More than ten thousand students across New South Wales are returning to new and improved schools for day one, term one today as the Minns Labor Government continues work to ensure public schools are quality places to teach and learn.
Five permanent and two temporary schools will today welcome students for the very first time, at the same time as students return to substantially upgraded facilities at 11 other schools across the state.
These new schools and upgrades mean more than 400 new classrooms, 20 sports facilities, seven halls, eight libraries and nine canteens will be put to use for the first time today.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government's record $8.9 billion investment to deliver new and upgraded schools across the state, including $3.6 billion for Western Sydney and $1.4 billion for regional communities.
Three of these new public schools, Box Hill High School, Melonba Public School and Gledswood Hills High school have been stood up early, delivering desperately needed local schools which were promised but never delivered by the former Liberal National Government.
Students at Melonba High School will transition to their new permanent facilities today after initially opening in fast-tracked temporary buildings in Term 1, 2024.
In the South West, brand new Gledswood Hills High School is also opening ahead of schedule today in temporary facilities while the permanent school, due to open in 2027, is built.
Families in Sydney's densest suburb will finally also have a local high school for their children with the opening of Wentworth Point High School today.
In the staze's south, Jindabyne Education Campus is opening with a new state-of-the-art high school and primary school, future-proofing education opportunities for the growing regional community.
Other students will be starting 2025 alongside a new set of peers, with Randwick Boys and Randwick Girls High School coming together for the first time as Randwick High School; while the Hurstville and Penshurst campuses of Georges River College also begin the year as co-educational schools.
The campuses have received facilities upgrades to enable the transition to co-education from Thursday, with further works in the pipeline.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"We're wishing the best to every single student and teacher heading back to the classroom today. I hope you enjoyed the holidays and got the chance to relax and spend time with loved ones.
"We want NSW public schools to be quality places to work and learn, which is why we are investing to ensure that no matter the post code, whether it's a rapidly growing part of Western Sydney or a regional community, families have access to a quality, free, public education."
Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said:
"This government is committed to rebuilding our public education system and ensuring every child has access to a world class public education close to home.
"Of the seven new schools opening across the state today, I'm proud to say five of them are in rapidly-growing suburbs of Western Sydney that were neglected for years under the Liberals - and we have pulled out all the stops to deliver them not only on time, but in some cases well ahead of schedule.
"Today's opening of the new primary and high school in Melonba - and the many other new and upgraded schools opening across the state - are a testament to our commitment to investing in our children's futures and providing them with the best learning opportunities possible."
Melonba Public School Principal Larissa Maraga said:
"I cannot wait to welcome our students and families through the gates of their brand-new primary school for the very first time today.
"To be opening this world-class public school months earlier than expected is truly incredible and I look forward to seeing what generations of students will achieve here at Melonba Public School."
Melonba High School Principal Leon Weatherstone said:
"After a very successful start in 2024 in our temporary school, I am delighted that we are welcoming Melonba High School students and their families to our new permanent facilities that are truly world-class.
"It has been the ultimate pleasure and privilege to be a part of bringing this school to life. I can't thank the Melonba school community enough for their involvement and support in making today a reality."
New schools opening to students on Day 1, Term 1 2025:
- Melonba Public School
- Melonba High School
- Wentworth Point High School
- Jindabyne Public School
- Jindabyne High School
- Box Hill Public School (temporary school)
- Gledswood Hills High School (temporary school)
New facilities opening to students on Day 1, Term 1 2025:
- Budawang School - new hydrotherapy pool
- Castle Hill Public School - new classrooms, hall, canteen and COLA (further upgrade continuing)
- Cecil Hills High School - new canteen and hall (further upgrade continuing)
- Gregory Hills Public School - new playground and sports field
- Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie Campus - new T-Block
- Hurlstone Agricultural High School - new farm hub
- Lane Cove Public School - new hall
- Manly Village Public School - building refurbishments (further upgrade continuing)
- Murwillumbah High School - full redevelopment
- Neutral Bay Public School - new classrooms, library, canteen, admin facilities and landscaping
- Wollumbin High School - refurbished canteen, classrooms and sports facilities (further upgrade continuing)
