The high-achieving schools of northern Sydney are in danger of being "dumbed down" to one generic Australian standard under the federalised education scheme planned by the Rudd Labor government, according to comments reportedly made by opposition seniors spokeswoman Bronwyn Bishop to her constituents.

The Mackellar MP then asked voters if they wanted their schools to be the same as Tasmania's, and answered her own question: "No, thank you."

Bronwyn Bishop has made controversial comments about Gonski reforms. Credit:Andrew Meares

Ms Bishop, MP for the affluent northern beaches electorate of MacKellar and a special favourite of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, reportedly made the remarks on Monday night at an election forum held in Mona Vale and attended by candidates for the seat from the ALP, the Greens, the Palmer United Party and the Christian Democratic Party.