Prepare for Australian
High School in English
UEC's High School Preparation English program gives international students aged 12–17 the language skills, academic vocabulary and classroom confidence they need to succeed at an Australian high school from day one.
Who is High School Preparation For?
This program is specifically designed for international students who are planning to study at an Australian high school and need to strengthen their English before they begin.
Recently Accepted Students
You have been accepted by an Australian high school and need to improve your English before the school year begins.
Students Moving to Australia
Your family is relocating to Australia and you want to arrive prepared for an English-medium school environment.
Students Lacking Academic English
You have conversational English but struggle with the formal, academic language required for subjects like science, history and English literature.
Students Needing Confidence
You feel anxious about joining an Australian classroom. This program builds the confidence and cultural knowledge to feel comfortable from your first day.
What Students Learn
The curriculum is designed around the real language demands of Australian high school — from classroom instructions to essay writing in humanities.
- Classroom English — instructions, questions, participation
- Academic vocabulary for core subjects (maths, science, humanities)
- Essay and paragraph writing in academic style
- Note-taking during lessons and reading comprehension
- Presenting and speaking in front of the class
- Australian school culture — how classrooms work here
- Critical thinking and forming opinions in English
- How to ask for help from teachers effectively
Key Focus Areas
Structured paragraphs, essays and reports in the Australian curriculum style.
Domain-specific vocabulary for science, maths, history, geography and English.
Confidence to ask questions, discuss ideas and work in group activities.
Time management, homework strategies, and how to study independently in English.
Why Choose UEC for High School Preparation?
CRICOS Registered Since 1988
Legally qualified to enrol international students. UEC meets all government standards for junior student welfare and education.
Experienced Junior Welfare Team
Our welfare officers have years of experience supporting junior students — including unaccompanied minors from any country.
Curriculum-Aligned Content
We study the Australian high school curriculum structure so our classes prepare students for real content, not generic English.
Small, Age-Appropriate Classes
Students are grouped by age and level, not just level alone. The classroom environment matches how young people learn best.
School Liaison Support
If your child has been accepted at a specific school, UEC can liaise with that school to tailor the program to their requirements.
Progress Reports for Parents
Regular written progress reports keep parents fully informed. Available in multiple languages.
12 Partner High Schools
UEC has established relationships with 12 leading NSW private schools. After completing the HSP program, students can enrol directly into these partner schools with UEC's full support through the application process.
St Maroun's College
CatholicMaronite tradition · 20+ nationalities · 1:13 ratio
Visit school websiteSt Catherine's School
AnglicanEst. 1856 · Australia's oldest Anglican girls' school
Visit school websiteSt Augustine's College
CatholicAugustinian tradition · Northern Beaches · ~1,200 boys
Visit school websiteStella Maris College
CatholicGood Samaritan tradition · Manly beachside campus
Visit school websiteTara Anglican School for Girls
AnglicanEst. 1897 · Train/metro access · Homestay network
Visit school websiteMacarthur Anglican School
AnglicanIB World School · 85-acre campus · Est. 1984
Visit school websiteKambala
IndependentEst. 1887 · Harbour views · 'Place of safety' (Aboriginal)
Visit school websiteMasada College
JewishSydney's only Jewish school on the North Shore · Est. 1966
Visit school websiteSt Paul's Grammar School
Christian70-acre campus · Est. 1983 · ~900 students
Visit school websiteWenona
IndependentEst. 1886 · Metro access · ~1,350 students
Visit school websiteAll Saints Grammar
OrthodoxEst. 1990 · Multicultural community · Multiple campuses
Visit school websiteSt Paul's International College
Boarding100% international students · 1:5 ratio · Est. 1986 · 40 years
Visit school websitePartner school relationships are subject to each school's own enrolment policies and availability. Entry requirements, fees and study packaging arrangements vary by school and are subject to eligibility. Contact UEC for current information.
Ready for Day One at Australian High School
Students who complete the program arrive at their Australian high school prepared — not overwhelmed. They have the language, the skills and the confidence to participate from the very first lesson.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is this program designed for?
The High School Preparation program is designed for international students aged 12–17 who are preparing to enrol in an Australian high school (Year 7–12).
What English level do students need to start?
Students should have at least Elementary to Pre-Intermediate English (A2–B1). The program builds the specific academic language skills needed for Australian high school, not general beginner English.
How long is the High School Preparation program?
The HSP runs from 2 to 52 weeks, with a start date every Monday. The right duration depends on your child's current English level and their high school start date. Our team will help you plan.
Will this program prepare my child for all subjects at Australian high school?
The program prepares students for the English language demands of all subjects — not one specific subject. Students learn the vocabulary, writing styles and classroom language needed for maths, science, humanities, English and other subjects taught in English.
Is this program suitable for students enrolling in a specific Australian high school?
Yes. If your child has already been accepted by a specific Australian high school, we can work with that school's requirements to tailor the program accordingly.
Is accommodation provided?
UEC can arrange vetted homestay accommodation for junior students. All homestay families are background-checked. Supervised programs are available for students who need full-time care.
Ready for University Preparation?
Students who complete High School Preparation and wish to progress to Australian university can continue with Academic English — UEC's university pathway program covering IELTS, academic writing and research skills.
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Give Your Child the Best Start at Australian High School
Get a personalised program recommendation based on your child's English level and school start date.