Holroyd High School is a small, comprehensive, co-educational high school, with a focus on successful, high quality learning in a safe, well-disciplined and supportive environment, enabling all students to grow and progress as learners and develop the skills for active citizenship.
The school has an intensive English centre for newly arrived students of language backgrounds other than English and a support unit for students with special needs.
Holroyd High School offers a broad flexible, innovative curriculum, with a range of post-compulsory pathways, including academic and vocational pathways, to meet individual student needs and goals. The success of these programs has led to a high rate of enrolment in post-secondary education and training, with an average 40% of students enrolling in university studies. The school has high retention rates, and above state average value-added results in NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) tests and the HSC (Higher School Certificate).
Holroyd High School values and celebrates the cultural and linguistic diversity of its students. It is a harmonious and cheerful school fundamental to its positive ethos are the concepts of trust, acceptance, respect and responsibility. Students are encouraged to have high expectations for themselves and the school actively fosters student leadership and engagement. Holroyd High School has a culture of openness, collaboration and participation.
Our school in the media
The highlights of our school and it’s students in the media
2017
- A group of our students talk to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) about their experiences as refugees. View the full article, 'What it's like to be a refugee'.
- ABC feature a story about Raja Yassine's work with the parents of migrant students at our school. View the full article, 'Sydney school steps in to support the parents of migrant children'.
2016
- Mrs Dorothy Hoddinott was interviewed on Lateline about NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) results on Tuesday 30 August. View the whole interview, 'What the national testing program NAPLAN isn't telling you about your child's school'.
2015
- Our former principal Mrs Dorothy Hoddinott addresses the Freilich Foundation at the Australian National University in August. View the video of her address, 'Beyond social justice: Dorothy Hoddinott'.
- Mrs Dorothy Hoddinott features in Women of the World. Read the article, 'Meet the kindest school principal in the world'.
2014
- Dorothy Hoddinott was awarded 2014 human rights medal. View the full story, 'Human rights awards honour quiet Australian heroes'.
2013
- The alumni of Holroyd High School are a high-achieving group of people. Read the full article, 'HSC results: Holroyd High School punches above its weight'.
- Runner up contestants in chemistry titration competition. Read the full article, 'Holroyd High School students shine at National Chemical Analysis competition'.
- Success story from former student Riz Wakil. Read the full article, 'From refugee to businessman: A success story'.
2012
- Rick Feneley meets Dorothy Hoddinott whose school has become an ark for refugees. Read the full article, 'Something extraordinary is happening'.
2011
- This article highlights the success of Holroyd High School's programs in assisting students from non-English speaking backgrounds, especially refugees, complete their HSC and then in a rate higher than the national average attend university. Read the full article, 'Bridging the gap' (PDF 3.3MB).
- Aaron Narayan as Deputy Director General of Education for a day. Read the full article, 'Aaron's top dog for the day' (PDF 1.3MB).
2010
- Vice Captain Rayan Tabbaa features in inspirational female student list. Read the full article, 'You go, girls: Gillard's rise to top hailed as an inspiration'.
- Dorothy Hoddinott on ABC radio encouraging students to aim high. Listen to the full audio, 'Talkback: The first one to go to university'.
2007.
- Zainab Kaabi at Sydney University, where she is studying for her second degree. Her principal set up a trust fund when her welfare payments stopped. To read more of this story, 'Teachers step in to support a good mind'.