Minister for Education and Training
Jinson Charls
Minister for Disability
Media Release CLP to deliver new Secondary Special Education School in Palmerston
8 September 2025
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering on another election commitment, today announcing plans to build a state-of-the-art Secondary Special Education School in Palmerston.
Planning has commenced on a connected and inclusive education facility that will accommodate up to 200 students, located adjacent to the current Rosebery Middle School.
The development of the Palmerston Special Education School is part of the CLP Government's plans to phase out middle schools, which will see both Driver and Rosebery campuses of Palmerston College transition into comprehensive high schools.
A purpose-built Special Education Secondary School in Palmerston will provide more options for parents, who may have their children currently in mainstream schools or travel long distances to a special school further away.
In turn this will reduce enrolment pressures on the Special Education Centre at Palmerston College and Henbury School.
Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey said she was proud to deliver such an important piece of infrastructure.
"In the last Parliament I presented a petition with 940 signatories. The former Labor government ignored it. Today we're delivering," she said.
"I've advocated for this Special Education School in Opposition, and I haven't stopped now we're in government, and I'm proud to announce the CLP government is delivering Palmerston a Special Education School."
Minister for Disability, Jinson Charls said every child deserves the chance to learn, grow and thrive in an environment that meets their needs.
"This new school is about creating the right environment for every child who needs extra support in their learning.
"Importantly, the design reflects the Disability Royal Commission's recommendation that new special schools be located alongside mainstream schools, allowing students to benefit from both specialist support and shared educational, cultural, and sporting experiences with their peers." said Mr Charls.
The Special School will create local jobs during construction, bring certainty for Palmerston and rural families and reduce pressure on Palmerston College and Henbury School.
Palmerston Special Education School is scheduled to open in term 1 of 2029.
