Planning for growing enrolments at ACT public schools
How we plan for future school needs
To make sure our public schools meet the needs of our growing population, we study each school’s needs, expected growth and role in the region.
Looking at suburb growth and changes
We track changes in suburb growth to help us understand how demand for school places is changing in each district and at individual schools. For example, we monitor where new housing is being built and where more families with children are settling.
Predicting future student numbers
We work with demographic experts, using a model developed with the Australian National University’s School of Demography, to predict how many students will need places in public schools over the coming years. These predictions are called enrolment projections.
We update our projections each year using results from the Census of ACT Schools.
We also consider trends in family and student choices between public and non-government schooling.
Listening to the community
We talk to parents, schools and other groups to understand their concerns and needs. Some of the groups we regularly speak to include:
- ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Associations
- School P&Cs and boards
- Independent and Catholic school representatives
- Australian Education Union and Community and Public Sector Union.
How we add places for more students
When our projections show the need for more student places at a school or in a district, we will take action in one of the following ways.
Adjusting enrolment areas
We may adjust which local school students can attend based on where they live. This is called a school's Priority Enrolment Area (PEA).
We may change the enrolment options available to students who live:
- outside the school’s PEA, called out-of-area enrolments
- in nearby NSW, called NSW pathway school enrolments.
Expanding existing schools
For short-term growth, we can add transportable classrooms (relocatable learning units), with all the same comforts and technology as permanent classrooms.
Relocatable learning units also give us time to plan and build permanent buildings. We will build new classrooms or buildings where we expect long-term student growth.
Building new schools
In high-growth suburbs, like new housing areas, we build new schools to provide long-term student places.
In older areas with limited available land, we usually expand existing schools.
Planning new buildings and schools
When we plan expansions or new schools, we consider:
- early childhood education and care
- space for learning and play
- safe road, cycling and walking access
- shared community facilities like school halls, gyms and playing fields
- out of school hours care
- room for future growth and flexibility as student numbers and ages change.
We also design sustainable schools that support learning, comfort and the environment. This includes:
- using ecologically sustainable development principles to manage resources efficiently
- using renewable energy such as solar arrays and energy-efficient design
- improving insulation, heating and cooling systems to reduce energy use and improve comfort
- creating natural, shaded play areas through tree-planting programs.
Recent and current building projects
The ACT Government is building new public schools and upgrading education facilities across Canberra.
Visit Built for CBR to see our current Education projects.