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
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.”
08/08/2025
Announcing Our New Director of Academics: Dr. Manoj Chandra Handa
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.”
19/06/2025
Where learning meets laughter and leadership!
Every Thursday, our students dive into action—whether it’s teamwork on the sports field, hands-on discovery in science time, or the excitement of “In It to Win It” lunchtime challenges. These activities aren’t just fun: they build resilience, spark curiosity, and nurture the leaders of tomorrow.
Join us in celebrating a culture where every moment is an opportunity to grow, connect, and inspire.
03/06/2025
⚽ On the field today, our soccer boys showed what it means to play with heart, teamwork, and determination! ⚽
Every pass, every tackle, and every goal is a celebration of skill, sportsmanship, and the spirit of our school community. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or chasing the ball, you’re part of something special.
Proud of every player who gave their best and represented us with pride!
30/05/2025
What an incredible day as our school came together to honour the Dragon Boat Festival! From traditional zongzi tasting to vibrant lion dances, our students and staff embraced the spirit of unity, teamwork, and cultural pride.
At Macquarie Grammar, we believe that every celebration is a chance to learn, connect, and grow together. Seeing our diverse community united in joy is what makes our school truly special.
Tag someone who made the day memorable, or share your favourite moment in the comments!
👇 Let’s keep the celebration going!
29/05/2025
Sweet Moments, Big Impact: Macquarie Grammar’s Biggest Morning Tea
Cakes, laughter, and kindness filled the air as Macquarie Grammar hosted our Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council!
It was heartwarming to see our school community come together—students, teachers, and families—all united by the simple act of sharing a cuppa for a cause. These moments remind us that small actions can lead to big change, and that compassion is at the heart of leadership.
We are proud to be part of a school where values matter and every student is empowered to make a difference.
Learn with Virtue. Lead with Truth.
Thank you to everyone who baked, donated, and joined in. Together, we’re helping to create a world without cancer.
29/05/2025
Making Science Real: Our Students at UTS Labs!
Caption:
Science comes to life for our senior Physics, Chemistry, and Biology students at the University of Technology Sydney!
With lab coats on and curiosity in their eyes, they’re not just learning—they’re discovering, experimenting, and imagining what’s possible.
As their teachers, we're proud to see them embrace every challenge with energy and intellect. Their journey is proof that when you combine passion with opportunity, anything is possible.
Macquarie Grammar is on the rise, and our students are leading the way.
Learn with Virtue. Lead with Truth.
Join us as we inspire tomorrow’s leaders—one experiment at a time!
27/05/2025
🔍 When Ancient Meets Digital: ESL Students Crack Hieroglyphic Code! 🔍
📸 Swipe to see our ESL students mastering hieroglyphics—and even coding with them! 🌟
Hieroglyphics aren’t just relics—they’re proto-coding. Each symbol is a puzzle piece, teaching students to think like linguists and programmers. For ESL learners, this isn’t just history class—it’s a bootcamp for brain agility.
💡 Cool Connections:
Language Development: Decoding glyphs boosts vocabulary retention and grammar intuition.
Coding Skills: Writing in Seshat (𓋇) merges ancient symbols with modern logic—like Python with a pharaonic twist!
AI & Tech: Tools like Google’s Fabricius use machine learning to translate hieroglyphs. Our students are prepping for a future where AI and ancient wisdom collide!
A Final Thought:
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” — Wittgenstein. By learning hieroglyphs, these students aren’t just expanding their English—they’re dissolving boundaries between past and future, words and code. 🚀
👉 Tag someone who’d love this blend of history and tech!
21/05/2025
☕💛 At Macquarie Grammar, we believe in making a difference—together. Join us for the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea and help us turn every cuppa into hope for families facing cancer.
Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to a future without cancer. Let’s show the strength of our community and the power of compassion in action.
Will you help us make this our biggest impact yet?
👉 Donate today and share your support!
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