Region already has ‘great’ public high schools but community wants co-ed

THE campaign for a co-educational public high school in Hornsby Shire has been rejected by the State Government.

Education Minister Rob Stokes has rejected Hornsby residents call for a new co-educational school. Picture: Troy Snook

THE campaign for a co-educational public high school in Hornsby Shire has been rejected by the State Government.

Education Minister Rob Stokes responded to residents’ feedback about a community call for a new high school in Hornsby shire — five months after Hornsby state Liberal MP Matt Kean vowed to raise the issue with him. In May, the Advocate began its campaign alongside residents for a co-educational school.

Hundreds of parents urged the State Government to consider one for Mt Colah, Mt Kuring-gai, Berowra, Cowan and Brooklyn students who now have to travel to Ku-ring-gai High School at North Turramurra.

Residents of Hornsby are calling for a new co-educational high school for the region. After years rallying to see one developed. Front L-R: Abigail Boyd 9, Lily Rickwood 11, Aaron Casslick 6, Olivia Boyd 11 and Shontelle Peak 7. Back L-R: Jenny and Scott Casslick, Alexi Boyd and Alison Peak. Picture: Adam Ward

At the time, Mr Kean said he was inspired by residents and recognised “that many families would like to see more done and I will take this up directly with the Minister for Education”.

However, following correspondence from the minister, Mr Kean said there were no plans for another high school in the Hornsby to Berowra area.

“In Hornsby there are several excellent options for single-sex and co-educational high schools in the area,’’ he said. “Schools are built based on the needs of the geographic area rather than state electorates.”

Jane Jaggs, from Dangar Island, is calling for a local co-ed high school, as students currently have to travel to Ku-ring-gai High, in Nth Turramurra, to go to their local public high school. Picture: Peter Clark

Mr Kean said all local options for public education in the area were not at capacity and would meet the enrolment demand until 2031.

A spokesman for Mr Stokes said the Hornsby area was served well by several great high schools.

He said residential growth in Hornsby Shire was between Hornsby and Asquith instead of further north to Berowra.

“There were 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,” he said.