At any entry point into the School, the entrance assessment is age appropriate, becoming more formalised as a boy gets older.
Young boys who wish to enter St Ives Preparatory School in the early years (Preschool or Kindergarten) are invited for an Activity Morning, which is an informal play-based assessment, conducted in small groups for about 90 minutes. Activity Mornings are designed to determine a boy’s readiness for the programme which the Prep School offers. Boys are expected to have a strong proficiency in spoken English. For younger boys, these are usually held towards the end of Term 1 (Kindergarten) and during Term 3 (Preschool) in the year prior to entry. However, if places are available in Preschool – Year 2, an Activities Morning could be offered by the Headmaster at any time prior to entry.
Activity Mornings for older boys (Years 3-6) are also held in the year prior to entry, however if places are available, a boy could be invited by the Headmaster to come to the School at any time prior to entry. Activity Mornings are designed to evaluate a boy’s potential to flourish in our Prep School environment and provide an enjoyable way for us to get to know your son in a collaborative setting. It is expected that boys of this age are achieving well or displaying potential at their current school. Following on from an Activity Morning, a small number of boys will be invited for an interview with the Headmaster, accompanied by their parents.
Academic coaching prior to attending an Activity Morning is not necessary, in fact we strongly discourage it. We are looking for boys with long-term potential to enjoy all that Sydney Grammar School has to offer, where dispositions such as curiosity and creativity are encouraged and fostered.
Opportunities for Entry in 2026
- Activity Mornings for Preschool 2026 will commence in August 2025 (applications close Friday 27 June).
- Activity Mornings for Kindergarten 2026 will commence in March 2025 (applications close Friday 24 January).
- Activity Mornings for Year 3 2026 will commence in May 2025 (applications close Friday 25 April).
To make an online application to St Ives Preparatory School on behalf of your son, please click here.
For information or to enquire about admission to Sydney Grammar School, please contact the School’s Enrolment Office on 8302 5200 or email stivesenrolments@sydgram.nsw.edu.au
