Schools in Wollongong 2026, Public, Private and Catholic Schools Guide for the Illawarra

Schools in Wollongong 2026, Overview

Wollongong and the Illawarra have a solid school network, government schools under the Illawarra South East Region of NSW Department of Education, Catholic schools (Diocese of Wollongong) and independent private schools. Here's a guide to Illawarra schools in 2026. nsw.gov.au/education

NSW Government Schools in the Illawarra

Wollongong government schools operate within defined catchment zones, check education.nsw.gov.au/find-a-school. The Illawarra has several strong government schools, particularly at the secondary level. education.nsw.gov.au

Selective Programs

Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts (Crown Street, Wollongong) has a statewide selective audition entry for performing arts students. Illawarra Sports High School (Berkeley) has selective entry for sporting talent. Keira High School (Keira Street, Wollongong) and Figtree High School are among the Illawarra's high-performing government secondary schools. education.nsw.gov.au

Private Schools

Wollongong's private school sector includes Edmund Rice College (Catholic, North Wollongong), Aspect South Coast School (inclusive education), St Dominic's College (Catholic boys, Penrith border but draws from Illawarra) and a range of smaller faith-based independents. The Catholic Diocese of Wollongong manages a large network across the Illawarra. dow.catholic.edu.au

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