Education Minister, Hornsby MP announce study for new Hornsby co-ed high school

The first coeducational public high school for Hornsby is almost within reach, following a four-year campaign from parents and students.

Hornsby TAFE has been flagged as the potential site for a future coeducational school for Hornsby. Picture: Julian Andrews

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A new coeducational public high school for Hornsby is almost within reach, following a four-year campaign from parents and students.

Hornsby state Liberal MP Matt Kean revealed exclusively to the Advocate that the NSW Government will commence a feasibility study for a coeducational high school to meet growing demands of residents.

Hornsby state Liberal MP Matt Kean has announced plans for a feasibility study for the first co-ed public high school for Hornsby. (AAP Image/Brendan Esposito) NO ARCHIVING

In 2016, the Advocate spearheaded the shire’s co-ed high school campaign alongside passionate residents — who rallied the government to fulfil their wish for a CBD central school.

“I want to see parents in Hornsby have even greater choice when it comes to their kids education,” Mr Kean said.

Residents of Hornsby are calling for a new coeducational high school after years rallying to see one developed. Front: Aaron Casslick and Shontelle Peak. Picture: Adam Ward

“The area already has some of the best schools in the state but with growing demand we need to make sure we can continue to meet the communities needs well into the future.

“If the Government is re-elected I will ensure a full scooping study to look at building a new coeducational facility in the local area.”

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Hornsby state Labor Candidate Katie Gompertz said the timing of Mr Kean’s announcement came less than 24 hours after she launched a fresh petition for a co-ed high school alongside parents at Wideview Public School.

“The petition currently has close to 700 signatures and is creating a lot of conversation in school communities,” she said.

Hornsby state Labor candidate Katie Gompertz set up a petition for a new school hours before the NSW Government announcement.

“The timing is interesting, but anything that is a win for the community is good news, I have lived in Berowra for 11 years and the lack of coeducational high school options for parents is always a talking point.”

Education Minister Rob Stokes said the study will be undertaken by School Infrastructure NSW, the unit established to carry out the NSW Government’s $6 billion school building program.

Hornsby TAFE could be the home of a new co-ed public high school. (AAP Image / Julian Andrews).

Mr Stokes said the Hornsby MP was a strong advocate for the study, which would “assess current and future secondary education needs in the Hornsby area”.

“The people of Hornsby have expressed a clear desire in wanting a new coeducational high school and we will now investigate if this is a viable option,” he said.

Education Minister Rob Stokes backflipped on his stance for a co-ed high school in Hornsby. Picture: David Swift.

The feasibility study into a new coeducational high school will include the examination of demographic trends, population forecasts, new housing developments and urban release areas.

It will also examine identifying potential sites in the local area.

But the new support has not come without a backflip from the Education Minister, who told the Advocate the government rejected the community campaign in 2017.

This was due to “sufficient surplus teaching spaces across Asquith Boys’, Asquith Girls’, Hornsby Girls’, Normanhurst Boys’ Ku-ring-gai and Galston high schools to meet anticipated demand to 2031”.

The coeducational schools campaign saw residents suggest the amalgamation of Asquith Boys and Girls High School, calls to identify an entirely new site and the redevelopment of Hornsby TAFE.