newy.com.au – More than 130 students have enrolled to become the first Year 7 cohort at the new Medowie High School, which remains on track to open at the start of the 2027 school year.
Construction is continuing ahead of the school welcoming students on day one of term one. The enrolment figure comes after a decades-long community campaign for a public high school in the growing Port Stephens suburb.
The school will have 29 classrooms, including specialist support facilities, science laboratories and workshops for woodwork and metalwork. Plans also include creative and performing arts spaces, a multipurpose hall, library, canteen and sporting facilities.
Road upgrades are being carried out on Abundance and Ferodale roads before the opening, with work intended to improve traffic flow and provide pedestrian access as well as student pick-up and drop-off areas.
The state government expects Medowie’s population to grow by more than 4000 residents by 2040. Until now, some local students have faced lengthy daily travel to attend their nearest public high school.
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington recently inspected the construction site and said the early enrolment numbers confirmed the demand for a local secondary school.
“Our community always knew this school was desperately needed, and these enrolment numbers prove it,” Ms Washington said.
“I keep meeting local families who can’t contain their excitement about starting the new school year in a brand new school, with all its wonderful facilities, whilst staying connected to our community.”
Education Minister Prue Car said the school would be the first new public high school built in the Hunter in more than 25 years. She also used the enrolment figures to criticise the former Coalition government’s position on the project.
“For more than a decade, the former Liberal National government told Medowie families there was no need for a local high school,” Ms Car said.
“With more than 130 students already enrolled in its first Year 7 cohort, the evidence is clear – this school was desperately needed.”
Principal Kylee Beasley said many of the enrolments were coming from local partner primary schools.
“It is particularly encouraging to see so many students coming from local partner schools and choosing to continue their secondary education within their community,” she said.
Enrolments for the inaugural Year 7 intake remain open through the NSW Department of Education.
