More than 130 students are set to make history as the first Year 7 cohort at the new Medowie High School, as the Minns Labor Government delivers the public high school the local community has fought for over decades.
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington recently visited the site to inspect construction progress, with the new school on track to welcome students from Day 1, Term 1, 2027.
The early enrolment figures demonstrate strong demand for a local public high school, with the inaugural Year 7 cohort already comparable in size with those of established secondary schools across the local area.
Medowie is one of the fastest-growing communities in Port Stephens, with the local population expected to increase by more than 4,000 residents by 2040.
For local families, the new high school will mean students can access a world-class public education, close to home, ending the long daily commute faced by some students to reach their nearest public high school.
The new high school will include 29 modern classrooms, including facilities for specialist support classes, specialist workshops for science, wood and metalwork, creative and performing arts spaces, a new multipurpose hall, library, administration, canteen, and sport facilities.
Road and infrastructure upgrades on Abundance Road and Ferodale Road are also being delivered ahead of the school opening to improve traffic flow and provide safe student pick-up, drop-off, and pedestrian access.
The new Medowie High School is a key Minns Labor Government commitment and the first new high school to be built in the Hunter in more than 25 years.
Since coming to office, the Minns Labor Government has been rebuilding public education and delivering new and upgraded schools across NSW, backed by a record $9.2 billion investment in school infrastructure over the next four years, including $2.3 billion for regional NSW.
Enrolments for the school's first Year 7 cohort are open via https://medowie-h.schools.nsw.gov.au.
The project is part of our record investment in new schools and upgrades over the next four years, ensuring students across the state have access to a world class public education, close to home.
Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"For more than a decade, the former Liberal National government told Medowie families there was no need for a local high school.
"With more than 130 students already enrolled in its first Year 7 cohort, the evidence is clear - this school was desperately needed.
"The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding public education by investing in the schools, classrooms and facilities our communities need, so every child can attend a great local public school, close to home."
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:
"Our community always knew this school was desperately needed, and these enrolment numbers prove it.
"I keep meeting local families who can't contain their excitement about starting the new school year in a brand new school, with all its wonderful facilities, whilst staying connected to our community.
"After fighting for this school for two decades, I'm proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government that's finally delivering the local public high school our kids deserve."
Medowie High School principal Kylee Beasley said:
"It is incredibly exciting to see such strong interest in Medowie High School ahead of our school opening next year.
"It is particularly encouraging to see so many students coming from local partner schools and choosing to continue their secondary education within their community.
"We are looking forward to welcoming our first students and building a strong school community from day one."
