The principal of James Ruse Agricultural High says the school's students and parents believe there is a racial element to the debate about selective schools.

Megan Connors, who heads the school that has topped the HSC for the past 22 years, also defended the selective system, saying grouping gifted students together helped them remain engaged and achieve their personal best.

Outsiders often drew attention to the fact that at top selective schools such as James Ruse, up to 97 per cent of students spoke a language other than English at home, she said.

James Ruse Agricultural High principal Megan Connors chats with students. Credit:Brook Mitchell

"Our parents and students really feel that there is a racial element to the debate and that is hurtful," she told the Herald. "We don't see or think or feel race."