The New South Wales Department of Education and Training runs six creative and performing arts high schools. These schools aim to foster excellence in creative fields while teaching the same core syllabus as other state-run high schools. These schools are accorded an unusually high degree of autonomy by the department in selecting students and teaching staff. The schools boast specialised facilities and equipment and competition for places is acute.

This list also includes two Independent schools: the AIPAH, and the McDonald College.

School	Suburb or Town	Years	Founded	Website
Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts	Fairy Meadow	7-12	1916	website
Conservatorium High School	Sydney	7-12	1918	website
Campbelltown High School of the Performing Arts	Campbelltown	7-12	1954	website
Ku-ring-gai Creative Arts High School	North Turramurra	7-12	1965	website
Newtown High School of the Performing Arts	Newtown	7-12	1990	website
Hunter School of the Performing Arts	Broadmeadow	K-12	1998	website
The McDonald College of the Performing Arts	North Strathfield	Prep-12	1984	website
The Australian International performing Arts High School	Harris Park	7-12	2005	website