The NSW Government is building a new public primary school “in the rapidly-growing suburb” of Chisholm that will open in 2030 and eventually cater for up to 1,000 students.
The plan, announced 15 June 2026, is part of the government’s plan to ensure every child in the Hunter has access to a world-class public education on their doorstep.
Chisholm is located 23km northwest from Newcastle. The new public school will be built on a 2.9 hectare site at 547 Raymond Terrace Road, and it is fully funded as part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget.
The government said the new primary school would future-proof public education in the region and ease enrolment pressure on local schools. This includes nearby Thornton Public School which is undergoing upgrades to increase capacity.
Chisholm is amongst the fastest-growing communities in NSW, with significant population growth over the last 15 years, and the project will be the first new public school built in Maitland since 2007, a statement said.
Planning is now underway for the new school, with facilities including modern classrooms with shared common areas, multipurpose spaces, support classrooms, a multipurpose hall, games court, sports field, and a preschool.
The project further expands the state government’s $9 billion investment in new and upgraded schools, which includes $2.1 billion in regional NSW.
In the Hunter region, this includes:
- New public school, preschool and high school in Huntlee
- New high school in Medowie
- Redevelopment of Gillieston Public School
- Thornton Public School upgrade
As part of a plan to deliver 100 new public preschools in areas of greatest need across NSW, the NSW Government is also delivering 12 public preschools across the Hunter region.
“This new primary school and preschool will be a landmark investment for the area, providing local students access to a world-class public education that will set them up for life,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Ms Prue Car said.
“Delivering quality schools for growing regional communities like Maitland is central to this government’s commitment to rebuilding public education across NSW.”
Treasurer Mr Daniel Mookhey added: “This budget continues the critical job of rebuilding public education in regional NSW.
“Working families should be able to access a quality education in a world class learning facility, no matter where they live.”
Member for Maitland Ms Jenny Aitchison said a great local school benefits far more than just the students who walk through its gates each day.
“It strengthens families and attracts new ones, supports local jobs and helps build the kind of connected and thriving community we all want to be part of,” she said.
“Maitland is the fastest growing LGA in New South Wales outside of Western Sydney for over two decades. This is the first new school that has been built since 2007, and the suburb of Chisholm was built without any new schools. This investment is a vote of confidence in Maitland’s future.”
