Direct Answer
Yes, Northern Beaches Secondary College – Mackellar Girls Campus accepts international students for both 2026 and 2027. As of the NSW Department of Education’s 1 June 2026 capacity update, the school is classified as open for international enrolments in both years. For 2026, places are available in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10 only. For 2027, capacity expands to include Year 11 as well, covering Years 7 through 11. The school has a flexible catchment area, meaning international students are not strictly required to live within a defined boundary, though homestay availability is limited, which may affect accommodation arrangements. The school offers EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) support for international students who need it. There are no special conditions or restrictions noted in the official data. As stated by the NSW Department of Education, the capacity data used in this article is a guide only and there is no guarantee placement (subject to availability and assessment). International student enrolments are subject to capacity, availability, and assessment by DE International.
Open Year Levels: 2026 vs 2027
The difference between the two years is notable for students planning to enter senior years.
- 2026 (open): International student places are available in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10. There is no capacity for Year 11 or Year 12 in 2026.
- 2027 (open): Capacity expands to include Years 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Year 12 is not listed as having available places in either year, which is common for NSW public high schools as the HSC year is generally reserved for domestic students.
This means that a student seeking to start in Year 11 in 2027 can apply, but a student wanting to begin in Year 11 in 2026 cannot—they would need to consider schools with 2026 Year 11 capacity or apply for 2027 entry. Similarly, no international student places are available for Year 12 in either year.
Catchment Area and Accommodation
The school operates with a flexible catchment area for international students. Unlike many NSW public high schools that require students to live within a defined geographical zone, Mackellar Girls Campus can accept international students regardless of where they reside, subject to capacity.
However, homestay availability is limited. This is a critical practical consideration. International students under 18 years old must have approved accommodation and welfare arrangements. With limited homestay places, families should explore alternatives such as living with a parent or a nominated relative approved by the Department of Home Affairs. The school’s location in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney means that private rental options exist but are often expensive and may require proximity to public transport.
International students and their families should plan accommodation well in advance of applying, as the limited homestay supply could affect placement even if the school has academic capacity.
English Language Support (EAL/D)
Mackellar Girls Campus offers EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) support for international students. This is a positive feature for students who need to improve their English proficiency while studying mainstream subjects.
EAL/D programs in NSW public high schools typically include:
- In-class support from specialist teachers
- Small group or individual tuition
- Assessment of English language levels upon arrival
- Tailored learning plans to help students meet curriculum requirements
The availability of EAL/D support means that students with intermediate English skills can enrol, though all international students must still meet the English language proficiency requirements set by DE International (usually an IELTS score or equivalent, depending on year level).
School Profile
Northern Beaches Secondary College – Mackellar Girls Campus is a comprehensive girls’ high school (Years 7–12) located in Freshwater, a coastal suburb approximately 18 kilometres north-east of the Sydney CBD. It is part of the Northern Beaches Secondary College, a collegiate structure that also includes campuses at Balgowlah Boys, Cromer, and Freshwater Senior Campus.
The school serves a local population of approximately 800–900 students (this figure is approximate and could not be independently verified for the current year). It is a non-selective, comprehensive school, meaning it accepts students of all academic abilities within its enrolment zone.
Notable features include a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, a performing arts program, and close links to the local community. The school’s coastal location provides opportunities for outdoor and environmental education. It is well-served by public buses connecting to Manly, Dee Why, and the city.
Who This School Suits (And Who It Doesn’t)
This school suits:
- Female students seeking a single-sex learning environment in a coastal, suburban setting
- Students applying for Years 7–10 in 2026 or Years 7–11 in 2027
- Students who can arrange their own accommodation or secure one of the limited homestay placements
- Students who need EAL/D support to improve their English
- Families who are flexible about living outside a strict catchment area
This school may not suit:
- Students hoping to start Year 11 in 2026 (no places available)
- Students seeking Year 12 entry in either year
- Students who require guaranteed homestay – availability is limited, so alternative arrangements may be necessary
- Male students – the campus is girls-only (the NBSC collegiate system includes separate boys’ campuses)
- Students who prefer a school with a selective academic stream or specialised programs not offered here
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Northern Beaches Secondary College – Mackellar Girls Campus accept international students in Year 11? A: Yes, but only for 2027. As of the 1 June 2026 capacity update, the school has open places for Year 11 in 2027. For 2026, Year 11 is not available to international students.
Q: Do I need to live in the catchment area to attend this school? A: No. The school has a flexible catchment area for international students, meaning you are not required to live within a defined zone. However, you must still arrange approved accommodation, and homestay availability is limited.
Q: Does the school offer homestay for international students? A: Homestay is available but limited. International students under 18 must have approved accommodation and welfare. With limited homestay places, families should consider living with a parent or an approved relative, or explore private rental options near the school.
Q: Is there EAL/D support at Mackellar Girls Campus? A: Yes. The school offers EAL/D support for international students who need to improve their English while studying mainstream subjects.
Q: What is the deadline to apply for this school? A: Application deadlines are set by DE International and vary by intake. For 2026 entry, applications typically close several months before the start of the school year (late 2025 for Term 1 2026). For 2027, applications should be submitted by mid-2026 or earlier. Always check the current DE International website for exact dates.
Data Source and Methodology
All capacity data in this article comes from the NSW Department of Education International Students Capacity Update dated 1 June 2026. This update provides a snapshot of which NSW public schools are open to international student enrolments, for which year levels, and under what conditions. The data is a guide only and does not cannot guarantee placement (subject to availability and assessment). International student enrolments are subject to capacity, availability, and assessment by DE International. Information about catchment flexibility, homestay availability, and EAL/D support is also sourced from this official update. School profile details (location, type, approximate size) are based on publicly available information from the NSW Department of Education’s school finder and may not reflect the most current enrolment numbers.
Sources
- NSW Department of Education International Students Capacity Update (1 June 2026)
- NSW Department of Education School Finder: education.nsw.gov.au/school-finder