Australia’s Top 100 Private Schools: Meet the student leaders from three of Sydney’s best-ranking colleges
Prime ministers and sports stars roamed the halls before them. Meet young Sydneysiders set for bright futures after they graduate from some of the nation’s Top 100 Private Schools.
NSW Education
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Behind the microphone, in the boardroom and at the Lodge, Sydney’s top independent schools are producing leaders who have taken their high school ambitions far beyond the classroom.
‘Old boys’ and ‘old girls’ often go on to become influential figures in business, media, politics and the arts – forming bonds while at school that serve them throughout their lives, and developing leadership qualities along the way.
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull was one notable example – senior school co-captain at Sydney Grammar School long before being elected to parliament.
Fashion doyenne Pip Edwards held a leadership role at Ravenswood School for Girls, while Paralympic swimmer and motivational speaker Annabelle Williams was a vice-captain at PLC Sydney in her day.
Here, we introduce some of tomorrow’s leaders.
SCEGGS DARLINGHURST
Georgia Tsangaris – head prefect
As head prefect, I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to contribute and dedicate myself to my school community.
I care deeply about the wellbeing of my cohort, and our broader SCEGGS and Darlinghurst community, and my position has taught me the importance of being graceful, kind, supportive and genuine in every interaction I have.
I recognise the importance of actively giving back, regularly cooking meals for the homeless, creating charity-centred prefect events and participating in SCEGGS’s social contributions. I am deeply appreciative of my role, allowing me to develop my leadership skills and create the lasting legacy of the class of 2025.
Camille McCarthy – deputy head prefect
As deputy head prefect, I have found that being a successful leader involves a commitment to actively engaging and collaborating with my peers, teachers and the community outside our school gates.
It is important to have an awareness of my community and give back to it, striving to do so through actions such as preparing meals for weekly food drives and charity events. My involvement in drama productions, sport, and leadership has taught me the significance of teamwork and upholding authenticity.
I hope to inspire future leaders through my genuine approach to every endeavour and willingness to help others with decorum and integrity.
PYMBLE LADIES’ COLLEGE
Emily Abadee – co-head prefect
I’m Emily Abadee, and I’ve truly enjoyed serving as one of the head prefects at Pymble Ladies’ College this year. I always aim to approach my role with respect and dedication, focusing on amplifying student voice and creating an inclusive environment for all.
One of my favourite moments was our ‘2025 Come Alive’ welcome on the first day of term, where year 12 students lined the gates to warmly greet younger students with bubbles, balloons, and school spirit.
I’m passionate about justice, and hope to use the communication and empathy I’ve gained through leadership to make a meaningful difference in the future.
Ang-Ya Koo – co-head prefect
I’m Ang-Ya Koo and I’m honoured to serve as one of the head prefects at Pymble Ladies’ College. To me, leadership is about creating a supportive community where every student feels empowered to be themselves.
A highlight of my role has been developing our annual theme, ‘2025 Come Alive’, which encourages students to embrace their passions and uplift one another. At Pymble, I’m also deeply involved in robotics, dance, and the student research journal, which have taught me the value of teamwork, creativity, and perseverance.
I hope to use the skills I’ve gained through leadership to create positive change beyond school.
RAVENSWOOD SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Zara West – school captain
Zara is passionate about sports and driving positive change. She is a talented sportswoman, having played football and touch football at a representative level for 9 and 7 years respectively.
She has strived to drive positive change in the Ravenswood community and beyond the school gates through her school captain role and also through participation in events such as the Youth Mental Health Forum, the Uniting Church School Leaders Workshop, and the Ravenswood and Knox Grammar Student-Led Wellbeing Conference.
At Ravenswood, she visited a school in Fiji as part of a global immersion opportunity and helped to teach children in a local school. Zara also trained and ran a half marathon this year, while juggling her Year 12 studies, to raise $2000 for endometriosis.
Following school, Zara hopes to complete a commerce degree and work in an organisation where she can make a significant impact.
Billie Fedden – vice-captain
Billie has led the Student Representative Council and senior school assemblies. She has attended numerous events such as the Uniting Church School Leaders Workshop and a captains’ dinner at NSW Parliament House. She is a leader in the Ravenswood Knox Cadet Unit, achieving the rank of CUO and appointment of company commander.
Billie is also passionate about sport and participates in water polo, netball and football. She is interested in social justice and attends Days for Girls (making feminine hygiene kits for girls in developing countries) and Wrap with Love (knitting squares and wraps for people in need) at lunchtimes.
Billie was also involved in the Red Earth immersion where she joined fellow Ravenswood students and staff and visited rural homelands in the Northern Territories and learnt about the Aboriginal culture, helping to build a playground for the community. She has enjoyed teamwork in Community Problem Solving, where with her team they helped to raise funds and awareness for neurodiversity.
After school, Billie aspires to complete a double degree of Law and Commerce at the University of Sydney, securing casual jobs and travelling while completing her studies.
Georgia Gray – vice-captain
Georgia has enjoyed many cocurricular activities since starting at Ravenswood in Year 5, including sport, performing arts, dance and social justice charitable initiatives. She also had an unforgettable experience attending the Northern Territory Red Earth Indigenous Immersion.
Georgia has represented Ravenswood at numerous Dance Eisteddfods as a Dance Company team member and taken part in many of the school musical productions. She has played netball, touch football, and basketball, in the Senior 1sts for all of these sports since year 10. She is an active member of the Run Club and has represented Ravenswood at the IGSA Cross Country carnivals.
She was one of the Year 11 social justice captains and has been involved in the Days for Girls program and the RAVO reconciliation program. One of the most meaningful experiences has been working with the charity Dignity – cooking meals, visiting their centres and learning more about the realities of homelessness.
Georgia is keen to attend UTS Sydney after school to study psychology, law or construction management.
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See the full responses from our future leaders online
Originally published as Australia’s Top 100 Private Schools: Meet the student leaders from three of Sydney’s best-ranking colleges
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