Direct Answer
Direct answer: Holroyd High School is accepting international students in 2026 and 2027. For the 2026 intake, places are available in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10. In 2027, the school also opens Year 11, but students must start from Term 1. The school does not require international students to live in a specific catchment area, giving you considerable flexibility with where you live. Homestay availability is not specified in the latest capacity update, so families should clarify arrangements directly with DE International. EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) support is provided on campus, which helps students build English proficiency alongside their mainstream studies. As stated by the NSW Department of Education, the capacity data is a guide only and actual enrolment is not assured — decisions rest with DE International based on capacity at the time of application. International student enrolments are subject to capacity, availability, and assessment by DE International. All information is current as of the 1 June 2026 capacity update and may change.
Open Year Levels: 2026 vs 2027
Holroyd High School has a clear set of open year levels across the two intake years, with one important rule for Year 11 entry.
2026 intake:
- Year 7 – open
- Year 8 – open
- Year 9 – open
- Year 10 – open
- Year 11 – closed
- Year 12 – closed (Year 12 is never open to new international students in NSW public schools)
2027 intake:
- Year 7 – open
- Year 8 – open
- Year 9 – open
- Year 10 – open
- Year 11 – open, but with a strict Term 1 commencement rule
- Year 12 – closed
No years are marked as “limited capacity” in the current data, meaning all listed years are open subject to standard DE International assessment. However, placement is never guaranteed. The update is a capacity guide, not a confirmed seat.
The Year 11 rule deserves special attention. International students wanting to join Year 11 at Holroyd High School must be ready to start from Term 1. Mid-year or Term 2 entry is not permitted. This affects your visa timeline, travel plans and accommodation setup. If you cannot arrive by the beginning of the school year, you would need to look at a different intake year or a different school.
Catchment Area and Accommodation
Catchment requirement: No.
Holroyd High School has a flexible catchment policy for international students. You do not need to prove you live within a designated school zone. This is a real advantage for families who want to live in a different part of Sydney — perhaps closer to work, relatives or a preferred suburb — while still attending this school.
Because catchment is not enforced, international students can choose accommodation that suits their budget and lifestyle. The only constraint is that welfare arrangements for students under 18 must be approved by DE International.
Homestay: Not specified.
In the 1 June 2026 capacity update, homestay availability for Holroyd High School is listed as N/A (unspecified). This does not necessarily mean homestay is impossible; it simply means the update does not explicitly confirm or deny it. Many NSW public schools offer homestay through the DE International Homestay Program, but because it’s unspecified here you should raise the question early in your application process. DE International can tell you whether a homestay can be arranged for this school under current policies.
What are your accommodation options then?
- DE International–arranged homestay (if confirmed as available during your application)
- Living with a parent, legal guardian, or eligible relative (with appropriate visa and welfare sign-off)
- Private rental (if you are over 18, or if a guardian is residing with you)
English Language Support (EAL/D)
EAL/D support is available.
The data confirms that Holroyd High School does not lack EAL/D provision (EAL/D lacking = False). This means the school has specialist teachers and resources dedicated to helping students whose first language is not English.
For international students, in-school EAL/D support can make a huge difference. Typically, support may include:
- Pull-out small-group English sessions
- In-class assistance from EAL/D specialist teachers
- Modified materials and assessments while you build academic English
Because Holroyd High School is a comprehensive co-educational school with a diverse student body, the EAL/D program is likely designed to integrate language learners smoothly. The support is expected to be available for all open international student year levels — Years 7–10 in 2026, and Years 7–11 in 2027. Year 11 students in particular will benefit from EAL/D backup as they tackle the HSC English syllabus.
If your English level is still quite low, you might also consider starting at an Intensive English Centre (IEC) before moving to a mainstream school. But having EAL/D on site gives you a safety net from day one.
School Profile
Holroyd High School is a co-educational comprehensive public high school serving Years 7–12. It is located in Greystanes, Western Sydney, about 25 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD.
As a comprehensive high school, it offers a broad curriculum across all key learning areas, including academic pathways that lead to the HSC, as well as vocational education and training (VET) opportunities. The school has a multicultural student community, reflecting the diverse suburb of Greystanes and the surrounding Western Sydney region.
For daily travel, the school is accessible by bus services that connect to Parramatta and Merrylands train stations, putting the Sydney rail network within reach. Parramatta’s major shopping centres, restaurants and cultural spots are a short bus or car trip away.
Who This School Suits — And Who It Doesn’t
Best suited for:
- International students who need on-site EAL/D support and want to study at a school that already delivers it.
- Families who prefer no catchment restrictions — you can live in any Sydney suburb that meets welfare requirements.
- Applicants looking to enter Years 7–10 in 2026 or Years 7–11 in 2027, who can comply with the Year 11 Term 1 start rule.
- Students who are comfortable with arranging accommodation through DE International or privately, and do not require a guaranteed homestay confirmation ahead of application.
Less suitable for:
- Students who require a confirmed homestay placement upfront — the unspecified status means you’ll need to wait until DE International can verify availability.
- Learners hoping to begin Year 11 in 2026 — that year level is closed for the 2026 intake.
- Anyone aiming for Year 12 entry — NSW public schools do not accept new international students into Year 12.
- Families looking for a boarding school (residential campus) — Holroyd High School does not provide on-site boarding; only homestay or private accommodation is possible.
FAQ
Q: What years are open for international students at Holroyd High School right now?
A: In 2026, Years 7, 8, 9, and 10 are open. In 2027, Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are open. Year 12 is never available for international students in NSW public high schools.
Q: Do I need to live inside a catchment zone?
A: No. Holroyd High School does not require international students to live in a specific catchment area. You are free to live anywhere in Sydney as long as your accommodation meets DE International’s welfare standards.
Q: Can I start Year 11 in Term 2 or Term 3?
A: No. The school’s rule is that Year 11 international students must commence from Term 1 only. If you cannot arrive at the very beginning of the school year, you would need to consider a different intake year or a different school.
Q: Is homestay definitely available?
A: The capacity update does not specify homestay availability. You should discuss the matter with DE International during your application to find out whether a homestay placement can be arranged for Holroyd High School.
Q: What kind of English language support does the school provide?
A: Holroyd High School offers EAL/D support, meaning specialist English language assistance is built into the school program. It is designed to help international students improve their English while participating in mainstream classes.
Q: If I join in Year 10, can I continue into Year 11 and Year 12 at the same school?
A: Yes, as long as you meet DE International’s ongoing enrolment requirements and there is capacity at the time. Students who finish Year 10 at Holroyd High School can normally progress to Year 11 (commencing Term 1) and then Year 12.
Data Source and Methodology
Data source and methodology: All data in this article comes from the NSW Department of Education International Students Capacity Update dated 1 June 2026. The update is a guide only — it shows a snapshot of expected capacity, but actual placements depend on DE International’s real-time assessment, your qualifications, welfare and accommodation approvals, and availability. There is no guarantee of a place. Catchment area information is based on NSW School Finder entries. The analysis and recommendations are offered by Study in Sydney to help Chinese-speaking families make informed comparisons.
Sources
Sources:
- NSW Department of Education, International Students Capacity Update, 1 June 2026
- NSW Department of Education, School Finder, education.nsw.gov.au/school-finder
- Holroyd High School official website, holroyd-h.schools.nsw.gov.au