Across two days, the schools will go head-to-head in eight separate events including tennis, rugby league, hockey and debating.

Dubbo College will host Bathurst High this week, before Orange High School travels to Bathurst for the second leg of the event next week.

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The 96-year-old event has become a cultural tradition for Bathurst High, and principal Ken Barwick hopes participating students will make the most of the event.

"On the basis of results from various NSW Combined High Schools competitions, Bathurst High is in a strong position as far as sport is concerned," Mr Barwick said.

"Bathurst High hasn't achieved three straight Astley Cups in over 50 years, so it would be outstanding to get over the line this year."

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Mr Barwick is expecting Bathurst High to perform well against Dubbo in tennis and hockey, but admits the tie could go down to the wire elsewhere.

"Dubbo has been a traditionally strong rugby league school but I feel our team is one of the strongest we've had in many years," he said.

"The tie could very well come down to the soccer because one goal could be worth as much as a 33-point lead on the overall table."

Bathurst High has achieved Astley Cup victory on 27 occasions, including four of the last six.

As a former Bathurst High student, Mr Barwick was a key participant in Astley Cup competitions throughout the 1980s, notably as captain of the men's soccer team.

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Cup glory aside, Mr Barwick hopes the Bathurst community will rally to the support of the students.

"While we'd love to win it, the event is more about students learning from the experience," he said.

"The event is woven into the school's history, and many parents send their students to Bathurst High purely for the Astley Cup."