newy.com.au – Construction has begun on a multimillion dollar upgrade of Thornton Public School that the NSW Government says will almost double its number of permanent classrooms and replace ageing demountables.
The upgrade is due to be completed for the first day of Term 1 in 2028. It includes a new three storey building containing 16 classrooms, three specialist support classrooms and a library.
A covered outdoor learning area will also be built over the school’s existing basketball court.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said schools needed to keep pace with population growth in the region.
“The Hunter is growing at an extraordinary rate, particularly around Maitland, and families need schools that keep up.”
Thornton Public School principal Stuart Wylie welcomed the start of construction.
“We can’t wait to see how these new modern facilities will enhance teaching and learning at Thornton Public School for years to come.”
The Thornton upgrade is among several Hunter school projects the government says are underway, including new primary and high schools in North Rothbury (Huntlee), a new high school in Medowie and a new primary school in Chisholm.
The program also includes a full redevelopment of Gillieston Public School and the redevelopment and expansion of Maitland Grossmann High School on a new site. Public early learning facilities form part of the North Rothbury, Chisholm and Gillieston projects.
The government says another 12 public preschools are due to open on existing Hunter public school sites by early 2027, under its commitment to deliver 100 across NSW.
The projects form part of a $9.2 billion school infrastructure investment over the next four years, including $2.3 billion for regional NSW, according to the government.
