Quality individualised education
Sydney Distance Education High School is a public school committed to excellence and equity in distance education.
Principal's message
We work on the land of the Traditional Custodians, the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, acknowledge Country, and pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and emerging.
We welcome students to our diverse, innovative and inclusive school where you will have so many opportunities for flexible and creative learning.
We thank students’ families, friends and communities, working together with our teaching and support staff to encourage student wellbeing, resilience and learning.
We are proud of our students whose courage and commitment is reflected in their determination to achieve their personal best.
We also celebrate outstanding student success with some students placed in the top 10 in the HSC and others selected for prestigious exhibitions and performances.
The artwork featured at the top of this page is by one of our Year 12 students whose 2025 visual arts major work was selected for the ARTEXPRESS annual showcase of outstanding achievement.
We welcome, support and inspire all students to embrace the possibilities we offer, to enjoy learning, and to live their dreams.
Mark Piddington, Principal of Sydney Distance Education High School
Welcome to our school
Sydney Distance Education High School is a public school committed to excellence and equity in distance education. We provide flexible blended learning programs, serving students from areas north of Wollongong, south of Newcastle, and west to the Blue Mountains.
Getting started
Student induction
The Launchpad program prepares students with the skills and knowledge to be a successful learner at our school.
Attendance
All full-time students must attend roll call every school day to have their attendance recorded. Learn more about our school procedures.
Online learning
At Sydney Distance Education High School we use a range of platforms and modes to deliver learning content to meet student needs.
Student achievements, opportunities and events
2025 HSC Major works virtual exhibition
The Virtual Exhibition of 2025 HSC Major Projects is an interactive virtual tour that showcases the talent and creativity of our Year 12 students. The exhibition includes works in Visual Arts, Textiles and Industrial Technology Multimedia.
View the exhibition
All faculties offer a variety of study days throughout the year to truly engage students in their learning experiences. The practical components of courses are often addressed on a study day. These include science experiments, hands-on computer training, textiles lessons, art workshops, music classes and hospitality training.
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Open days provide a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to reconnect or make new connections. The Big Day In and Harmony Day are yearly events and always receive very positive feedback from students and supervisors. Open days are a wonderful way to meet other students while participating in fun and creative learning activities.
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The diversity of learning experiences for students at SDEHS is expanded through excursions. Faculties regularly organise excursions to destinations such as Olympic Park, Art Gallery of NSW, Nicholson Museum, Environmental Education Centre and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
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The Student Leadership Group (SLG) works with SDEHS staff to represent students’ interests and needs in various ways. Members of SDEHS’s SLG develop the skills to create, implement, lead, follow and succeed. They take action to bring about positive changes that will benefit the students and the whole school community.
View student opportunities
Our school provides opportunities for students to become involved in community activities. We hold a number of events throughout the year to support different organisations involved in Social Justice, to help others in need, actively engage in humanitarian initiatives and engage with contemporary issues that affect others, including Harmony Day and Diversity Day.
View student opportunities
Quick links
Newsletters
View our newsletters to keep up to date with what's going on in our school.
Student and supervisor information handbooks
Our handbooks help students and supervisors understand how our school works.
Learning hubs
Home students are encouraged to attend their local Learning Hub regularly to get assistance with their school work. Discover your local learning hub.
Key dates
Find term dates, school holidays and other important dates for all NSW public schools.