EDUCATION
Students move into modern classrooms
at Schofields Public School
Hundreds of students at Schofields Public School have moved out of ageing demountable classrooms and into a new, purpose-built learning facility, marking a major milestone for the rapidly growing North-West community.
The three-storey building delivers 24 permanent classrooms as part of a significant upgrade by the NSW Government, replacing 29 demountables that had been in use for nearly a decade. At one point, those temporary structures accommodated almost half the school’ s student population, reflecting the intense growth Interior of new rooms pressures in the area.
The upgrade is part of a broader investment aimed at improving access to quality public education across Western Sydney. With population growth continuing to surge in suburbs like Schofields, the project addresses longstanding infrastructure demands while providing students with modern, purposedesigned learning environments.
In addition to new classrooms, the removal of demountables will free up approximately 4,300 square metres of outdoor space, allowing for expanded play areas and improved recreational facilities for students.
The Schofields project forms part of a wider pipeline of school infrastructure across Sydney’ s North-West, where more than 160 demountables are being replaced with over 700 permanent classrooms. Key projects include new schools in Tallawong, Jordan Springs, Grantham Farm and Box Hill, as well as upgrades to established schools such as Riverbank Public School, Rouse Hill High School and The Ponds High School.
Combined with recently completed schools like Melonba Public School and Melonba High School, these developments are expected to deliver permanent learning spaces for more than 15,000 students across the region.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Western Sydney, Prue Car, said the upgrade reflects a commitment to ensuring families in high-growth areas have access to quality education close to home.
She described the move into permanent classrooms as an important milestone for the school community, noting that students had relied on temporary facilities for too long.
Local MP Warren Kirby also welcomed the development, highlighting the school’ s long history and its evolution alongside the area’ s rapid growth. He said the upgrade represents a positive outcome for local families and ensures students can learn in modern, well-equipped environments.
Schofields Public School Principal Cathy Thoroughgood said the completion of the new building marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the school. She said students are enjoying their new classrooms, while teachers benefit from contemporary spaces designed to support collaboration and improved learning outcomes.
The project also coincides with broader efforts to strengthen the public education system, including a reduction in teacher vacancies, which are now at a 12-year low at the start of the 2026 school year.
Warren Kirby, Pru Carr and Principal Cathy Thoroughgood with local students
Exterior of new building
As Western Sydney continues to expand, projects like the Schofields upgrade are playing a key role in ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with population growth— delivering not just classrooms, but long-term community assets for future generations.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 61 // APRIL 2026 13