Cumberland High School is a coeducational comprehensive secondary school located in the geographic centre of metropolitan Sydney. The school is traditional in character and organisation, including its attitude to discipline and school uniform. It attracts 35% of its students from outside the school's designated local area. Students' families are socially and economically very diverse. Culturally there is a trend towards increased enrolments from non-English speaking backgrounds (56% in 2005) with 35% of all students receiving ESL program support.

　　In 2005, 37 international students were enrolled. The school reflects community aspirations for student transition to tertiary and further education, academic and sporting success, and student leadership. A student academic scholarship program supported by local businesses and organizations emphasises community involvement. A highlight of the school is its provision of a gifted and talented class in Years 7 and 8. The school also has specialist English as Second Language (ESL) classes in years 9 to 12.

　　The senior school caters for the academically gifted with traditional HSC patterns of study and also provides industry-accredited courses such as Hospitality and Construction. Innovative use of modern technology in learning processes is a feature of the school's program. Excellent results in the 2004 HSC were achieved with over 20 per cent of students achieving UAI scores over 90. The highest UAI score was 99.35. Cumberland High School has many experienced and highly qualified teachers, committed to both academic success and student welfare. They provide extra-curricular opportunities to complement classroom activities. Physical resources such as a well-equipped library, computer laboratories, and established technical teaching spaces support the academic learning environment.

　　A school auditorium is available for formal occasions and events demonstrating student creativity and performance. Music, band, dance, drama, languages and visual art are key elements of the school program. Sporting facilities include 2 playing fields, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, and cricket nets. Established traditions including zone sport, participation in charity fundraising, an annual interschool visit with Wauchope High School for the last 30 years, and the singing of the school song, engender a special fellowship among students and staff, widely identified within the school as "the Cumberland spirit". Cumberland students participate in a student representative council, prefect system and a peer support program.

　　The school has an extensive welfare program focusing on anti-bullying, anti-racism, peer support/mentoring and conflict resolution. Our core purpose at Cumberland High School is to enable all students to achieve their potential in an academic, creative and sporting environment. This is achieved through quality teaching by a dedicated staff. The school encourages leadership and community involvement. It instils positive values which enable students to become active citizens and positive role models in society. The school's supportive student welfare system is responsible for positive peer and student-teacher relations and cultural awareness and acceptance. Cumberland High students are recognised and rewarded for their individual performances and achievements.