Construction to begin on 21 new and upgraded schools this term as the latest NSW school upgrade is unveiled
Tuesday, 22 July 2025
As students return to school for Term 3, the Minns Labor Government is unveiling a newly delivered $20 million upgrade to Punchbowl Public School while powering ahead delivering better schools for our children including 21 new and upgraded schools that will begin construction this term.
The state-of-the-art upgrade at Punchbowl Public School that was promised by the Liberals in 2018 but never delivered, features a new two-storey building with eight permanent classrooms, creating space for an additional 100 students.
This boost to the schools capacity will help it to meet local population growth, while also delivering new staff and administration facilities, a new secure entryway and additional support classrooms.
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Students and teachers at 21 additional schools can also look forward to seeing work commence this term on brand new facilities for them to learn in.
This is part of the Minns Labor government’s record pipeline of new and upgraded schools, with 21 major capital works projects representing a $1.4 billion investment set to get underway across NSW this school term.
It follows more than a decade of neglect under the Liberals and Nationals that promised new schools and upgrades to communities that were never delivered.
Projects set to commence construction before the end of Term 3 include six brand new high schools – four in Western Sydney and two in regional NSW.
Additionally, major upgrades will begin at five high schools and 10 primary schools across both Sydney and the regions.
Together these projects will deliver more than 400 new classrooms to booming suburbs, plus new halls, libraries, performance spaces, science labs, VET facilities, wood and metal workshops, and sports facilities.
Four of the 10 primary school upgrades will also include a new public preschool as part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic commitment to build 100 public preschools by 2027.
The Minns Labor Government is delivering these projects as part of a record $9 billion investment in school infrastructure over four years in the 2025-26 Budget.
This follows the government’s delivery of more teachers for our children by reducing teacher vacancies by 40 per cent, resulting in the number of cancelled classes recorded in NSW nearly halving since the government took office.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to deliver better schools and more teachers across NSW by investing in the essential infrastructure that the Liberals and Nationals failed to provide – like state-of-the-art public schools and public preschools which ensure families can access a world class local public education regardless of their postcode.
Premier Chris Minns said:
“Right across NSW we are delivering a record number of new and upgraded schools for growing suburbs that haven’t had access to world class schools for far too long.
“We aren’t just investing in new and upgraded schools, we’re also delivering more teachers through a 40% drop in teacher vacancies that has nearly halved the number of cancelled classes recorded each week in NSW since we were elected.”
“From this state-of-the-art upgrade to the 21 new and upgraded schools we’re beginning construction on this term, we’re not slowing down delivering the largest investment in public schools in NSW history.”
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:
“I am incredibly excited for us to be commencing construction on more than 20 major school projects, including six brand new, much needed high schools, during this school term.
“As a Labor government, we believe in the transformative power of a high quality public education and that is why we are committed to providing world class schools for every NSW family.
“Deputy Premier Prue Car has driven the Minns Labor Government’s work on this record pipeline of new and upgraded schools in booming suburbs that were neglected by the Liberals and Nationals, and these upcoming milestones are a testament to her commitment to delivering the world class schools families deserve as quickly as possible.”
Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:
“This $20 million investment in Punchbowl Public School demonstrates this government’s commitment to providing high-quality education and modern facilities for students in south west Sydney.
“As a former local Principal, I know how important the school experience is in helping our children reach their full potential.
“We’re building a brighter future for current students and those in our community who will attend Punchbowl Public School in years to come.”
Punchbowl Public School Principal Donna McGeary said:
“This significant investment in our school will enhance the learning environment for all students, now and in the future.
“Our students have a new sense of pride in our school. It’s been transformational for them and there’s a great vibe.
“The upgrade provides our students with the best possible setting to explore, learn, and grow and strengthens our partnerships with parents and the school community.”
