About our centre

The Northern Sydney Intensive English Centre (IEC) provides an intensive English language program for newly arrived students who are learning English as an additional language or dialect.

Our centre supports students to develop their English language skills, become familiar with the Australian school system and build the confidence they need to succeed in mainstream schooling.

Students attend the centre for a period of intensive language learning before transitioning into mainstream classes at their local school..

Who our centre supports

The centre supports newly arrived students who require additional English language support before entering mainstream schooling.

Students may come from a wide range of cultural and language backgrounds and are supported to develop their communication skills while adjusting to life and schooling in Australia.

Enrolment and referrals

Referrals to the centre are made through the NSW Department of Education or the student’s local school.

Families must contact the centre to arrange an enrolment appointment before attending. Staff can assist with enrolment enquiries throughout the year.

How to enrol

Students can enrol in our centre through the NSW Department of Education enrolment process. Follow these steps:

Apply online: If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, you can complete the online enrolment application. The application will then need to be finalised with the school.

Learn more: Visit the NSW Department of Education website for more information about:

Download our enrolment form

If you are not eligible or prefer not to enrol online,, you can download and fill out the enrolment form. Please complete the form in English. Translated versions of the application may assist families when completing the form. Then hand it in at our school's front office.

Application to enrol in a NSW government school (PDF 696KB)

Out-of-area enrolments

Families who live outside the local intake area may apply for out-of-area enrolment, which is assessed according to the Department’s enrolment policy.

Temporary visa holders and international students

Families on temporary visas can find information about eligibility and applications through the Temporary Residents Program.

Intake area and associated schools

The Northern Sydney IEC supports students from schools across Northern Sydney and surrounding areas.

Families can check whether their address is within the intake area using the School Finder tool. Local enrolment areas may change over time.

Students attending the centre usually transition into their local NSW public secondary school once they are ready to move into mainstream classes.

For more information about schools within the intake area or transition pathways, please contact the centre.

Transition to mainstream schooling

Students attend the Intensive English Centre for a period of time while they develop their English language skills.

When students are ready, staff work with families and local schools to support a smooth transition into mainstream classes.

Other enrolment details for our school

Our school might have extra steps for enrolment. Our office staff are here to help, so contact us if you have any questions.

Supporting every student’s learning journey

Our centre provides a supportive environment where students build English language skills, develop confidence and experience school life in Australia. Explore our learning programs and daily school experience.

Learning and school experience

Illustration of person looking at graphs and charts.

Visit us before you enrol

Starting a new school is a big step. We're here to help make the transition a smooth and positive experience for every student and their family.

We may offer a school tour, open day, information session or orientation program. These events help you and your child feel prepared for starting school.

Meet our friendly staff, explore our school facilities, and see what makes our school a great place to learn.

Contact us to find out what’s available and how we can support you before your child starts at our centre.

Need an interpreter?

You can use the free Telephone Interpreting Service to help communicate with the school. This free and on-demand service facilitates clear communication between parents and schools. Parents and carers can listen to instructions on using the service in their language.

Telephone Interpreting Service

Why choose us?

Find out what makes our school special and why families choose us.

Travel to our school

Learn about local transport options and how to get here safely.