Thousands of public school students across NSW are walking through the gates to new and upgraded learning facilities today, as day one of the 2024 school year officially kicks off.
The NSW Government has delivered 18 new and upgraded schools in time for the start of term one, including a brand new public school in South West Sydney, a brand new high school in southern NSW, a new relocated school on the South Coast, 3 new temporary schools in Sydney's growing North-West, and 12 schools that have had major upgrades - seven of which are in regional NSW.
This follows the NSW Government's record investment in the 2023-24 NSW Budget of $3.5 billion to provide 24 new and 51 upgraded schools in Western Sydney as well as $1.4 billion for a pipeline of new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car will today be joined by local MPs to officially open two brand new schools - welcoming students as they pass through the front gates for the very first time.
The Premier will join Member for Monaro and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan to open the new Jerrabomberra High School in southern NSW. The new school will accommodate 500 students - with 24 classrooms, as well as a hall, library and canteen.
The NSW Government has also committed in the budget to the Stage 2 expansion of the high school, doubling its permanent capacity to 1,000 students across years 7 - 12 and delivering a further 18 classrooms.
The Deputy Premier will spend the morning in south-west Sydney with Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda, meeting with students and teachers at Gulyangarri Public School in Liverpool.
The new primary school features 20 classrooms, four special program rooms, four support rooms, a library, hall and covered outdoor learning area (COLA), with space for 640 students.
As part of the NSW Government's commitment to deliver expanded access to early childhood education, an on-site public preschool will also be delivered at Gulyangarri, due to open later this year.
A full list of new and upgraded schools can be found below.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"The NSW Labor government is committed to rebuilding essential services and addressing the school infrastructure backlog, with our recent education budget delivering a record investment for urgently needed new and upgraded schools across the state.
"We are delivering these facilities where they are needed most, and I'm proud to say that Jerrabomberra High School is one of seven new and upgraded schools opening in regional NSW today - with more on the way.
"This targeted investment in growing communities will ensure every student in NSW has access to a world class public education, no matter where they live."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"Thousands of public school students across the state - from Bangalow to Ulladulla, Tallawong to Liverpool, will benefit from these wonderful new and upgraded schools, and the teachers working their magic inside the gates.
"I am proud this Labor Government is delivering high quality public schools for NSW families, particularly for families in the growing parts of Western and South West Sydney.
"I know our new public schools will become cornerstones of growing communities for generations to come."
Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:
"Today marks a significant milestone for the people of Jerrabomberra and reaffirms the NSW Government's commitment to providing our young people with the tools they need to forge a successful career and life beyond school.
"I look forward to seeing what our kids will achieve thanks to this world class public high school."
Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:
"I am proud to be part of a NSW Government that supports families building a community in Sydney's southwest. Their dream of a public education for their children close to home, is now a reality.
"Today's opening of Gulyangarri Public School - and the many other new and upgraded schools across the state - are a testament to this government's commitment to investing in our children's futures and providing them with the best learning opportunities possible."
New and upgraded schools opening to students on Day 1, Term 1 2024
- Gulyangarri Public School (new school)
- Jerrabomberra High School (new school)
- Budawang School for Specific Purpose (new relocated school)
- Nirimba Fields Public School (new temporary school)
- Melonba High School (new temporary school)
- Tallawong Public School (new temporary school)
- Muswellbrook South Public School (upgrade)
- Liverpool West Public School (upgrade)
- Fort Street Public School (upgrade)
- Bletchington Public School (upgrade)
- Oran Park Public School (upgrade)
- John Palmer Public School (upgrade)
- Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie Campus (upgrade)
- Glenwood High School (upgrade)
- Mosman High School (upgrade)
- Seven Hills High School (upgrade)
- Millthorpe Public School (upgrade)
- Bangalow Public School (upgrade)
