Families in Sydney’s fast-growing North West are set to benefit from a major education infrastructure boost, as the Minns Labor Government accelerates the delivery of new schools and preschools across Box Hill and Gables. With construction already underway and designs unveiled for further development, the initiative marks a historic investment in public education for The Hills region.
Three New Schools and Two Preschools to Meet Soaring Demand
In response to rapid population growth and a surge in student enrolments, the NSW Government is delivering three new public schools and two public preschools across Box Hill and Gables. Once complete, these schools will provide world-class education for over 3,000 students—with capacity to expand further as the community grows.
Construction has now commenced on a new public primary school and preschool in Gables, located at 1 Pennant Way. Set to open in Term 1, 2027, the new school will accommodate up to 1,000 students and offer fee-free preschool education for up to 120 children each week—streamlining drop-offs for local families.
At the same time, the Government has unveiled designs for a new permanent education precinct in Box Hill. Slated to open in Term 1, 2028, the project will deliver a co-located public primary school, high school, and preschool on Terry Road. Each school will initially cater to 1,000 students, with future expansion plans, while the preschool will offer early education for an additional 120 children per week.
Expanding Access with Temporary Schools
To address immediate demand, the Minns Government is also expanding access to the temporary Box Hill Public School. Originally opened to Kindergarten to Year 2 students in early 2025, the school will welcome Years 3 to 6 from Term 3 this year. Built in a record 45 days, the facility provides a vital interim solution while permanent schools are under construction.
Additionally, a temporary high school will open on the same site in Term 1, 2026, starting with Year 7 and growing year-on-year with subsequent intakes.
A Record Investment in Education
The Box Hill and Gables precinct was identified in the Government’s Enrolment Growth Audit as one of the top ten areas in NSW for student growth. Between 2018 and 2023, student enrolments in the area soared by over 1,100 per cent—from just 119 to 1,445 students.
In stark contrast to the previous Liberal-National Government’s 12-year failure to deliver a single public school in the area, the Minns Labor Government has committed to seven new and upgraded schools across The Hills. These projects will deliver approximately 240 permanent classrooms and provide capacity for 5,500 students, including:
- New Gables Primary School and Preschool
- New Box Hill Primary School, High School, and Preschool
- Upgrades to Excelsior, Rouse Hill, Matthew Pearce, and Castle Hill Public Schools
This initiative forms part of a broader $9 billion commitment over four years to upgrade and build new public school infrastructure across NSW, including 100 new public preschools—51 of which will be built in Western Sydney.
Leaders Speak on the Impact
Premier Chris Minns reflected on the personal and community impact of the investment:
“Thousands of families moved into this area on the promise of new schools that were never delivered by the former government. We’re delivering those schools, with construction underway and doors set to open for thousands of local kids.”
Acting Education and Western Sydney Minister Courtney Houssos emphasised the Government’s proactive planning:
“Every child deserves access to a great local public school, and these schools are being delivered as quickly as possible for the local community who have fought hard to have their educational needs met.”
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland, echoed the excitement felt by the community:
“This school is not just bricks and mortar—it’s an investment in the future of our children and something this community has waited years for.”
A Bright Future for North West Sydney Families
The Minns Labor Government’s sweeping education infrastructure program is not only addressing urgent demand—it is setting up the next generation for long-term success. With thousands of new school places, fee-free preschools, and modern facilities on the way, Sydney’s North West is poised to become a model for education-driven growth in New South Wales.
