Direct Answer
The Forest High School in Northern Sydney can accept international students in specific year levels as of the 1 June 2026 NSW Department of Education capacity update. For the 2026 intake, places are open to students enrolling in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. For 2027, the school expands availability to also include Year 11, making it relevant for senior-secondary starters. A confirmed residential address inside the school’s catchment area is non-negotiable – families must provide evidence of their address before an application progresses. Homestay arrangements are limited; most international families will need to secure private accommodation with a parent or legal guardian. English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) support is available. All capacity figures are advisory only and do not assure placement; actual enrolment depends on DE International assessment and real-time availability.
Open Year Levels: 2026 vs 2027
From 2027 the picture changes: Year 11 becomes an available entry point alongside Years 7–10. That single addition makes it possible to complete the HSC at The Forest High School, though Year 12 remains closed to direct international enrolment, as it is across almost all NSW public schools. A student who enters Year 10 in 2026 could, subject to progression and capacity, continue into Year 11 in 2027. However, places are never held automatically – every step requires a fresh application and assessment by DE International.
These year-level pools are based on the department’s advisory data and are updated regularly. The school’s actual ability to enrol international students can change if local enrolments rise, staffing adjustments occur, or the department revises its allocation. No commitment is made until a formal placement letter is issued.
Catchment Area and Accommodation
In practice, the combination of a strict catchment zone and limited homestay means The Forest High School best fits families who can establish a genuine local residential presence before the application lodgement.
English Language Support (EAL/D)
The Forest High School provides EAL/D support for international students who need to develop their academic English. This is a significant point of difference from schools without dedicated language programs, because it means a student with lower English proficiency does not necessarily have to spend time at an Intensive English Centre (IEC) before enrolling – though that pathway still exists for students who need it. EAL/D teachers at the school work alongside classroom educators, offering targeted small-group instruction, in-class assistance, and scaffolding for assessment tasks.
Students who arrive with sound English skills can still benefit from the EAL/D team if academic writing or subject-specific vocabulary needs reinforcement. The important takeaway is that The Forest High School will not turn away an international applicant solely because English is an additional language, provided the student meets the department’s entry benchmarks and catchment conditions are met.
School Profile
The Forest High School is a comprehensive, co-educational secondary school located in Frenchs Forest, about 13 kilometres north of Sydney’s CBD. Established in 1961, it sits at the heart of a leafy residential district that stretches from the edges of Garigal National Park towards the Northern Beaches Hospital precinct. The roughly 900-strong student body reflects the local community – a mix of long-term families and newer arrivals drawn by the area’s relative spaciousness and strong school reputations.
The campus on The Forest Road is well served by public transport, with direct B-Line bus services connecting to the city in around 30–40 minutes and local bus routes linking to Chatswood, Manly and the Northern Beaches. A major shopping centre, Forestway, is less than a kilometre away, giving students easy access to amenities after school.
Academically the school offers a broad curriculum that covers all key learning areas through to the HSC, including a range of elective subjects in technology, creative arts, languages and social sciences. Sport and outdoor education have a visible presence, making use of the surrounding bushland reserves and nearby playing fields. The school is not academically selective, but it does run extension and enrichment classes for high-potential students in the junior years. Its music and drama programs are well regarded locally, with a full schedule of performances and showcases each year.
Facilities include modern science laboratories, a large performing arts centre, a multi-purpose hall, and quality sporting grounds. The school’s physical environment – open spaces, native trees, quiet streets – is one of its selling points for families who want a suburban Sydney experience without the density of inner-city campuses.
Who This School Suits (And Who It Doesn’t)
Suits families who can secure a rental property or owner-occupied home within the school’s catchment area. Frenchs Forest and its neighbouring suburbs predominantly offer houses and townhouses, so families needing a guardian to live with the student will find a range of accommodation options.
Suits international students entering Years 7–10 in either 2026 or 2027, and Year 11 from 2027 onward. The mid-secondary entry points give younger students time to settle before HSC preparation begins.
Suits learners who will benefit from in-school EAL/D support. Students who have good everyday English but need to build academic vocabulary and exam-writing skills are particularly well-matched to this environment.
Suits families who value a comprehensive, non-selective school with a strong community feel and access to both city and coastal Sydney.
Does not suit families unable to prove a residential address in the catchment. Without that, the enquiry cannot proceed regardless of academic or language profile.
Does not suit students who depend entirely on a department-arranged homestay. The limited homestay pool means relying on it is risky; having a backup private accommodation plan is essential.
Does not suit families looking for a assurance of placement. All NSW international student enrolments go through DE International’s assessment process, and capacity is reassessed continuously. No place is locked in until a formal agreement is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Year 11 at The Forest High School for the 2026 intake?
No. The school only has capacity for international students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 in 2026. Year 11 becomes available for the first time in the 2027 intake. If you need a Year 11 place in 2026, other NSW public schools may have openings, but The Forest High School is not among them.
Do I really need to live inside the catchment zone, or can I apply from outside?
A confirmed residential address within the school’s designated catchment area is mandatory. Your application will not progress without documented evidence, such as a tenancy agreement or utility notice, showing that address. Catchment rules for international students are firm and not subject to out-of-area exemption.
Is homestay available at The Forest High School?
Homestay availability is limited. While some placements may be possible through department-endorsed providers, the school cannot assure a homestay spot. Most international families arrange private accommodation – often a rental with a parent or guardian living there – to meet both the catchment requirement and the student’s welfare needs.
What happens if my English is not strong enough?
The Forest High School offers EAL/D support, so students with developing English can receive specialised teaching once enrolled. However, you still need to meet the minimum English proficiency standards set by DE International for your nominated year level. If your English is below that threshold, you may be directed to an Intensive English Centre before starting at a mainstream school.
Can I secure a place now for 2027 even though the data is from 2026?
You can apply, but acceptance depends on real-time capacity at the time of assessment. The advisory capacity numbers from 1 June 2026 indicate that Year 7–11 places are intended for 2027, but these allocations can be revised. No placement is assured until a formal acceptance letter is issued by DE International.
Data Source and Methodology
The information in this article is sourced from the NSW Department of Education’s International Student Capacity Update, current as of 1 June 2026. This advisory dataset sets out intended year-level availability for public high schools that accept international students. The data is a planning guide only and does not constitute an assurance of placement. School capacity can shift due to changes in local enrolment demand, staffing, and department policy. International student places are subject to availability and formal assessment by DE International. All applicants go through the central enrolment process – no early commitments or priority holds are offered based on this advisory data. Before acting, verify the current position with the official source and be aware that conditions may have changed since the snapshot date.
Sources
- NSW Department of Education, International Student Capacity Update – 1 June 2026 (summary advisory data for registered education agents and DE International partner offices; school-level capacity figures as stated).
- education.nsw.gov.au/school-finder — The Forest High School, including catchment map and school profile.
- The Forest High School official website (school-specific information on programs, facilities and term dates).