Founded on principles of bilingual learning and unity through diversity, IGS is dedicated to shaping future generations of globally-conscious citizens. As a co-educational and secular independent school from Preschool to Year 12, we embody our values of diversity, authenticity, connectedness, personal achievement, and vibrancy.

Our progressive learning community is located in Ultimo, in the centre of Australia’s most creative, dynamic, digital precinct, a short walk to the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney. Our idyllic Kangaroo Valley Retreat offers students a host of immersive experiences; language camps, science and sustainability field studies, Shakespeare in the Glade, music camps, writers’ retreats, art en plein air, and leadership programs.

Our unique languages program broadens students’ cultural understanding and communication skills. Each day from Early Learning onwards, students experience partial bilingual immersion, becoming familiar with their additional languages, which can include French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish. Families from all backgrounds immediately feel at home in the IGS community, where difference is celebrated.

At IGS, we harness the natural curiosity and energy of our youngest learners. We draw upon a broad mix of theories and philosophies in early childhood education to ensure children enjoy new and exciting opportunities for developmental play and in-depth learning. Our program is underpinned by the Early Years Learning Framework, the national curriculum of early education and care services. 

Our Primary program provides opportunity, challenge, and support to learners from Kindergarten to Year 6. Meeting individual learning needs has a positive effect on self-esteem and development. Our vibrant range of learning activities provides rigour, promotes acceptance of difference, and encourages research in students’ areas of interest. Students develop an understanding of themselves and their worlds through various forms of expression including Languages, Music, Visual Arts, and Drama. 

Our program for Years 7 and 8 aims to create a smooth transition into High School and maximise student engagement. Courses for Years 9 and 10 provide opportunities for enriched learning and are grounded in critical thinking and the ongoing development of literacy and numeracy skills, while the expanded Senior program features stimulating choices across all faculty areas and many leadership opportunities. HSC results are consistently impressive.

2024 Academic Highlights

• IGS students received 125 early offers to University courses in diverse areas of study including Natural and Physical Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering and related Technologies, Health, Management and Commerce, Society and Culture and Creative Arts.

• Two IGS students were celebrated in the First in Course merit list placing First in State for Spanish Extension and German Beginners. One student achieved Second in State for Spanish Extension.

• Three students were listed as NSW All-Round Achievers, acknowledging that they achieved results in the top band for at least 10 units of HSC courses.

• 12% of the Year 12 cohort achieved an ATAR of 95 and above, 29% achieved an ATAR of 90 and above, and 67% achieved an ATAR of 80 and above.

• There were 66 Distinguished Achievers who, between them, received 129 Honourable Mentions by being awarded 90 per cent or above in at least one course.

• 100 per cent of students studying the following courses achieved results in the top band possible: German Extension, Italian Extension, Japanese Continuers and Japanese Extension.

• 100 per cent of students studying the following courses achieved results in the top two bands: Dance, Drama, English Extension 1, English Extension 2, Mathematics Extension 2, Music Extension, Science Extension, Textiles and Design, Chinese Continuers, French Extension, Italian Continuers, Japanese Beginners, Spanish Extension.

• 78 per cent of students across both English Extension courses achieved results in the highest band possible.

• 36 Year 11 students and one Year 6 student completed HSC courses early via acceleration or compression, 37 per cent of these students achieved 90 per cent or higher in one or more HSC courses.

• IGS students received 41 nominations for HSC Showcases for exemplary Major Projects in Design and Technology, Drama, Music Composition and Visual Arts.