Construction begins on another major public school upgrade in Sydney’s North West

The multi-million-dollar upgrade includes a new two-storey building with 11 modern classrooms and two science labs, increasing the school's capacity from 960 to 1200 students.

The upgrade to Rouse Hill High School is set to be complete and open to students and staff on Day 1, Term 1, 2027.

The upgrade forms part of the Minns Labor Government's record investment in public education, which is delivering a total of seven new and upgraded schools across The Hills region.

Today, the Minns Labor Government can also confirm the site currently housing the Box Hill temporary schools has been acquired for a future permanent public school and preschool.

This will be in addition to the two new public primary schools, two new public preschools and a new high school currently being delivered in Box Hill and Gables, the first public schools to be built in the suburbs.

Under the former Liberal-National Government, Box Hill did not receive any investment in new school infrastructure despite student enrolment growth of 1114 per cent in just five years, leading to pressure on nearby schools, including Rouse Hill High School.

The former Liberal-National Government's neglect of schools in Sydney's North West left communities without vital permanent infrastructure and playground space, as hundreds of demountables were imposed on school sites.

The Minns Labor Government's 2025-26 Budget delivers a record $9 billion for school infrastructure across NSW, including $3.9 billion for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney.

In addition, the Minns Labor Government is investing in almost 600 new permanent classrooms through new and upgraded schools in Sydney's North West, with 240 classrooms in the Hills Shire alone, creating space for thousands more students across the community.

The Minns Labor Government is also removing nearly 50 demountable classrooms from schools in the Hills Shire, providing more critical playground space for students.

School infrastructure projects recently delivered or in the planning, design and construction phase in the Hills Shire and surrounding areas, include:

• Box Hill Public School and public preschool - new permanent school
• New high school for Box Hill
• New public primary school and public preschool for Gables
• New public primary school and public preschool for Grantham Farm
• Rouse Hill High School - upgrade
• Castle Hill Public School - upgrade
• Excelsior Public School - upgrade
• Matthew Pearce Public School - upgrade

In addition to building classrooms where they are needed, the Minns Labor Government's work to rebuild public education includes ensuring each classroom has a qualified teacher.

Since March 2023, the Minns Labor Government has reduced teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, leading to the number of cancelled classes recorded in NSW nearly halving. In The Hills, there were 67.5% fewer vacancies than at the same time in 2022.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

"The Rouse Hill High School upgrade is part of the massive school infrastructure pipeline the Minns Labor Government is delivering for families in North West Sydney, where the former Liberal-National Government failed to invest.

"Through the leadership of the Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car, the Minns Labor Government's $460 million investment in seven new and upgraded schools, plus two new public preschools, means more families across The Hills will have access to a world class public education close to home.

"In the past 50 years, only Labor Governments have delivered high schools in The Hills, including the new Box Hill High School the Minns Government is building.

"We're also beginning the significant job of removing demountables the former Liberal-National Government dumped on schools across the Hills, replacing them with modern classrooms and returning valuable play space to students."

Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland said:

"Today's sod turn is just another way Labor is delivering for communities and families in the Hills.

"Sydney's North West is growing at a rapid rate, and these upgrades will ensure that local students in my community have access to the facilities they need to thrive, close to home.

"This upgrade is long overdue and will support students in The Hills for years to come."

Rouse Hill High School Principal Simon Kelly said:

"It's wonderful to see construction underway on this upgrade, and these new facilities will support our growing student population.

"We look forward to seeing construction take shape and to make the most of our new facilities once they open in 2027."