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.

2023 Academic Highlights

• IGS students received 149 early offers to University courses in diverse areas of study including Architecture and Design, Creative Arts, Engineering and related Technologies, Health, Innovation, Law, Management and Commerce, Natural and Physical Sciences, Philosophy, and Society and Culture.
• Three IGS students were listed as NSW Top Achievers, acknowledging the highest places in an HSC course.
• 5% of the Year 12 cohort achieved an ATAR of 95 and above, 14% achieved an ATAR of 90 and above, and 45% achieved an ATAR of 80 and above.
• There were 51 Distinguished Achievers. These students were awarded 90 per cent or above in at least one course.
• IGS students received 81 Honourable Mentions for the distinguished achievement of 90 per cent or above in a course.
• 100 per cent of students studying the following courses achieved in the top two bands: Aboriginal Studies, Design and Technology, German Extension, Italian Extension, Japanese Beginners, Japanese Extension, Music 2, Music Extension, Spanish Extension.
• In Aboriginal Studies our students performed at 17.56 per cent above the State mean.
• In Design and Technology, IGS results were 10.07 per cent above the State mean.
• 31 per cent of Year 11 students who completed HSC courses early via acceleration or compression achieved 90 per cent or higher in one or more HSC courses.
• 26 IGS students received nominations and for HSC Showcases for exemplary Major Projects in Design and Technology, Drama, Music Composition and Visual Arts.