The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to rebuild public education across NSW, with construction underway on the much-needed new high school, public school, and public preschool for Wilton.
The new schools will ensure families in this rapidly-growing suburb have access to a world-class public education from preschool to Year 12 after more than a decade of poor planning and broken promises under the Liberals and Nationals.
The new high school is the first high school to be built in Wilton and only the second public high school for Wollondilly, despite the region experiencing substantial housing growth in recent years and a corresponding increase in student numbers.
The new high school will be built in stages, with a three-storey building comprising 12 classrooms opening on Day 1 Term 1 2027, along with a modern library, full-sized sports field, and a sports court.
Additional buildings with modern permanent classrooms, a school hall, vocational education facilities, and two more sports courts will open on Day 1 Term 1 2028, with the school having capacity for 1,000 students.
High school students in Wilton must currently travel up to 16 kilometres to attend Picton High School, which needed new walls installed after the Liberals and Nationals botched an upgrade in 2021 and installed new classrooms without walls at the school.
The public primary school will feature 27 modern permanent classrooms, a library, school hall, and a covered outdoor learning area. The public school will have capacity for 550 students and the co-located public preschool will cater for 120 children per week.
The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to rebuild public education, delivering a record $9 billion in school infrastructure.
Every new public primary school is being delivered with a co-located public preschool, as part of the Government's commitment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027.
The investment doubles the number of public preschools in the state, the largest expansion of early learning in NSW history.
Once complete up to 9,000 children will benefit from access to fee-free, quality early education in their community, prioritised in areas of the highest need based on a rigorous selection process.
The Minns Labor Government's work to deliver universal preschool access across the state is in sharp contrast to the Liberals and Nationals, who failed to build a single public preschool during their 12 years in government.
In addition to building new schools where they are needed, the Minns Labor Government's work to rebuild public education includes ensuring each NSW classroom has a qualified teacher.
Since March 2023, the Minns Labor Government has reduced teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, leading to the number of cancelled classes in NSW nearly halving.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:
"The Minns Labor Government is delivering new schools for growing communities across NSW.
"Wilton's new public preschool, public school, and high school ensure local families will have access to a world-class public education from preschool through to Year 12, close to home.
"The Deputy Premier worked hard to progress these projects, with strong advocacy from the local member, Judy Hannan."
Independent Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan MP said:
"It's fantastic to see construction begin on these much-needed schools for Wilton, it's been a long time since the Wollondilly Shire received brand-new infrastructure.
"I'd like to thank the Deputy Premier, Prue Car, for working with me to deliver these schools for my community.
"The Minns Labor Government's investment means every child in Wilton can access a world-class public education, close to home."
Wilton new high school principal Hala Ramadan said:
"As foundation principal, my goal is to establish a school culture while acknowledging and honouring the rich cultural heritage of the area.
"Together, we will build a school that not only delivers outstanding academic outcomes, but also prepares young people to lead purposeful, fulfilling lives, grounded in respect, inclusion and shared responsibility."
Wilton new primary school principal Karen Sellick said:
"It's a rare and exciting opportunity to establish a new primary school from the ground up.
"I look forward to building an educational setting of excellence, equity and inclusion, together with Hala Ramadan and the Wilton community, to empower all children to reach their potential."
