Students returning for Term 3 are beginning the school term with new classrooms and upgraded facilities across several parts of New South Wales, including some of the state’s fastest-growing suburbs.
In Western Sydney, a major upgrade at Kingswood Public School has opened six months ahead of schedule, replacing ageing demountable classrooms with permanent, modern learning spaces.
The redevelopment includes a new building with eight permanent classrooms and the refurbishment of a further 13 classrooms.
The removal of the temporary classrooms has also returned additional outdoor play space to students.
Some of the demountables had been in use for almost a decade.
Upgrades Delivered Across NSW
Several other school infrastructure projects have also been completed in time for the start of Term 3.
These include new sports courts and walkways at Concord High School, a new sports court at Wollumbin High School, a new support unit at Moruya High School, and a new toilet block and refurbished sick bay at Northbridge Public School.
The completion of the Concord High School works marks the final stage of a broader redevelopment of the school.
More than 650 temporary classrooms have been removed from NSW public school sites since 2023, as the state works to replace demountables with permanent facilities and create more space for students to learn and play.
In Western Sydney, permanent classrooms have recently replaced long-standing demountables at schools including Birrong Girls High School, Carlingford West Public School, Cumberland High School, Darcy Road Public School, Dundas Public School, Girraween Public School, Newington Public School, Northmead Public School and Schofields Public School.
$9.2 Billion School Infrastructure Program
The NSW Government has allocated $9.2 billion to school infrastructure over the next four years, including $4.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney.
Investment is being directed towards high-growth communities including Austral, Bella Vista, East Cobbitty, Oran Park, Orchard Hills, Marsden Park, Menangle Park and Spring Farm.
The infrastructure program is intended to ensure that school capacity keeps pace with population growth and that students can access modern facilities close to home.
The government has also moved more than 25,000 teachers and school support staff from temporary contracts into permanent employment.
It says teacher vacancies are now at their lowest level in 12 years, while the number of merged and cancelled classes has fallen by half since 2023.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said modern facilities and stable teaching staff were both essential to improving public education.
“Every child deserves to learn in a modern classroom with a permanent, well-paid teacher,” Mr Minns said.
“Investing in public education, particularly in fast-growing areas such as Western Sydney, is an investment in the future of the next generation.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the Kingswood upgrade demonstrated the benefit of replacing temporary classrooms with permanent school infrastructure.
“Permanent classrooms and secure teaching positions help create stable and productive learning environments,” Ms Car said.
“This investment is about ensuring growing communities have the facilities and staff they need.”
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said the project responded directly to concerns raised by the Kingswood community.
“The community asked for better facilities, and these new classrooms will support generations of students,” Ms McKeown said.
Kingswood Public School Principal Norma Petrocco thanked families and local residents who had advocated for the upgrade.
“The completed project is a major boost for our students and teachers,” Ms Petrocco said.
“These improvements will support learning and wellbeing at the school for many years to come.”
Be the first to comment