Work is officially underway on a multimillion-dollar upgrade of Thornton Public School that will almost double its number of permanent classrooms, as part of the Minns Labor Government's work to ensure families across the growing Hunter region have access to a world class public education.
The upgrade, set for completion by day 1, Term 1, 2028, will replace ageing demountables with a new three-storey building featuring 16 modern classrooms, three specialist support classrooms, a new library, and a new covered outdoor learning area over the existing basketball court.
The project forms part of the Minns Labor Government's wider investment in educational infrastructure in the Hunter, which is one of the fastest growing areas in NSW but was neglected for years under the former Liberal and National government.
Further projects currently underway in the Hunter include:
- new primary school, co-located public early learning, and high school in North Rothbury (Huntlee)
- new high school in Medowie
- full redevelopment of Gillieston Public School and co-located public early learning
- new primary school and co-located public early learning in Chisholm
- redevelopment and expansion of Maitland Grossmann High School on a brand-new site
In addition to these projects, 12 public preschools are due to open on existing public school sites in the Hunter by early next year, as part of the Minns Labor Government's election commitment to deliver 100 new public preschools across the state.
These projects are part of a record $9.2 billion investment by the Minns Labor Government in school infrastructure over the next four years, including $2.3 billion for regional NSW.
In addition to funding new and upgraded schools, the Minns Labor Government's work to rebuild public education includes putting qualified teachers in front of every classroom, with improved pay and conditions bringing vacancies down to a 12-year low.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"Maitland is the fastest-growing part of NSW outside of Western Sydney, and the Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring working families here have access to a world-class public education close to home.
"For years, the Liberals and Nationals ignored communities like Thornton and Chisholm that urgently needed new and upgraded schools. Now Labor is delivering this long-awaited essential infrastructure.
"We are rebuilding public education across NSW by investing in high-quality school infrastructure, classrooms, and most importantly teachers, that our communities deserve."
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"This is a fantastic win for Thornton Public School and for our Hunter region.
"The Hunter is growing at an extraordinary rate, particularly around Maitland, and families need schools that keep up.
"After years of neglect by the Liberals and Nationals, we're getting on with the job, with 24 new or upgraded schools and preschools delivered or underway right across the Hunter."
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:
"Seeing construction begin on the Thornton Public School upgrades is a big moment for the community. The new building will replace the ageing demountables and give students the classrooms and spaces they need to learn and thrive each day.
"More and more families are moving into the Maitland area every year, and Thornton Public School will be one of the top choices for them, with this upgrade almost doubling its capacity with permanent classrooms and learning spaces.
"I know how much this means to the families, teachers and students who will be walking through the gates of the upgraded school, and it's very exciting to see work officially underway."
Thornton Public School principal Stuart Wylie said:
"We're thrilled to see construction start on the upgrade to our wonderful school.
"We can't wait to see how these new modern facilities will enhance teaching and learning at Thornton Public School for years to come."
