- Cook Labor Government to invest over $2.1 billion in new schools, infrastructure upgrades, and improvements over the next four years
- $400 million boost to school maintenance and improvements, including $45.8 million for the Cool the Schools program
- $96.2 million to expand capacity at four schools
- $78.2 million to deliver major upgrade election commitments at six schools
- $68.4 million for land and early works for the new Alkimos North Senior High School
The Cook Labor Government will invest $754 million in State Budget 2026-27 into new schools, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance to continue delivering for Western Australia's growing population while upgrading existing facilities.
As part of State Budget 2026-27, $96.2 million is being allocated to expand capacity at four schools to help meet the needs of their growing local communities:
- Harrisdale Senior High School - $40.8 million for 600 additional students;
- Riva Primary School - $21 million for 240 additional students;
- Piara Waters Primary School - $23.2 million for 440 additional students; and
- Inglewood Primary School - $11.2 million for a new early childhood education facility.
A further $78.2 million in funding will be allocated to progress major upgrades at six schools across the State, with planning continuing on nine other major upgrades as part of the State Government's election commitments. These projects include:
- $21.4 million for Champion Bay Senior High School's new sports hall and refurbishments to its existing sports hall;
- $16.2 million for a new sports hall with sports science facilities at Belridge Secondary College;
- $12.1 million for Byford Primary School's new early childhood education block;
- $10.7 million for Glen Forrest Primary School for a new early childhood education block;
- $10.7 million for a new childhood education block at Cowaramup Primary School; and
- $7.1 million for classroom and building upgrades at Geraldton Senior High School.
The WA Government is continuing its record of building new schools to service the State's popular fast-growing communities, with $68.4 million allocated for land and early works on the new Alkimos North Senior High School - another key 2025 election commitment.
This means that, between now and 2030, the State Government will open 11 new primary schools and two new high schools.
The new investment includes a $400 million boost to school maintenance and minor works, with a:
- $218.6 million increase to base maintenance;
- $50.5 million for upgrades to roofs, toilets, and hard courts;
- $52.2 million for targeted maintenance and minor works upgrades; and
- $86.9 million to deliver the final tranches of the Cool the Schools program and minor works election commitments, delivering over 100 upgrades for WA schools across the State.
This builds on more than $1 billion already invested in maintenance in schools since 2017.
Since 2017-18, the State Government has opened 30 new primary schools and eight new secondary schools, with investment in school infrastructure estimated to total $6.4 billion investment out to 2029-30.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Our Budget is delivering a strong investment in education for all young Western Australians regardless of where they live.
"This strong investment is a commitment to their futures, and to the workplaces of thousands of Western Australian teachers.
"This shows my government is accommodating for our State's growing population and upgrading facilities so they are modern and inspiring for students to learn in."
As stated by Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
"This is record investment by the Cook Labor Government makessure our growing communities have the schools and infrastructure they need, both now and into the future.
"This funding will deliver better facilities for students and teachers, support local jobs, and ensure ourschools are ready for futurepopulation growth.
"We're planning ahead and deliveringfor schoolsand families right across Western Australia."
As stated by Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Labor Government knows investing in education is an investment in our State's future.
"This $2.1 billion investment in new and upgraded public schools continues our strong program of delivering new and improved infrastructure right across WA.
"Schools are at the centre of our communities, and this major investment in new and existing schools will go a long way toward making school facilities the very best they can be for students and staff."
