North Sydney Boys’ High School

One hundred years ago, a falcon took flight. Not a literal falcon, mind you, but the spirit of North Sydney Boys’ High School. North Sydney Boys’ High School officially opened its doors in 1915 on Falcon Street in Crows Nest. The school’s mascot, the falcon, was chosen as a nod to its street address. The original building, a two-story brick structure with stone facings, housed eight classrooms and staff rooms. North Sydney Boys’ High School began a few years earlier, in 1912, as North Sydney Intermediate High School. This initial iteration operated off-site in temporary classrooms on Blue Street. The move to the permanent Crows Nest campus in 1915 marked a significant step in the school’s history. North Sydney Boys’ High School wasn’t always the academic powerhouse it is today. In the early 1900s, it shared its origins with North Sydney Public School, located where Greenwood Plaza now stands. In 1912, a secondary education section was added to the public school. Overcrowding led to the establishment of separate high schools for boys and girls. North Sydney Boys’ High School even absorbed students from North Sydney Technical High School when it closed in 1969. The school’s motto, “Vincit qui se vincit” – “He conquers who conquers himself” – speaks volumes about its focus on self-improvement and academic excellence. North Sydney Boys’ High School has consistently ranked among the top schools in New South Wales, culminating in its achievement of the top ranking in the state in 2023. This was based on the percentage of exams that achieved a Distinguished Achievers distinction. It overtook the long-reigning champion, James Ruse Agricultural High School, a feat not seen in almost three decades. The campus itself has evolved over the years. The Arts/TAS building was added around 1920, followed by a library and administration block around 1953. Science and classroom blocks were constructed around 1968, and the gymnasium was built in 1962. The school has continued to expand and upgrade its facilities, with recent renovations to the gymnasium, outdoor courts, and the addition of a new library. The Old Falconians’ Union, the school’s alumni association, plays a vital role in connecting former students and supporting the school. The union, founded over seventy-five years ago, embodies the school’s commitment to fostering lifelong connections and giving back to the community. North Sydney Boys’ High School has not only educated generations of young men but has also played a significant role in shaping the community and producing leaders in various fields. The school’s legacy continues to soar, much like its namesake falcon.