Direct Answer
Concord High School, a comprehensive government high school in Inner Western Sydney, is open to international students for both 2026 and 2027. For 2026, places are available in Years 7, 8, and 9. For 2027, the school expands availability to Years 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. A critical condition is that all international students must have a confirmed address within the school’s catchment area at the time of application—the school does not offer homestay accommodation. Year 11 students must commence only from Term 1; no mid-year intakes are permitted for that year level. The school provides EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) support for international students. As of 1 June 2026, these details are based on the NSW Department of Education’s capacity update, which serves as a guide only and does not cannot guarantee placement (subject to availability and DE International assessment).
Open Year Levels: 2026 vs 2027
The NSW Department of Education’s capacity data, current as of 1 June 2026, shows a clear expansion of available year levels from 2026 to 2027 at Concord High School.
- 2026 International Student Places: Open for Years 7, 8, and 9. This means students seeking entry for the 2026 academic year can apply for junior high school levels only. There is no capacity for Years 10, 11, or 12 in 2026.
- 2027 International Student Places: Open for Years 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. This represents a significant increase, adding Year 10 and Year 11 to the roster. Note that Year 12 is not available in either year.
Key Condition: Year 11 students (available only in 2027) must commence from Term 1 only. No mid-year (Term 2 or Term 3) entry is permitted for this year level. This is a standard NSW DoE policy for senior students to ensure they can complete the full HSC course sequence.
As stated by the NSW Department of Education, the capacity data used in this article is a guide only and there is no cannot guarantee placement (subject to availability and DE International assessment). International student enrolments are subject to capacity, availability, and assessment by DE International.
Catchment Area and Accommodation
Concord High School operates with a strict catchment area for all students, including international enrolments. This is a defining feature for anyone considering this school.
- Catchment Rule: International applicants must have a confirmed address within the school’s designated catchment area at the time of application. The school uses a residential address verification system. You can check the specific boundaries using the NSW Department of Education’s School Finder tool (education.nsw.gov.au/school-finder).
- No Homestay Available: Concord High School does not provide homestay accommodation for international students. This means students cannot rely on the school to arrange host families. Instead, families must secure their own accommodation within the catchment area—for example, by renting or purchasing a property, or living with relatives who reside in the zone.
- Implication for Families: This combination of catchment requirement and no homestay means that international students typically need a parent or guardian living with them in the catchment area, or must arrange independent accommodation (for students aged 18 or over, or with appropriate guardianship arrangements). It is less suited to students who plan to live with a homestay provider not connected to the school.
English Language Support (EAL/D)
Concord High School offers EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) support for international students. This is a positive indicator for students who may need additional language assistance as they transition into an English-medium learning environment.
- What EAL/D Support Includes: Typically, this involves dedicated EAL/D classes, in-class support from specialist teachers, and targeted language development across subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science. Schools with EAL/D programs often have a designated EAL/D coordinator who assesses each student’s language needs and creates an individualised learning plan.
- No Intensive English Centre (IEC): Concord High School does not have an on-site Intensive English Centre. Students who require intensive English preparation before starting mainstream classes would need to attend a separate IEC (such as those at nearby schools like Burwood Girls High School or Homebush Boys High School) before transferring to Concord High School.
- For Students with Strong English: Even if a student’s English is proficient, the EAL/D support can still be beneficial for refining academic English skills, such as essay writing, research skills, and exam techniques.
School Profile
Concord High School is a comprehensive, coeducational government high school located in the Inner Western Sydney suburb of Concord, approximately 12 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD. The suburb is known for its leafy streets, parks (including the Concord Golf Course and Bicentennial Park), and proximity to the Parramatta River.
- Student Population: The school has a total enrolment of roughly 800 to 900 students (based on publicly available data from My School and the school’s annual reports). It is a medium-sized comprehensive school, not academically selective.
- Curriculum and Programs: Concord High School offers the full NSW curriculum for Years 7–12, including the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Notable programs include a strong performing arts program (music, drama, and dance), a range of sports teams, and a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through elective subjects. The school also has a well-regarded Languages program, offering subjects such as French, Japanese, and Mandarin.
- Facilities: The school features modern classrooms, a library, a hall, sports fields, and specialist spaces for arts and technology. It is close to public transport (bus routes and Concord West railway station) and local amenities such as shops and cafes.
