North Rothbury and Branxton families have been given their first look at a major new public school complex that will transform education in the rapidly growing Hunter region.

Scheduled to open in 2028, the development will include a high school, primary school, and a co-located public preschool. Together, they will cater for up to 1,500 students – 500 in the primary school and 1,000 in the high school – along with 120 preschool places each week.

The adjoining sites on Persoonia Boulevard will be designed to meet the needs of a growing community. The primary school will feature 27 classrooms, including specialist support spaces, while the high school will have 54 classrooms, support facilities, and Vocational Education and Training (VET) areas, including a kitchen and workshop for construction and food services training.

Modern school halls, sports fields, and play spaces are also planned to benefit students and the wider community. The project forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $9 billion investment in school infrastructure in the 2025–26 Budget, which includes $2.1 billion for regional NSW.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said the schools would “provide state-of-the-art learning environments for 1,500 local students, right in the heart of this growing Hunter community.”

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr described it as “a huge investment in education for the area” and noted it was part of a broader commitment to upgrading schools in regional NSW.

Labor MLC for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said the government had “listened to the growing communities of the Upper Hunter” and would deliver the much-needed school, adding that the Nationals had previously claimed there was no need for one.

The school plans will be placed on public exhibition in the coming months, giving the community an opportunity to provide feedback before construction begins.