Revealed: Central West’s fastest growing schools and those going backwards

The data is in and the Central West’s fastest growing schools can be revealed. Find out which schools are expanding and which are going backwards. See where your school rates in our interactive table below.

Central West NSW’s fastest growing schools - and the ones going backwards - have been revealed.

An analysis of federal government data has revealed every Central West NSW region school’s student enrolment trajectory over the past five years - exposing where student numbers have risen and declined the most.

Central West Leadership Academy in Dubbo is Central West NSW’s fastest growing school, with enrolments increasing by 375 per cent in the five years from 2018 to 2022.

Central West Leadership Academy principal Mandi Randell said the small school focuses on teaching children accountability, integrity and leadership in their social and emotional behaviours at school.

“I think that the focus on social and emotional skills, and self-regulation and leadership, leads to positive outcomes for wellbeing which then makes positive outcomes for learning,” Ms Randell said.

She noted that students are encouraged to have responsibility for themselves which enables teachers to differentiate learnings for each child.

“The kids aren’t all taught at the same level at once, they’re given the next thing that they’re ready for in the timeframe that they’re ready for it,” she said.

“It can be a transition for families that come in because the children are held responsible for their own work - if they don’t do their classwork in class, they do it at home.

Mandi Randell, Central West Leadership Academy principal. Picture: Supplied

“That can be a transition for some parents but they definitely appreciate the behaviour standards being upheld.

“We’re excited about the great results that we can achieve through a real community culture of excellence.”

Year 11 students Kate Armour and Carrigan Baker among a growing number of students going to the school.

Ms Armour told The Dubbo News she values and enjoys the high level of support which is provided by the school and teachers.

Kate Armour. Photo: Supplied.

“The school provides a safe nurturing environment and is consistently determined to push every student to achieve their personal best,” she said.

“The academy also allows people to grow in many aspects more than just academic, teaching students fundamental life skills that they can apply beyond the classroom.”

Ms Baker said the school has an “unshakable” community which she has not witnessed in other schools.

“The school not only helps develop real world skills but provides countless opportunities that are unique for you,” Ms Baker said.

“These opportunities go beyond the curriculum and the classroom and help you excel and grow as an individual.

The opportunities I had to represent Australia on a global scale completely revolutionised my global perspective and personal identity which I couldn’t have achieved or experienced without the Academy.”

Coordinator of wellbeing and parent to two students at the school Pete Whiting said he is thrilled his children attend the academy.

Kate Armour and Carrigan Baker. Photo: Supplied.

“The school focuses on student character and their wellbeing - by doing that this school is just such a safe and happy space where students can grow and really be themselves,” Mr Whiting said.

“By having their individually encouraged and defended her in a way that I’ve never seen it at another school, my children have been able to grow into these really confident teenagers and pre-teens who are prepared to stand up for themselves and prepared to take their own.

“They are confident with their own learning, strong with their own character and I think a big part of that is this school.

“By being at this school my children have come away with a real community mindset which is helping them flourish as individuals.”

The second fastest growing school was Scots All Saints College in White Rock with a 124 per cent change while Burrabadine Christian Community School in Dubbo recorded the third biggest change with a 106 per cent increase.

Meanwhile, the analysis also highlighted the Central West NSW region’s schools in decline with Hargraves Public School in Hargraves recording a 55 per cent drop over five years.

Koorawatha Public School in Koorawatha was the second school going backwards for enrolment with a 54 per cent drop and Cullen Bullen Public School in Cullen Bullen was the third with a 52 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.