The New South Wales Government has announced a $9.2 billion investment in public school infrastructure over the next four years as part of the 2026–27 state budget, with a significant focus on meeting demand in rapidly growing communities.
Of this total, $4.1 billion has been allocated to new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney, where population growth continues to place pressure on existing education facilities.
The funding will support the construction of new schools and major upgrades across the region, including new primary and high schools in Austral, Bella Vista, and Marsden Park South, along with upgrades to established schools such as Cherrybrook Public School, Nangamay Public School and Spring Farm Public School. Several projects will also include co-located public early learning facilities.
Additional fully funded projects include a new high school in Rydalmere and a new primary school in Rhodes.
The planned developments are expected to significantly increase student capacity. In North West Sydney, new and upgraded schools will accommodate more than 17,000 students, with around 800 permanent classrooms replacing over 160 demountable structures. In South West Sydney, capacity will increase by more than 13,500 students, supported by approximately 650 new classrooms replacing more than 100 demountables.
Regional NSW will also see continued investment, with $2.3 billion allocated for new and upgraded schools over the same period. Projects include new schools in areas such as Chisholm, Googong West and Huntlee, as well as a rebuild of Deniliquin High School and upgrades incorporating early learning facilities in multiple regional communities.
The infrastructure program builds on ongoing delivery across the state, with 260 new and upgraded schools and public preschools already in progress.
Alongside capital investment, the government is continuing workforce reforms aimed at improving staffing stability. More than 25,000 teachers and school support staff are being transitioned from temporary to permanent roles, a move linked to a reduction in teacher vacancies and fewer merged or cancelled classes since 2023.
The government also reports that improved staffing levels are contributing to gains in student outcomes across literacy and numeracy measures.