Northern Sydney Intensive English Centre
Our centre provides an intensive English language program for newly arrived students learning English as an additional language or dialect. Students develop their English language skills, become familiar with the Australian school system and build the confidence needed to succeed in mainstream schooling.
The program typically runs for 6–12 months, depending on individual needs, before students' transition into mainstream classes at their local school.
Our welcoming and supportive environment helps students settle into school life and build confidence in their new learning environment.
The Northern Sydney IEC supports students from schools across the Northern Sydney Local Health Destrict and Central Coast Local Health District.
You can check whether your address is within the intake area using the School Finder tool. Most schools have designated local enrolment areas, which may change over time.
Students attending the centre may transition into their local catchment primary and secondary schools 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.
Referrals to the centre are made through the NSW Department of Education or local schools.
All students and families should contact the centre to arrange an enrolment appointment before attending. Staff are available to assist with enrolment enquiries throughout the year.
How to enrol
Families who are Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents can complete the online enrolment application.
If you are unable to enrol online, you can complete the Application to enrol form and submit it to the school.
For more information, visit:
If your child does not live within the local intake area, you may apply for an out-of-area enrolment. Applications are considered in line with the department’s enrolment policy.
Families on temporary visas can find information about eligibility and application requirements through the Temporary Residents Program.
Students participate in an intensive English language program designed to develop communication, literacy and learning skills.
The program supports students to build confidence using English while continuing their education in a supportive learning environment.
Students follow a structured daily program that includes English language lessons, classroom learning and opportunities to participate in school activities.
Students build skills in:
- English language development
- reading, writing, speaking and listening
- classroom learning and activities
- understanding Australian school routines
Students are also supported to participate in school life and build connections within the school community. This may include excursions, cultural activities and opportunities to participate in school events.
These experiences help students feel confident and connected as they prepare to transition into mainstream schooling.
Regular attendance is important to support student learning and progress throughout the program.
Student and family support
The centre works closely with students and their families to support wellbeing and successful engagement with school.
Staff provide guidance to help students adjust to school life and build positive relationships with teachers and peers.
The centre communicates regularly with families about student learning, progress and school activities.
Support may include:
- student wellbeing support
- orientation to Australian school systems
- links with local community services
Multicultural support
We recognise and value the diverse cultural backgrounds of our students and families.
Support may include:
- interpreters
- community language support
This support helps families communicate with the school and stay connected with their child’s learning.
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.
- Call 131 450
- Say your language
- Ask to speak with Northern Sydney Intensive English Centre
Supporting every student’s learning journey
Our centre provides a supportive environment where students build English language skills, gain confidence, and settle into school life in Australia. Learn more on the NSW Department of Education website.
The Northern Sydney Intensive English Centre (IEC) uniform helps identify students as part of the school community and reflects our shared expectations for respectful and safe learning.
Students are expected to wear the school uniform during school hours, while travelling to and from school, and when participating in school activities.
On days when students have physical education (P.E.), they may wear their sport uniform to school, including sports shoes.
Girls uniform - item and description
- School shirt - White collared school shirt
- Pants - Black skirt or black dress pants (no leggings, jeans or track pants)
- Tights - Black opaque full-length tights or natural/black pantyhose may be worn in winter
- Cardigan, sloppy joe or jumper - Navy blue cardigan, sloppy joe or jumper (no hood, writing, stripes or logos)
- Jackets - During colder weather, students may wear a navy blue jacket or coat over their uniform. Jackets should not include writing, stripes or logos, and hooded jumpers are not permitted.
- Shoes - All students are expected to wear black closed-in leather lace-up shoes as part of the school uniform.
Girls sport uniform
Students may wear their sport uniform on days when they have PE lessons.
- T-shirt or polo shirt - White T-shirt or polo shirt (no writing or large logos)
- Shorts or track pants - Black or grey shorts or track pants (no writing, stripes or large logos)
- Cardigan, sloppy joe or jumper - Navy blue cardigan, sloppy joe or jumper (no hood, writing, stripes or large logos)
- Shoes - Sports shoes
Boys uniform - item and description
- School shirt - White collared school shirt
- Pants - Grey school trousers or shorts (no jeans or track pants)
- Sloppy joe or jumper - Navy blue sloppy joe or jumper (no hood, writing, stripes or logos)
- Jackets - During colder weather, students may wear a navy blue jacket or coat over their uniform. Jackets should not include writing, stripes or logos, and hooded jumpers are not permitted.
- Shoes - All students are expected to wear black closed-in leather lace-up shoes as part of the school uniform.
Boys sport uniform
- Students may wear their sport uniform on days when they have PE lessons.
- T-shirt or polo shirt - White T-shirt or polo shirt (no writing or large logos)
- Shorts or track pants - Black or grey shorts or track pants (no writing, stripes or large logos)
- Cardigan, sloppy joe or jumper - Navy blue cardigan, sloppy joe or jumper (no hood, writing, stripes or large logos)
- Shoes - Sports shoes
If you have any questions about the school uniform or where it can be purchased, contact us.
Newsletters will be posted via Sentral parent and student portal.
NSIEC Bell Times
Our school day is structured around a clear timetable. We have set times for learning sessions, activities and lunch. Understanding the bell times helps students get the most out of each part of the day.
It's important for students to arrive on time each day. If your child is running late, please contact our front office.
Orientation program
Supporting students in their first weeks, including an introduction to school expectations and a guided tour of important local community services. It is designed to help students settle into school life, build confidence, and develop independence in a new environment.
Social activities
Connecting with others through activities such as barbecues, picnics, special events like Vivid, and bowling helps students build friendships and feel part of the school community.
Community connections
Visits to libraries, youth centres and other services help students become familiar with their local area, supporting a sense of belonging and confidence in their new environment.
Trips and excursions
Students enjoy getting out of the classroom to explore, learn and try new things through excursions across Sydney connected to their classroom learning. These experiences help them build cultural understanding, grow in confidence, and see how their learning is linked to their environment.
Music Program
Participation in our music program provides opportunities to engage in a multicultural musical experience, with performances including the annual North Sydney Region Awards evening, student graduations, Chatswood Primary School, and Crows Nest Community Centre.
Student Representative Council (SRC)
The SRC meets weekly to discuss ideas that enhance the school as a place to learn. Members organise a range of student-centred activities, including fundraising mufti days, barbecues and talent shows.
Learning beyond the classroom
Students engage in external programs to consolidate their learning, including the Department of Education Swimming and Water Safety Program, the STARTTS Soccer Leadership Program for students from a refugee background, and the Multicultural Playwright Program.
Hands on learning
Students enjoy hands-on learning in the school garden, building practical skills, teamwork and confidence while connecting with their environment.
Creative kitchen projects
Students explore creativity and practical skills through hands-on food activities, making colourful and imaginative creations they can be proud of.
Exploring new places
Excursions provide new experiences that build confidence, deepen cultural understanding and strengthen connections to the local environment.
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.
Meet our friendly staff, explore our centre facilities and discover what makes our centre a great place to learn, helping you and your child feel prepared for starting at our centre.
Contact us to find out what’s available and how we can support you before your child starts at our centre.
Want to know more about our centre?
Call, email or visit us
Our office is open Monday to Friday (8am to 3pm) during school term.
For enquiries about enrolment, intake areas or associated schools, please contact our centre.
northernsydney-i.school@det.nsw.edu.au
+61 2 9411 5288, or +61 401 210 022
91 Yarrabung Road, St Ives, NSW 2075
Host school: St Ives High School
Location map
We are located at 91 Yarrabung Rd, St Ives NSW 2075.