How to Enrol

Mark Paushmann, Principal of Parramatta Marist High School

Choosing a school for your child is an important decision and we encourage you to think carefully about this decision.

Parramatta Marist High School, the oldest Catholic school in Australia, was established as a catholic school in 1820 and as a Marist school in 1875, now educating boys from Years 7 to 12. We firmly believe that all students are unique. We value a sense of community, family and spiritual development which is aligned to our strong Marist culture and school spirit.

Through our Marist charism, our goal is to be a school that encourages mutual respect, partnership, healthy relationships and appreciation of all members of the community- staff, students, parents, carers and parish.

Our education is characterised by faith and the Roman Catholic tradition engendering pride in offering excellence in both the academic and vocational arena but also a pastoral care structure that supports all our students. Our belief is that our students learn best when they feel that they belong and that they matter. This informs our vision and our mission.

We believe Parramatta Marist is a welcoming and inclusive school. It is a place where students of all backgrounds, abilities and interests belong to our ‘Marist Family’. We are guided by the Gospel values of compassion, courage and commitment which prepares our students to become “Men of Marist”. Our creed is: Christ centred through Marist eyes.

We have high hopes for, and high expectations of, our students. We want all students to participate fully in the many opportunities that are offered so that they get the most out of their time here. In demonstrating that we strive for excellence and distinction, we also achieve exceptional success in our spiritual, cultural, sporting, performing and creative arts areas, all of which are underpinned by a year of mission and learning. Parramatta Marist students are justifiably proud of their school.

At Parramatta Marist High School, academic results are only one measure of achievement. As a Catholic centre of learning, we believe in developing lifelong values, learning and skills that will set up our students for success in life. In offering a broad and balanced education, our students gain the confidence and the skills to develop their talents and strengths as emotionally intelligent leaders – young men who are able to think globally and act locally.

By returning the enrolment application to the school together with the required application fee, you are acknowledging that, if accepted, you and your child are willing to trust and participate fully in the life of Parramatta Marist. By encouraging our students in being open, truthful and respectful, you will be supporting us in participation in the faith life of our Marist school and in promoting and maintaining the high expectations set for all students.

We are here to help if you need more information or help completing the application form. We look forward to welcoming your family to our school community.

Parramatta Marist adheres to the enrolment policy set by the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta. Enrolment eligibility is given, in order, to applications received from:

1. Children of Catholic families who live in the local parish and siblings of current students
2. Children of Catholic families from other parishes
3. Orthodox children
4. Children of other Christian faiths
5. Children of non-Christian faiths.

Please note that Parramatta Marist has a strong history of old boys enrolling their sons and grandsons.

Offers for Year 7 2026 will be posted on Friday 11 April, 2025.

180 positions are available.

Yes, the Old Boys Union do provide some scholarships and bursaries to prospective students.

The Parramatta Marist Old Boys Union was formed in 1926 and is independent of the school.

Scholarships and bursaries are for the purpose of assisting students during their time at Parramatta Marist High School. Scholarships may be awarded on merit and/or equity and bursaries are generally on the basis of need (i.e. hardship). It is important to note that the entry to the school and the scholarships themselves are not awarded on the basis of results of an academic test. They may only be granted to students who have applied (to both the school for enrolment and the Old Boys Union) and have been subsequently offered (and accepted) a position of enrolment to advance their studies and opportunities as a student at Parramatta Marist High School.

If you are interested in any of these, please refer to the Parramatta Marist Old Boys Union Scholarships site to lodge your Expression of Interest.

Learn about scholarships

We currently have 1063 boys enrolled in Years 7 to 12. 

Enrolments for Year 7, 2026 open on Thursday 6 February 2025 and close at 2pm on Friday, 21 March 2025.

Any applications received after this date will be placed on a waiting list.

No, we do not have an entrance exam.

We do have a placement test held later in the year which is for diagnostic purposes only, to help with the process of class information. Testing occurs after places have been offered and finalised.

Thursday afternoon is set aside for Sport - both representative and internal sport.

We are part of Parramatta Diocese Sport and compete against twelve other schools in a range of sports. There are seasonal competitions such as Rugby League, Soccer, Tennis, Touch Football, Cross Country, Rugby Union, Golf, Athletics, Basketball and Cricket.

For students not involved in representative competition, ‘internal’ sport activities are organised. We use school and local grounds and facilities for sport.

Learn more about Sport

The school is involved in:

Other planned activities include:

There is also Creative Connect which includes videography and photography, graphic design (Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator), website development, app prototyping and interior design.

Learn more

Yes. However, we have a responsibility, explained in our Enrolment Policy, to give preference to practising Catholic families.

As with all families, families of non-Catholic students who are enrolled at the school are asked to support the school by accepting all its guidelines and expectations in every respect so as to maintain both the Catholic and Marist identity of our school. These guidelines and expectations have been built on over 200 years of tradition and it’s the constancy and acceptance of this tradition that has laid the foundations for our success in the community.

Enrolment Policy

As part of the school’s tradition forged by past families, parents and carers:

1. Accept the ecclesial leadership of the Bishop of Parramatta as the pastoral guide of Parramatta Marist.
2. Accept that the Principal, as custodian of the traditions, policies, rules and expectations of the school, is responsible for determining what is appropriate and acceptable in all matters and acknowledge that the Principal or Assistant Principals will make the final decision in any given case.
3. Understand that enrolment at Parramatta Marist is not based on academic ability but rather, on the child’s and their family’s trust and acceptance that we will guide them in the areas of faith, learning and wellbeing.
4. Recognise and accept the aims of the School as a Catholic Marist School and will support its religious practices and programs. Students will attend and participate fully at School liturgies, retreats, social justice and community service.
5. Agree to accept school policies in relation to programs of studies, school’s recommendations in the student’s learning journey, sport, pastoral care, school uniform, hairstyle, appearance, discipline and the general operation of the school.
6. Understand that, if required, the school will contact our child’s previous school.
7. Agree to be up to date with my primary school fees commitment at the time of application and honour the financial commitments required by Parramatta Marist as per the Schedule of Fees and Levies.
8. Understand that the information provided must be kept up to date throughout the student’s schooling, e.g. change of address, court orders, etc.
9. Understand that student’s photographs will be used in school-based activities and publications e.g. school website, newsletters, social media, newspaper publications, promotional displays, etc.
10. If, in times of emergencies, accidents or serious illness, parents/carers cannot be contacted, give permission for the Principal (or their representative) to seek medical attention for students as required. This may include transportation to the nearest hospital, medical centre or doctor by ambulance or private vehicle.
11. Understand that in order for students to have a school issued personal email that some of this data may be stored offshore.
12. Have read and understand the Standard Collection Notice and the reasons the school and Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) collect information about students and their families and the way in which information is stored and will be used by the school.
13. Have read all the information provided in the enrolment package and understand the policies that we will need to abide by.
14. Understand that if any misleading information is provided, or any omission of significant, relevant information made, or non-adherence to the terms of this agreement, the enrolment may be withdrawn, and will declare that the information provided in the application to enrol will be accurate and complete.
15. Model responsible and respectful behaviour within the school community in both the real and digital worlds.
16. Treat every member of the school community with courtesy and respect.
17. Listen, talk collaboratively and share relevant information with teachers and school staff to understand and resolve any issues, misunderstandings or concerns.
18. Respect the privacy of every member of the school community.
19. Uphold the school rules and guidelines that are in place for the wellbeing and effective learning of students.
20. Contribute to a safe school community where intimidation, demands, bullying or harassment are not tolerated.