Construction is underway on the permanent Box Hill Public School and Box Hill High School as the Minns Labor Government delivers what it describes as the largest investment in new public schools across The Hills in a generation.

The milestone marks a major step forward for a community that has long advocated for local public schools. According to the NSW Enrolment Growth Audit, student enrolments in Box Hill increased by more than 1,000 per cent between 2018 and 2023.

The permanent Box Hill Public School will cater for 1,000 students and include 44 classrooms, three support classrooms, a multipurpose hall, library, canteen, sports court, play areas and covered outdoor learning areas.

It will also feature a co-located public early learning facility catering for up to 120 children each week.

In recognition of the area’s significant growth, Box Hill High School will be built to accommodate 2,000 students. It will feature 79 classrooms, including seven support classrooms, as well as specialist science, arts and technology spaces, a hospitality kitchen, multipurpose hall, library, sports field and courts.

It will be the first new high school built in The Hills since Labor was last in government.

Both permanent schools are expected to open on Day 1 of Term 1, 2028. They form part of the Minns Labor Government’s $1 billion investment in new school infrastructure across The Hills.

Box Hill Public School and Box Hill High School are currently operating from purpose-built temporary facilities delivered last year. The temporary schools were established as an urgent measure to ensure local children could attend school close to home while the permanent facilities were being built.

In total, the Minns Labor Government is delivering five new schools across The Hills, including primary schools in Gables and Bella Vista and a high school in Bella Vista. Co-located public early learning facilities will also be provided alongside three primary schools.

Major upgrades are also being delivered at Cherrybrook Public School, Matthew Pearce Public School, Rouse Hill High School, Excelsior Public School and Castle Hill Public School.

Across NSW, the State Government is investing a record $9.2 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years as part of the 2026–27 NSW Budget. This includes $4.1 billion for new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the government was delivering the permanent public schools Box Hill families had needed for years.

“We made a commitment to families in Box Hill that we would urgently deliver local public schools, and we did just that,” Ms Car said.

“While local students are learning today in their temporary schools, I cannot wait to welcome them into their brand-new schools in 2028.

“The failure of the Liberals to deliver much-needed schools across The Hills and North West Sydney as the population exploded has no clearer example than Box Hill, where their own local MP, Robyn Preston, could not explain why when asked.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the biggest investment in public schools across The Hills in a generation because we believe families deserve world-class public education close to home.”

Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland said construction was an exciting milestone for the community.

“Labor promised to deliver for Box Hill, and that’s exactly what we’re focused on achieving,” Ms Rowland said.

“This is an exciting milestone for our local community and will ensure families and students have access to high-quality, permanent facilities from Day 1 of Term 1, 2028.

“Box Hill is one of the fastest-growing communities in New South Wales, and I’m proud that, by working together, state and federal Labor are delivering the essential infrastructure locals deserve.”

Relieving Box Hill High School principal Colleen McKenna said the start of construction was a significant milestone for students and families.

“We have already established a strong culture and identity in our temporary facilities and look forward to continuing that journey in our permanent home in 2028,” Ms McKenna said.

Box Hill Public School principal Melanie Mackie said the school community had been looking forward to seeing construction begin.

“These permanent facilities will create outstanding opportunities for current and future students and support the continued growth of our school community,” Ms Mackie said.