Sydney Boys High School provides equal opportunity for boys to achieve excellence in academic, cultural, sporting and social endeavours, in an environment conducive to learning, teaching and friendship.

The uniqueness of the school lies in its tradition as the first state secondary school designed as a tertiary preparation institution, in its membership of the Athletic Association of the Great Public Schools and its participation in Combined High Schools Sports Association knock out competitions, in its selective enrolment intake, and in its site sharing with Sydney Girls High School. The school is supported by various incorporated organisations and school committees, including the Sydney High School Foundation Inc., the High Club Inc.,

the Sydney High School Sailing Association Inc., the Sydney High Rifle Club Inc.,