[2][3] The school counts among its alumni some of Australia's most acclaimed performers, teachers, composers, and musicians, who have made their mark in all facets of the music profession.

The school was established at the behest of Henri Verbrugghen, foundation director of the NSW State Conservatorium of Music, and enrolled its first students in 1918.

The inaugural principal, Peter Steele, was seconded from Sydney Boys High School and taught in both the secondary and tertiary programs of the Conservatorium.

[4] Adjoining the Botanic Gardens and overlooking Farm Cove, the Conservatorium of Music is one of Sydney's best-known heritage sites.

The heart of the Conservatorium is the turreted sandstone structure that was designed by the convict architect Francis Greenway to serve as vice-regal stables for Government House, which is across the gardens to the north.

Extensive redevelopment in the late 1990s transformed the Con into a teaching, research, and music performance complex with expanded accommodation for around 160 Conservatorium High School students.

In addition to music, the collection covers school subjects such as creative arts, English, human society and its environment, languages, mathematics, science, and technology.

[8] Subjects offered for students in Years 7–10 include: music, science, English, history, mathematics, geography, Mandarin, visual arts, design and technology, drama, personal development and health, performance workshop program, physical education, sports.

Every year the school holds a regular program of public concerts, often attracting world-renowned musicians to perform with the students.