- Reputation: Concord High School is generally viewed as a solid, well-rounded public school with a strong sense of community. It is not a selective school but maintains a good academic record, particularly in the middle bands of HSC results.
Note: Specific HSC rankings or detailed performance data were not independently verified for this article. For the most current information, consult the school’s website or the NSW Department of Education’s School Performance Reports.
Who This School Suits (And Who It Doesn’t)
Based on the specific conditions—catchment requirement, no homestay, EAL/D support, and year-level restrictions—Concord High School is best suited for certain types of international students and less ideal for others.
Who It Suits:
- Students living with family in the catchment area: If a student has parents, relatives, or guardians who already reside within the Concord High School catchment zone, this school is a natural fit. The catchment requirement is easily met.
- Students in Years 7–9 seeking a comprehensive school: For junior high school students (Years 7–9) who want a supportive, non-selective environment with EAL/D assistance, Concord High School is a strong option.
- Students starting Year 11 in 2027 from Term 1: The school’s 2027 capacity for Year 11 is only open to Term 1 starters. Students who can commit to a full two-year HSC program from the beginning of the academic year will find this suitable.
- Students who need English language support: The presence of EAL/D programs means students with moderate English proficiency can get targeted help.
Who It Doesn’t Suit:
- Year 10 or 11 applicants for 2026: These year levels are not open in 2026. Students seeking senior high school entry in 2026 will need to consider other schools.
- Year 12 applicants: The school does not accept international students for Year 12 in either 2026 or 2027. This is typical for NSW public schools, as Year 12 is a single-year HSC program that is difficult to accommodate for international transfers.
- Mid-year Year 11 starters: If a student wishes to start Year 11 in Term 2 or 3, Concord High School is not an option due to the Term 1-only commencement rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Concord High School accept international students in Year 10?
For 2026, no. The school has no international student capacity for Year 10 in 2026. For 2027, yes. Year 10 is open for international enrolments in the 2027 academic year. This change reflects the school’s expanding capacity. As always, places are subject to availability and assessment by DE International.
Do I need to live in the catchment area to attend Concord High School as an international student?
Yes, absolutely. International students must have a confirmed address within the school’s designated catchment area at the time of application. The school does not offer homestay, so you cannot rely on the school to arrange accommodation. Your family must secure a rental or owned property inside the catchment zone, or you must live with a relative who resides there. Check the exact boundaries using the NSW DoE’s School Finder tool.
Does Concord High School offer EAL/D support for international students?
Yes. The school provides EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) support. This is designed to help international students improve their English proficiency across all subjects. The support may include dedicated EAL/D classes, in-class assistance, and individual learning plans. However, the school does not have an Intensive English Centre (IEC), so students needing intensive English preparation before mainstream classes would attend a separate IEC first.
Can I start Year 11 mid-year at Concord High School in 2027?
No. Year 11 students must commence only from Term 1. Mid-year entry (Term 2 or Term 3) is not permitted for Year 11 at this school. This is a standard condition for senior students to ensure they can complete the full HSC course sequence without gaps.
What is the deadline to apply for Concord High School as an international student?
The NSW Department of Education sets application deadlines each year. Generally, for Term 1 commencement, applications should be submitted by late October of the previous year (e.g., for 2027 Term 1, by October 2026). For specific, up-to-date deadlines, refer to the DE International website or your education agent. Note that Year 11 is Term 1 only, so applications for that year level must align with this timeline.
Data Source and Methodology
All data in this article regarding international student capacity, year-level availability, catchment requirements, homestay availability, and EAL/D support comes from the NSW Department of Education International Students Capacity Update dated 1 June 2026. This update is a guide only and does not constitute a cannot guarantee placement (subject to availability and DE International assessment). International student enrolments are subject to capacity, availability, and assessment by DE International. The school profile information is based on publicly available sources including the school’s website, My School (ACARA), and the NSW Department of Education’s School Finder. Specific HSC results or rankings were not independently verified.
Sources
- NSW Department of Education, International Students Capacity Update, 1 June 2026.
- NSW Department of Education, School Finder: education.nsw.gov.au/school-finder
- My School (ACARA): myschool.edu.au
- Concord High School website (for profile details): concord-h.schools.nsw.gov.au
- NSW Department of Education, EAL/D Support: education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/english-as-an-additional-language-or-dialect