Inner City Sydney’s fastest growing schools revealed for 2023
Inner City Sydney’s fastest growing schools – and the ones going backwards – have been revealed with an eastern suburbs principal “thrilled” with her school’s trajectory.
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Inner City Sydney’s fastest growing schools – and the ones going backwards – have been revealed with an eastern suburbs principal “thrilled” with her school’s trajectory.
An analysis of federal government data has revealed every Inner City Sydney region school’s student enrolment trajectory over the past five years – exposing where student numbers have risen and declined the most.
Wentworth Point Public School is Inner City Sydney’s fastest growing school, with enrolments increasing by 276 per cent in the five years from 2018 to 2022.
The second fastest growing school was St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Mortlake with a 196 per cent change.
La Perouse Public School recorded the third biggest change with a 168 per cent increase and its principal Lisa Haller told this publication the school was “thrilled” with its expansion.
While the data shows the school jumped from 34 kids in 2018 to 91 in 2018, Ms Haller said the school had reached triple digits in enrolment for 2023 with a total of five classes.
“As our school has grown, so have our staffing levels and resources, enabling us to offer exciting extra-curricular programs for our students, including dance and chess groups,” she said.
“Additionally, we have successfully organised community events such as the 2023 Creative Arts Evening, Showcase by the Sea, and our 2022 school performance of The Wizard of Oz.”
Ms Haller said the trend remained and La Perouse anticipates welcoming 20 kindergarten students in 2024.
“We are also drawing enrolments across various grades, with families noting that our school comes highly recommended by community when they relocate to the area,” she said.
“Parents consistently express that they feel genuinely welcomed, and they appreciate the inclusive environment we have cultivated. We prioritise fostering a holistic approach to education, emphasising not only academic success but also the overall wellbeing of each child.”
And this “goes beyond the classroom” which Ms Haller said includes the development of social-emotional skills, instilling leadership qualities and opportunities, and fostering positive behaviour “conducive to effective learning”.
She said a “distinctive and highly valued aspect” of the school lies in its strong connection with the local Indigenous community.
“Together, we collaborate to enhance the understanding of Aboriginal history and culture for the benefit of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families and students,” she said.
McAuley Catholic Primary School principal Nicole Jones was also elated with the school’s enrolment, having grown by 47 per cent over the four-year period.
“Our school’s growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire community, namely our committed staff who ensure student wellbeing is at the forefront of all we do,” she said.
“As a Catholic school, we provide an environment where faith is integrated into the curriculum which fosters a sense of community and belonging.”
Meanwhile, the analysis also highlighted the Inner City Sydney region’s schools in decline with Taverners Hill Infants School in Petersham recording a 63 per cent drop over five years.
Macquarie Grammar School in Sydney was the second school going backwards for enrolment with a 45 per cent drop and St Joan of Arc Catholic Primary School in Haberfield was the third with a 44 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.
Schools with fastest growth between 2018 and 2022:
Wentworth Point Public School: 276 per cent
St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School: 196 per cent
La Perouse Public School: 168 per cent
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School: 88 per cent
Russell Lea Public School: 72 per cent
SEDA College NSW: 71 per cent
Ultimo Public School: 51 per cent
Australian Performing Arts Grammar School: 50 per cent
The Athena School: 50 per cent
McAuley Catholic Primary School: 47 per cent
Schools in decline 2018-2022:
Taverners Hill Infants School: 63 per cent
Macquarie Grammar School: 45 per cent
St Joan of Arc Catholic Primary School: 44 per cent
Nicholson Street Public School: 43 per cent
St Paul of the Cross Catholic Primary School: 42 per cent
Darlington Public School: 40 per cent
Galilee Catholic Primary School: 39 per cent
St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School: 36 per cent
Daceyville Public School: 33 per cent
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School: 31 per cent
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