It’s one of the most anticipated events in the school calendar and this year, it’s shaping up to be the boldest, brightest and biggest one yet. 

Over the next two months, more than 10,000 students from 131 schools will take to the stage for 25 days of competition in the performing arts extravaganza that is the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Eisteddfod. 

Now in its fifth year, the 2025 Eisteddfod will take place at five different host schools, with performances across Drama, Dance, Instrumental and Vocal categories. 

This year will also see the introduction of a new section, Oratory, giving students the opportunity to showcase their abilities in poetry recital and public speaking. 

Since it began in 2021, the Eisteddfod has had a vision of ensuring that every student in every classroom has an opportunity to perform on stage and receive feedback from industry professionals and adjudicators. 

Many students will be on a stage for the very first time, alongside others who are seasoned performers at the top of their game. 

It’s an inspiring example of the importance of inclusion, the value of community and the transformative power of the Arts. 

Iris McGill, Education Officer for Creative and Performing Arts at SCS, said it’s been amazing to see how the Eisteddfod has grown in such a short time.

“It was always part of the five-year plan to grow with each season but it has exceeded every deliverable and expectation. It’s become a huge event that schools count down to,” she said. 

“We didn’t think it would be as big as it is but it continues to evolve and we have more and more schools who are eager to take part.” 

This year SCS is proud to involve sponsors who will provide prizes to some of the standout performers, including workshops and gift vouchers.  

While SCS students will be centrestage, Iris says the event is also a chance for some of the talented teachers in the system to express themselves creatively. 

“Every year, our adjudicators are wowed by the calibre of performances but also the choreography, script, onstage direction and score selection” she said. 

“So as much as it is about showcasing excellence and the skill development of our students, it’s also a playground for our teachers who are in many cases professional artists in their own right.” 

The Eisteddfod will also see SCS Vocational Education and Training (VET) students assisting with the technical, backstage and front-of-house elements for the hubs, and SCS Central Office staff volunteering in a variety of roles throughout the two months. 

The two months of performances will come to a crescendo when some of the top performers will be invited to take part in the Eisteddfod Showcase in July. For the first time, this year’s showcase will be held at a professional venue: Sydney’s Seymour Centre.

And although the Eisteddfod is by nature a competition, Iris says its real value will always be the experience for all those who take part. 

“Yes, it’s promoting excellence, and yes, it is competitive but it is also placing students and teachers in a space where they’re developing skills they can take into so many different areas of life.”

2025 Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod Schedule 

  • Dance Ensembles – 27-30 May – Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood 
  • Vocal Ensembles – 10-12 June – St Patrick’s College Sutherland
  • Instrumental Ensembles – 17-18 June – Marist College Eastwood
  • Drama Ensembles – 19-20 June – Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood 
  • Rock Bands – 23-24 June – Marist College Penshurst 
  • Solo Performances – 5-17 July – Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood 
  • Eisteddfod Showcase – 29 July – Seymour Centre 

Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod Sponsors 

Platinum Sponsors

  • Enchanted Action Drama and Film
  • Logans Pianos

Gold Sponsors

  • Capezio Australia
  • Brent Street

Bronze Sponsor

  • Optimum Percussion