Urbanville, Newrybar, The Pocket top the Northern Rivers’ fastest growing schools

An analysis of federal government data has revealed every Northern Rivers region school’s student enrolment trajectory over the past five years – exposing where student numbers have risen and declined the most. See what’s been happening.

From left: Dolly Honan, Annabelle Johnston, Jessica Johnston and McKenzie from Urbenville Public School, the fastest growing school in the Northern Rivers over the past five years.

Urbenville Public School is the Northern Rivers’ fastest growing school, with enrolments increasing by 144 per cent in the five years from 2018 to 2022.

The second fastest growing school was Newrybar Public School with an 89 per cent change while The Pocket Public School recorded the third biggest change with an 83 per cent increase.

Meanwhile, the analysis also highlighted the Northern Rivers’ schools in decline with Durrumbul Public School recording a 93 per cent drop over five years.

Coraki Public School was the second school going backwards on the enrolment front with a 73 per cent drop and Manifold Public School in Bentley was the third with a 59 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.

From left: Dolly Honan, Annabelle Johnston, Jessica Johnston and McKenzie from Urbenville Public School, the fastest growing school in the Northern Rivers over the past five years.

Mother of two Phillippa ‘Pip’ Johnston, veterinarian, was homeschooling her two girls, Jessica and Annabelle, during Covid before enrolling them in Urbenville Public School.

“We went to visit the school in term four last year,” Ms Johnston said.

“We were amazed – there was just such incredibly supportive staff and the girls are just so happy to go to school – which is half the battle.”

Ms Johnston said the girls have been offered amazing opportunities such as going to a Keith Urban concert late last year and having one of the singers, Kaylee Bell, visit the school in person.

“They’ve only just returned from a school excursion to Australia Zoo and they had a few nights at Tangalooma Island Resort.”

The school has a strong interest in poetry and regularly encourages its students in multiple poetry competitions.

Year 5 student, Liam Dau won the David Maher Award for his poem, the Brumbies, in September last year.

“The biggest thing for us is the dedication and enthusiasm that’s offered by all the staff, in particular Chris Sifko (principal) and his wife Mel,” Ms Johnston said.

Urbenville Public School.

“It’s really encouraging especially in this day and age.”

The local vet had nothing but praise for the husband and wife duo who lead the school.

“They’re really invested in our children’s education and it shows in their own happiness in life,” Ms Johnston said.

“It’s the everyday stuff as well, and my girls really do enjoy going to school.”

She said the growth of the school is “amazing” considering it is a small school.

“The kids get to know their teachers quite well,” she said.

“In terms of growth there are often a lot of new families coming in, and families transferring from other schools.”

She cites the supportive environment the teachers offer as a main reason for the school’s success.

Principal Sifko said numbers for the school have fluctuated a fair bit.

He said enrolments doubled in one semester when a lot of new families had come to the area looking for work and then the school’s numbers plateaued.

He said as a small school they are more in line with a Steiner system and dedicate a lot of time and resources into the education and welfare of their students.

Schools with fastest growth between 2018 and 2022:

Urbenville Public School: 144 per cent

Newrybar Public School: 89 per cent

The Pocket Public School: 83 per cent

Burringbar Public School: 47 per cent

Tuntable Falls Community School: 47 per cent

Wiangaree Public School: 47 per cent

Collins Creek Public School: 46 per cent

Casino Christian School: 38 per cent

Summerland Christian College: 29 per cent

Rous Public School: 29 per cent

Schools in decline 2018-2022:

Durrumbul Public School: 93 per cent

Coraki Public School: 73 per cent

Manifold Public School: 59 per cent

Stratheden Public School: 56 per cent

Crabbes Creek Public School: 48 per cent

Coffee Camp Public School: 42 per cent

Whian Whian Public School: 41 per cent

Tuntable Creek Public School: 40 per cent

Lismore South Public School: 40 per cent

Alstonville Public School: 39 per cent