Direct Answer
Yes, Blakehurst High School accepts international students. As of the NSW Department of Education’s 1 June 2026 capacity update, the school is open to international enrolments for both 2026 and 2027. For 2026, places are available in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10. For 2027, the offering expands to also include Year 11, covering Years 7 through 11. A key condition for enrolment is that students must have a confirmed address within the school’s designated catchment area, and homestay availability in that area is limited. The school does provide English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) support for international students. Note that Year 11 students must commence from Term 1 only; mid-year entry is not permitted for that year level.
Open Year Levels: 2026 vs 2027
The NSW Department of Education’s capacity data reveals a notable difference between the two intake years.
2026 Intake:
- Status: Open
- Year levels with capacity: 7, 8, 9, 10
- Year 11 is not available for international enrolment in 2026.
2027 Intake:
- Status: Open
- Year levels with capacity: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
- This marks an expansion, with Year 11 now accepting international students.
Catchment Area and Accommodation
Blakehurst High School operates under a strict catchment area policy. This means international students must have a confirmed residential address within the school’s designated local intake area to be eligible for enrolment. The NSW Department of Education’s School Finder tool (accessible via education.nsw.gov.au/school-finder) allows you to verify whether a specific address falls within the catchment zone.
English Language Support (EAL/D)
Blakehurst High School offers English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) support for international students. This is a significant advantage for students who may not yet be fully proficient in English. The school’s EAL/D program is designed to help students develop their academic English skills while they participate in mainstream classes. This support is integrated into the school’s curriculum, meaning international students do not need to attend a separate language centre before starting at the school. However, the intensity and structure of the EAL/D program can vary, and the school will assess each student’s English proficiency upon enrolment to determine the appropriate level of support needed.
School Profile
Blakehurst High School is a comprehensive, coeducational government high school located in the Southern Sydney suburb of Blakehurst, approximately 16 kilometres south of the Sydney central business district. The school serves students from Years 7 to 12 and is part of the NSW Department of Education’s St George network. It is not a selective school; rather, it offers a broad curriculum with a focus on academic achievement, creative and performing arts, and sports. The school has a student population of around 900 to 1,000 students, creating a moderately sized school environment. Its location in a established residential area near the Georges River provides a suburban setting with access to local parks and community facilities. The school is known for its strong emphasis on student wellbeing and inclusive community culture.
Who This School Suits (And Who It Doesn’t)
Blakehurst High School is a strong fit for international students who:
- Can secure accommodation within the catchment area. The strict catchment rule means you must have a verifiable address in the designated zone. This is non-negotiable.
- Are in Years 7–10 for 2026, or Years 7–11 for 2027. The school’s capacity is open for these year levels.
- Need EAL/D support. The school’s in-house English language program is well-suited for students who require ongoing language assistance while studying the standard curriculum.
- Prefer a smaller, community-focused comprehensive school in a quiet, established suburban area, rather than a large or academically selective school.
This school may not be suitable for:
- Students seeking Year 11 entry in 2026. Year 11 is not available for international enrolment that year. For 2027, Year 11 is open, but only for Term 1 commencement.
- Students who cannot arrange accommodation within the catchment area. With limited homestay availability, this can be a significant barrier.
- Students hoping for mid-year Year 11 entry. The school mandates that Year 11 students must start in Term 1 only.
- Students seeking a school with no catchment restrictions. Blakehurst is not a school where you can live anywhere in Sydney; your address must match the catchment map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Blakehurst High School accept international students in Year 11? A: Yes, but only for the 2027 intake. For 2026, Year 11 is not open to international students. For 2027, places are available in Year 11, but students must commence from Term 1 only. Mid-year entry to Year 11 is not permitted.
Q: Do I need to live in the catchment area to attend Blakehurst High School? A: Yes. International students must have a confirmed address within the school’s designated catchment area. The NSW Department of Education’s School Finder tool should be used to verify if an address qualifies. Homestay availability within this area is limited, so securing suitable accommodation can be challenging.
Q: Does Blakehurst High School offer EAL/D support for international students?
Q: What year levels can I apply for at Blakehurst High School as an international student? A: For the 2026 intake, you can apply for Years 7, 8, 9, or 10. For the 2027 intake, you can apply for Years 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11. All these year levels are listed as open in the official capacity data as of 1 June 2026.
Q: Is there a deadline for applying to Blakehurst High School? A: While the NSW Department of Education does not publish a single fixed deadline, applications are processed on a rolling basis until capacity is filled. Given the limited homestay availability and the catchment requirement, it is highly advisable to submit your application as early as possible. For Year 11 entry in 2027, the Term 1 start requirement means your application must be finalised well before the school year begins in late January.
Data Source and Methodology
The data presented in this article is sourced from the NSW Department of Education International Students Capacity Update, dated 1 June 2026. This update provides a guide to the availability of international student places at NSW public schools. The information includes the open/closed status for each year level, catchment area requirements, homestay availability, and special conditions such as Term 1 start requirements for Year 11. It is important to note that this data is a guide only. International student enrolments are subject to capacity, availability, and assessment by DE International. Places are not assured; availability is confirmed only through a formal assessment by DE International. All information is current as of the 1 June 2026 capacity update and may change.
Sources
- NSW Department of Education International Students Capacity Update (1 June 2026)
- NSW Department of Education School Finder: education.nsw.gov.au/school-finder
- NSW Department of Education: International Student Program information