The 21 NSW towns set for new schools, classroom upgrades as construction blitz begins

Construction will begin imminently at nearly a dozen public schools across greater Sydney as long-promised upgrades get underway, as part of a $1.4 billion infrastructure blitz.

Punchbowl Public School’s $20 million upgrade includes new multipurpose classrooms. Picture: NSW Department of Education/Supplied

Construction will begin imminently at nearly a dozen public schools across greater Sydney as long-promised upgrades get underway, while the girls and boys of Punchbowl Public School are returning to new $20 million digs – and their teachers are, too.

Students at NSW’s 2200 public schools and most of its Catholic and independent private schools return to the classroom for Term 3 today, following a pupil-free day for teachers and principals on Monday.

The Minns government has pledged to begin building another 21 school infrastructure projects across NSW before the next school holiday break, including six new high schools and upgraded facilities at five high schools and 10 primary schools, at a combined cost of $1.4 billion.

The majority of the new builds are in Western Sydney – at Gledswood Hills, Jordan Springs, Leppington and Denham Court, and Melrose Park – where the population of school-aged children has exploded in the last five years.

Six projects – two new high schools and four upgrades – will begin in regional NSW communities in coming weeks including Medowie, Moruya and Leeton.

Artists' renders of the new Melrose Park High School, due to begin construction in Term 3 2025. Picture: NSW Department of Education/Supplied

Once complete, the 21 projects will provide 400 additional classrooms and four preschool facilities.

In Punchbowl, those visiting the local primary school’s front office will now be greeted with a ‘welcome’ in no fewer than 30 languages.

Punchbowl Public School's new admin building, which includes capacity for 100 additional students. Picture: NSW Department of Education/Supplied

The brand-new admin block unveiled today is kitted out with new computer rooms, offices and eight multipurpose classrooms – enough space to accommodate an additional 100 students.

Inside one of the eight new multipurpose classrooms at Punchbowl Public School. Picture: NSW Department of Education/Supplied

Bankstown MP and former principal of Punchbowl Boys’ High School Jihad Dib said the school experience is vital in helping children “reach their full potential”.

“We’re building a brighter future for current students and those in our community who will attend Punchbowl Public School in years to come,” he said.

The ‘Welcome’ sign greeting visitors at Punchbowl Public School. Picture: NSW Department of Education/Supplied

Premier Chris Minns said the Punchbowl Public School project is a “state-of-the-art upgrade” which delivers on his government’s promise to give growing suburbs “access to world class schools”.

“We’re not slowing down delivering the largest investment in public schools in NSW history,” he said.

Originally published as The 21 NSW towns set for new schools, classroom upgrades as construction blitz begins