Coffs Coast’s fastest growing schools and those where enrolments have fallen

Enrolment numbers at schools across the Coffs Coast reveal which institutions are in demand, and the schools where numbers have been lost. See the complete list and how your school fared.

See the Coffs Coast’s schools who have seen solid enrolment gains in the past five years.

From the tiny schools to the very large - enrolments figures can be the lifeblood for local schools.

Federal government data reveals which schools have added students and which have seen numbers fall.

There’s some surprising results, especially for some of our smallest schools where there have been winners and losers.

Ebor Public School is the Coffs Coast’s fastest growing school, with enrolments increasing by 83 per cent in the five years from 2018 to 2022.

The second fastest growing school was Orama Public School at Thora with a 61 per cent change while Coffs Harbour Bible Church School in Toormina recorded the third biggest change with a 57 per cent increase.

The analysis has also highlighted the Coffs Coast’s schools where enrolments have been on the tumble.

Lowanna Public School headlined this list, recording a 68 per cent drop over five years.

Hernani Public School near Dorrigo was the second school going backward on the enrolment front with a 67 per cent drop while Karangi Public School ranked third with a 43 per cent decline.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority figures are the most up to date enrolment numbers that include all state and private schools nationally.

See what’s been happening at your school:

One of the schools recording solid enrolment growth is St Francis Xavier Primary School at Woolgoolga.

Principal Caroline Lewis outlines the school’s vision in a statement to the community on the school’s website.

Sarah, a parent of two students at St Francis Xavier Primary at Woolgoolga, says sending her children there was the 'best decision'.

“Our primary focus is on giving our students the freedom to grow and foster community connections while offering diverse opportunities for academic, cultural, social, and sporting success,” Ms Lewis said.

“Our learning environment is designed to challenge and support students, helping them achieve the fullness of life.”

The St Francis Xavier (SFX) experiences is also trumpeted by parents in testimonials.

Parents Chris and Linda say St Francis Xavier Primary School is a beautiful little community.

“When you walk into the gates of SFX, it feels like a big warm hug – the staff are smiling, the kids are happy, and you feel instantly welcomed - it’s a beautiful little community,” write parents Chris and Linda.

Sarah is also a fan: “From the moment we enrolled our children, we knew we had made the best decision for their education.

“We are so grateful and appreciative of the dedicated teachers and staff; they possess an unwavering commitment to nurturing the growth of each child.”

Schools with fastest growth between 2018 and 2022:

Ebor Public School: 83 per cent

Orama Public School: 61 per cent

Coffs Harbour Bible Church School: 57 per cent

St Francis Xavier Primary School: 18 per cent

Orara High School: 17 per cent

Casuarina Steiner School: 17 per cent

Mullaway Public School: 10 per cent

Bishop Druitt College: 10 per cent

Mary Help of Christians Primary School Sawtell: nine per cent

Bellingen High School: nine per cent

Schools in decline 2018-2022:

Lowanna Public School: 68 per cent

Hernani Public School: 67 per cent

Karangi Public School: 43 per cent

Mount St John Primary School: 40 per cent

Ulong Public School: 30 per cent

Toormina Public School: 30 per cent

Tyalla Public School: 22 per cent

Dundurrabin Public School: 21 per cent

William Bayldon Public School: 19 per cent

Bellingen Public School: 18 per cent.