified for the ISD Championships – believed to be our largest team in recent memory.”

Term 2 saw Macquarie Grammar School’s annual Cross Country Carnival take on a new look, with students completing a memorable course along the Cahill Walkway. With panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, the event offered one of the most scenic running routes imaginable and showcased Sydney at its very best. Students approached the course in different ways – some competing for qualification to the ISD Championships, while others enjoyed the opportunity to run, walk and take in the spectacular surroundings. Regardless of pace, it was a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors, be active and experience a unique part of our city together.

The following week, seven students qualified for the ISD Inter-School Cross Country Championships at Centennial Park. Unfortunately, one student was unwell on the day, leaving one female student and six male students to represent Macquarie Grammar School. Believed to be our largest team in recent memory, their selection reflects the growing interest in cross country at MGS.

The team competed with determination against strong competition from across Sydney and represented the school with outstanding sportsmanship and pride.

Running is one of the simplest and most rewarding sports. It is free, requires very little equipment and can be enjoyed almost anywhere. Regular running improves fitness, resilience, concentration and wellbeing, while winter provides ideal conditions to get outdoors and stay active.

Many more MGS students are within reach of qualifying for next year’s championships. The time to start preparing is now – small, consistent efforts over the coming months can make all the difference.

Congratulations to every student who participated and to the staff who helped make these events such a success. We look forward to making cross country an enduring MGS tradition.

20/07/2026

On Wednesday, 1 July, the Macquarie Grammar School community celebrated the learning achievements of students who have distinguished themselves academically this semester. Certificates were awarded to those who had placed first, second and third across all subjects in their cohort. We congratulate them for their efforts and wish them continued success in Semester 2!

13/09/2025

MGS is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr Lynda Pinnington-Wilson as Student Services Officer at Macquarie Grammar School!

Dr Pinnington-Wilson brings an extraordinary wealth of experience to our team, with over 40 years in education, nearly four decades in leadership roles, and a remarkable track record across primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Her deep expertise spans student wellbeing, inclusive education, academic pathways, and curriculum leadership. She is also the only person in NSW public education to have taught English, Mathematics, and Science to HSC level, and has led, lectured, and mentored at leading universities.

Dr Lynda’s passion for student support, her commitment to educational excellence, and her collaborative style make her a tremendous addition to our community. We are so excited to welcome her as we continue to strengthen the wellbeing, success, and opportunities for every student at MGS.

Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Dr Lynda Pinnington-Wilson to the Macquarie Grammar School family!

08/08/2025

Macquarie Grammar School is delighted to welcome Dr. Manoj Chandra Handa as our new Director of Academics.
Dr. Chandra Handa brings to our community over two decades of award-winning leadership in both the government and independent education sectors. He is internationally recognised for his expertise in educational strategy, curriculum innovation, and delivering professional learning that uplifts both staff and student achievement.
With a PhD in Gifted Education and Educational Leadership, as well as advanced qualifications in English Literature and Science, Dr. Chandra Handa has devoted his career to advancing excellence, equity, and inclusion. He has led major system-wide learning initiatives for over 2,000 schools, developed pioneering frameworks in curriculum and assessment, and championed holistic approaches to student wellbeing. His work is grounded in the values at the heart of Macquarie Grammar School: integrity, compassion, and continuous improvement.
Dr. Chandra Handa’s leadership philosophy is anchored in empowering both staff and students to realise their greatest potential. He is a trusted coach and mentor, building collaborative teams, promoting reflective practice, and fostering cultures where every student is known, valued, and supported.
In appointing Dr. Chandra Handa to this important role, Macquarie Grammar School reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching, and the flourishing of every member of our community. Under Dr. Chandra Handa’s visionary guidance, we look forward to nurturing a learning environment where character, curiosity, and courage thrive.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Manoj Chandra Handa as our Director of Academics. Together, we continue to “Learn with Virtue, Lead with Truth.”

Address

Level 8, 225 Clarence Street
Sydney, NSW
2000

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4pm
Friday	8:30am - 4pm

Website

http://macquariegrammarschool.edu.au/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Macquarie Grammar School posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.