Enrolment

Newtown High School of the Performing Arts is committed to educational excellence, providing a challenging, broad curriculum and a range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that develop and extend students. Students are given an arts-rich education, enabling them to think differently and to think creatively.

Newtown High School of the Performing Arts is a specialist school. It is a partially selective (Dance, Drama and Music), co-educational, comprehensive secondary school located on Gadigal Land approximately five kms southwest of Sydney. The student population is around 1160.  All members of the school community are invested in the core values of the school which are excellence, creativity and equity. Students are empowered and inspired to explore their creativity and imagination: to strive for educational excellence and celebrate diversity.

Students wishing to apply for enrolment to the school may do so as a local student or as an auditioned student. Local students are encouraged to audition in their preferred discipline(s).

Newtown High School of the Performing Arts has local enrolment availability only and therefore the school is unable to accommodate out-of-area enrolments, with the exception of Audition Enrolments for Performing Arts students in Year 7 and Years 11.

Enrolment of students from the local area

Applicants are required to prove that they are bona fide permanent residents of a dwelling the address of which is in a geographical area designated for the school by the Department as the school’s  local area  (see the area marked on the  School Catchment Map  (Appendix A)).

Proof of address evidence must include:

• A current Council Land Rates notice  OR  a Residential Tenancy Agreement together with Rental Bond Board receipt of at least 12 months duration (subletting agreements and commercial leases will not be accepted as proof of residence) AND

• At least two of the following current documents:

  • Centrelink documents or Medicare account
  • Electricity account
  • Gas account
  • Home telephone account (landline)
  • Internet account

• In circumstances where applicant students do not reside with both or either parent, the school will rely on Family Court orders to determine the child’s place of residence

NOTE: only original documents will be accepted as proof of address evidence. There are no sibling rights to enrolment if a family moves to an out of area catchment residence.

In some cases additional evidence as specified by the Principal may also be required.

Audition enrolment of performing arts students

Applicants may audition for entry into the school in Year 7 and Year 11 when they are in Year 6 or 10.

Each audition is assessed on its own merits.  The decision of the audition panel is final and no appeal can be made except on procedure.  Information on individual student’s performance in their audition will not be given. The purpose of the audition is for the school to select the best and most suitable students as assessed by the panel based on the stated criteria. These are the conditions under which students and parents/carers must agree to when applying to audition.

The general criteria on which students will be assessed are:

• the ability to work independently and cooperatively
• demonstrated genuine interest in the performing arts
• demonstrated self discipline and commitment
• the ability to successfully apply themselves to curricula and co-curricula performing arts commitments as well as other academic studies

In addition the following criteria specifically apply to each performing arts area:

Dance

• demonstrated dance skills
• physical and cognitive potential in dance

Drama

• collaboration
• self-discipline/concentration and focus
• physical and vocal performance
• adaptability to characterise appropriately in various contexts
• creativity and imagination
• proficiency in script work

Music

• demonstrated pitch, rhythm, creative ability and potential
• demonstrated concentration and focus

Additional information regarding performance requirements is sent to applicants prior to auditions.

Procedures for students seeking enrolment in Years 7 or 11

1. Students register on-line for an audition in Dance, Drama and/or Music
2. Students must complete online application forms where indicated on this website and upload all required videos and documentation
3. Audition applications open in early February and close on 1 May of each year
4. Students are ranked based on their audition
5. Places are offered

Enrolment Placement Panel

At the completion of auditions the Enrolment Placement Panel will meet to confirm enrolment decisions.

Appeals

Where a parent wishes to appeal against the decision of the placement panel, the appeal should be made in writing to the Principal.

The purpose of the appeal is to determine whether the stated criteria has been applied fairly.

Non-Local Enrolments

High schools that have a designated drawing area have had student numbers capped according to the number of permanent classrooms.

Newtown High School of the Performing Arts has local enrolment availability only and therefore the school is unable to accommodate out-of–area enrolments, with the exception of Audition Enrolments for Performing Arts students in Year 7 and Years 11.

For further information on enrolment please refer to the Department's Enrolment Policy.

Visit us before you enrol

Starting a new school is a big step. We're here to help make the transition a smooth and positive experience for every student and their family.

Newtown High School of the Performing Arts does not have set open days. However, you can register for a school tour using the link below if you want to visit and learn more about the school.

Meet our friendly staff, explore our school facilities, and see what makes our school a great place to learn.

Download our enrolment form

Download and fill out our enrolment form. Then hand it in at our school's front office.

Application to enrol in a NSW government school (PDF 696KB)