NSW public school enrolments highest at Carlingford in northern district
STUDENT numbers have grown 4 per cent across public primary schools in the northern district this year, which will intensify pleas for help with crowded classrooms.
Northern District Times
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STUDENT numbers have grown 4 per cent across public primary schools in the northern district this year, which will intensify pleas for help with crowded classrooms.
There were 13,242 students enrolled in 24 schools in the area in February, according to NSW Department of Education statistics.
That is 531 more students than the 12,711 who enrolled in the schools last year.
While school populations have been on a steady rise for years, the 2017 increase is actually fewer than last year’s 785 students (6 per cent).
That is little comfort to those at Carlingford schools, however. Carlingford West again recorded the biggest annual increase – 148 additional students – swelling its population to 1164.
Carlingford Public School saw similar rapid growth. Its 116 additional students boosted its population to 601.
Epping West (79 students, 1095 population) and West Ryde (76 students, 605 population) had the next highest gains.
While most schools took more students, a minority reduced their numbers.
Denistone East had the biggest reduction — 63 fewer students — and a population of 756.
A Department of Education spokesman said the growth at Carlingford was being driven by increased residential development and changing demographics.
Demand was being met through a mix of permanent and demountable teaching spaces, he said.
“The department is currently planning to address projected growth at these schools, and in schools in the surrounding area,” he said.
State Liberal Epping MP Damien Tudehope’s electorate is home to these school communities.
He said the delivery of the Epping Urban Activation Precinct — which will increase housing density — was clearly placing strain on schools.
“It’s clear the message from schools is ‘we have less and less space’,” he said.
“Also the changing of catchment areas can have a detrimental effect on parents who buy a home so their child can attend a certain school.”
Schools with populations of 1000 students were ineffective at creating a sense of community, according to Mr Tudehope.
He expected the department to make more announcements about building activity to accommodate more students.
Mr Tudehope said he was “campaigning hard” for this to happen.
Similarly, State Liberal Ryde MP Victor Dominello said there was plenty of work going on behind the scenes to accommodate more students.
Last year, Mr Dominello announced a new primary school would be built at Smalls Rd, Ryde, to open in 2020.
The school will accommodate up to 1000 students.
“It will be state of the art and we will hopefully see drawings for community consultation by middle of the year,” Mr Dominello said this week.
“As for other schools in Ryde, I am continuing my advocacy within government for more capacity.”
Department figures show the next biggest schools in the district, after Carlingford West and Epping West, did not receive nearly the same amount of additional enrolments.
Murray Farm Public School gained 16 students, which increased its population to 955, while Eastwood Public School gained 30 students.
This increased its population to 823.
Ermington West was the smallest school with 161 students.
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