Our principal and staff

Our school team is committed to every student’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. We work together to create a supportive and inclusive school where every child is set up for success.

Conservatorium High School is dedicated to the pursuit of musical and academic excellence. We esteem the ideals of integrity, respect and compassion and are committed to providing a supportive and stimulating environment in which students can strive to realise to the full their music, academic, social and creative potential. Through our school–based programs and collaborations with the tertiary arm of the Conservatorium of Music, (Sydney University's School of Music), and broader Music Industry and Educational partnerships, Conservatorium High School affords musically and intellectually gifted students extensive experience and training in all aspects of music while providing them with an excellent secondary education.

The Conservatorium High School was established in 1918 at the behest of the inaugural director of the NSW State Conservatorium of Music, Henri Verbrugghen. He firmly believed that a good general education is as much a necessity to a musician as to a lawyer or a medical practitioner. One hundred years later, the school remains faithful to this credo.  The Conservatorium High School (part of the NSW public school system) has a net enrolment of 160 students. They are drawn from the greater Sydney region and from around the State. The composition of the student body reflects the cultural and ethnic diversity of our region. Staffed and administered by the NSW Department of Education, the school also avails itself of the pedagogical expertise of top professional musicians and teachers, many of whom are employed by the Conservatorium's tertiary arm, the Faculty of Music of the University of Sydney, or by the State's top professional ensembles and music education institutes such as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Bach Akademie Australia, The Song Company, Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, Opera Australia Orchestra, the Australian National Choral Association and the Kodaly Music Education Institute of Australia. In addition to its special relationship with Sydney University and the music/music education profession, the Conservatorium High also has strategic partnerships with community music institutions such as:  the Modeste Orchestra, the Dreambox Collective,  the Penrith Symphony Orchestra, and Voces Caelestium, ensembles directed or supported by Con High alumni be they professional, charitable or educational.

At Con High, we believe in educating the Whole Musician, multi-dimensional, multi-faceted people. As Zoltan Kodaly would say, "The characteristics of a good musician can be summarized as follows: A well-trained ear, A well-trained intelligence, A well-trained heart, A well-trained hand. All four must develop together, in constant equilibrium." As the State's only Specialist Music High School, our purpose is to prepare the next generation of Musicians, musical citizens who will positively contribute to their community. As such, positive psychology, growth mindset, peak performance and a sense of community service are central to our culture.

Ian Barker, Principal of Conservatorium High School

Our executive staff

Our teaching staff

Your child’s school experience is shaped by the people around them. Our teachers bring experience, care and a passion for learning to every lesson. With a focus on success, they help every child reach their full potential.

Our teachers make the difference

Wellbeing and support staff

Our wellbeing and support staff guide student wellbeing, learning needs and inclusion. They work with teachers to make personalised adjustments. This means each child can take part fully in school life. We make our school welcoming and accessible to every child.

Instrumental & Composition Faculty

Administrative and operations staff

Our administrative and operations staff keep our school running smoothly. They support students, teachers and families every day. You can find them in our front office or on the school grounds.

Have a question for our principal or teachers?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

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