Core Values
Founded in 1854 by an Act of the Parliament of New South Wales and opened in 1857, Sydney Grammar School embodies a proud liberal education tradition from early colonial times to the present day. An academically selective day school for boys, Grammar is devoted to intellectual rigour, moral seriousness, and the formation of character in the service of the common good. The core values of the School are:
Intellectual rigour and the life of the mind
The life of the mind stands at the centre of the School’s purpose. We value disciplined study, seriousness of endeavour, and sustained engagement with ideas, while recognising the essential role of imagination in humanistic understanding. Boys are encouraged both to seek knowledge and to engage with it thoughtfully, with intellectual integrity, respect for evidence and argument, and an appreciation of complexity that helps them to develop sound practical judgement.
A liberal, humanist education
The School is committed to an ideal of liberal education whose origins go back beyond the medieval and renaissance grammar-school model to the pedagogy of antiquity. Such an education embraces the sciences, humanities, arts, and languages, valuing intellectual breadth and depth, aesthetic awareness, and a sense of moral purpose above narrowly utilitarian ends. It fosters moral and intellectual growth and the freedom of the individual, but ultimately it aims at contributing to the common good.
Independence of thought and intellectual honesty
The School’s ethos is grounded in rational inquiry, debate, and independence of mind. Boys are encouraged to think for themselves and test both conventional ideas and current ideologies, while acknowledging uncertainty and engaging respectfully with disagreement. We welcome intellectual ambition and confidence, tempered by humility and a willingness to reflect and reconsider. Independence of thought thus grows into the capacity to judge well, deliberate carefully, and act in accordance with reasoned understanding.
A secular character and respect for difference
As an independent, non-denominational school, Grammar welcomes boys of all backgrounds and beliefs. This secular character rests on a commitment to open inquiry, diversity of perspective, and mutual respect. Differences of belief, experience, and outlook are regarded as opportunities for learning and improved understanding. Boys are expected to meet differences with courtesy, generosity of spirit, and a humane disposition.
Responsibility, self-discipline, and service
The School places strong emphasis on the formation of character and the cultivation of judgement. Through its academic, pastoral, and co-curricular life, boys develop courage, resilience, and a sense of duty and service, particularly evident in the charitable initiatives led by the Prefect body. They come to recognise obligations beyond self-interest, and to understand education not just as the acquisition of knowledge, but as preparation for ethical discrimination, prudent and principled action, and a life informed by wisdom.
Initiative, autonomy, and preparation for public life
Though independently governed, Grammar is public in its foundation and intention, established to serve the people of NSW through education. In accordance with the Act of 1854, it understands this task as preparing boys for lives of purpose beyond the School, consistent with its statutory charge “to confer on all classes and denominations … the advantages of a regular and liberal course of education.” Boys are encouraged to develop self-assurance without arrogance, independence tempered by responsibility, and the practical wisdom to exercise sound judgement in challenging circumstances, so that they may live purposefully and flourish.
Seven Grammar Virtues
At Grammar, we want every boy to know that he matters. We seek to foster a community in which every boy feels valued, heard and appreciated, and in which he extends the same respect and care to others.
The Grammar Virtues are qualities of character that help pupils learn well, make wise decisions and make good use of their abilities and opportunities. They provide a framework for developing the habits of mind, judgement and conduct that enable a person to flourish and contribute positively to the lives of others.
The virtues are not rules or punishments. They are habits of character that develop through effort, reflection and practice. No single virtue is sufficient on its own. Good character requires learning how to bring them together wisely.
- Curiosity
Mens avida discendi
Ask questions. Seek understanding. Love learning.
Curious pupils seek knowledge, explore ideas and are eager to learn. Curiosity is strengthened by Humility, which reminds us how much there is still to discover. - Truth
Veritas
Follow the evidence. Be intellectually honest.
Truth means caring about what is true rather than what is merely convenient, popular or comforting. - Integrity
Integritas vitae
Do the right thing, even when nobody is watching.
Integrity means that your beliefs, words and actions are consistent, both in public and in private. - Humility
Humilitas
Know your limits. Be willing to learn.
Humility recognises that nobody knows everything and that everyone has something to learn. - Duty
Officium
Recognise what you owe to others.
Duty means accepting your responsibility to family, friends, School and community, and doing what is right even when it is difficult. - Generosity
Liberalitas
Give more than Duty requires.
Generosity means freely giving your time, effort, attention and kindness to others. - Practical Wisdom
Prudentia
Bring the virtues together. Use good judgement.
Practical Wisdom helps you decide what to do, when to do it and how to do it.
The Goal
Character is built over time through the choices pupils make, the way they treat others and how they use their abilities. The Grammar Virtues are intended to help boys become thoughtful, principled and responsible young men, capable of exercising sound judgement, fulfilling their responsibilities and contributing positively to the School and wider community.
A Simple Way to Remember Them
Be curious and humble. Seek truth. Act with integrity. Do your duty. Give more than is required. Bring the virtues together with good judgement.
