The Minns Labor Government has given families in Branxton, North Rothbury and surrounding communities their first look at the new high school, primary school, and public preschool that will transform local education in the rapidly growing Hunter region.
Scheduled to open Day 1, Term 1 2028, the new schools will cater for up to 1,500 students – 500 in the primary school and 1,000 in the high school – with a co-located public preschool providing places for up to 120 children per week.
Located on adjoining sites along Persoonia Boulevard in North Rothbury, the new facilities will be designed to meet the evolving needs of the community.
The primary school will feature 27 classrooms, including dedicated spaces for specialist support classes. The high school will boast 54 classrooms, specialist support facilities, and Vocational Education and Training (VET) facilities including a kitchen and workshop for students keen to develop skills in the construction and food services industries – both thriving sectors in the Hunter.
Students and the broader community will benefit from modern school halls at both sites, as well as new sports and play facilities.
Plans for the project will be placed on public exhibition in coming months.
The new school is part of a record $9 billion investment by the Minns Labor Government for school infrastructure in the 2025-26 Budget, which includes $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:
“As the Branxton, North Rothbury and surrounding communities grow, the Minns Labor Government is building schools that grow with them.”
“These new schools will provide state-of-the-art learning environments for 1,500 local students, right in the heart of this growing Hunter community, after the former Liberal National Government left the community without a single new public school.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to opening a new public preschool with every new public school we build, which means families in the Huntlee area will benefit from a high quality, fee free preschool ensuring local children have the best start in life.”
“This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $9 billion investment in school infrastructure, led by Deputy Premier Prue Car, which will fund vital new schools like this which will benefit growing communities for years to come.”
Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:
“This is an exciting time for community members as they get their first look at designs of the new public preschool, primary and high school, which will provide the basis for education for the growing area of North Rothbury, Greta and Branxton.”
“This is a huge investment in education for the area and forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuilding public education by delivering funding for new and upgraded schools to serve our growing communities, especially in regional NSW.”
Labor spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal MLC said:
“The Minns Labor government has listened to the growing communities of the Upper Hunter and will deliver this much needed school.”
“The Nationals party said there was no need for a school, and they wouldn’t build one. They refused to listen.”
“We know this community is growing and deserves the same quality schools and education options as in our metro areas. The Minns Labor government is committed to delivering what our regions need and deserve.”
Artist Impressions
