Families in Googong are set to benefit from a brand new public primary school and preschool, to be built alongside the new public high school, as part of the Minns Labor Government's work to rebuild public education and ensure families in growing parts of NSW have access to world-class schools.
The announcement of the new primary school and preschool comes as construction commences on the new high school, which is on track to open on Day 1, Term 1, 2027.
The new high school, which is being master-planned for up to 2,000 students, will initially accommodate up to 700, with 26 modern classrooms, three support classrooms, a multipurpose hall and canteen, a library, multipurpose sports courts, specialist classrooms for science, performing arts and hospitality, wood and metal workshops, a sports field, and an agricultural plot.
The primary school, scheduled for completion in 2028, will accommodate more than 650 students with 28 modern classrooms, 3 support classrooms, a hall and sports courts, and the preschool will cater to up to 120 children a week.
The new primary school will be the second for the rapidly-growing town of Googong, after Googong Public School opened in 2023. The Minns Labor Government's decision to open a brand new school, rather than limit its plans to expanding the existing public school, comes amid faster-than-anticipated enrolment growth in the area.
A second public primary school will mean there are more classrooms, and more room to grow, ensuring local families have access to world-class public schools well into the future.
The new schools are part of a raft of school infrastructure projects being delivered in the Monaro region, with the following projects recently delivered or underway:
- Bungendore High School - new permanent school
- New public school and preschool for Googong
- New high school for Googong
- Jindabyne High School (delivered)
- Jindabyne Primary School (delivered) and new public preschool
- Queanbeyan East Public School - new public preschool
- Queanbeyan South Public School - new public preschool
- Jerrabomberra High School expansion.
These projects are part of the Minns Labor Government's plan to rebuild public education in NSW, with $2.1 billion in the 2025-26 Budget for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW. This targeted investment will ensure families in growing communities across the state will get access to the world class public education they deserve.
In addition to delivering new and upgraded schools, Labor's work to rebuild public education includes putting more teachers in front of students, with teacher vacancies down 61 per cent and the number of cancelled classes nearly halving since the Minns Government took office.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:
"I am thrilled to announce the new preschool and primary school for the growing Googong community, while turning the first sod for the high school. It's great to be able to celebrate this important milestone with future high school students.
"We have listened to local parents who have said loud and clear that they want public school infrastructure that will meet the future needs of our rapidly growing community.
"The community of Googong had to wait for a Labor Government to get a public high school, and we will now see public education provision that anticipates population growth rather than trailing behind.
"The Minns Labor Government, with the strong advocacy of Deputy Premier Prue Car, is committed to rebuilding public education to provide local communities with free high-quality education near where people live and work."
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:
"This is a huge win for the growing Googong community, who can celebrate the start of construction on their new high school along with the news that they will also get a brand new public school and preschool.
"The new high school, public school and preschool will be co-located on the same site making school drop-offs and pick-ups easier for families.
"As communities grow the Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering the vital infrastructure they need to thrive. By building a second primary school, plus a public preschool, on the same site as the new high school, families in Googong can be satisfied that their children will have a place in a world-class public school close to home."
Googong Public School Principal, Rebekah Lindsay said:
"We are excited for the new high school within the Googong community that will continue to provide the quality education currently offered at Karabar High School.
"This new facility will create a supportive environment where students can grow academically and personally, helping every student to succeed and reach their full potential."
