An artist’s impression of what Jerrabomberra High’s new building will look like. Photo: Supplied.
A southeast NSW school’s expansion, with construction underway, is set to double its student capacity.
Jerrabomberra High School opened in 2024 with room for 500 students, though a community campaign has pushed for more room.
An expansion to 1000 students was called for in the face of expected population growth in the area.
The expansion includes a new building with 18 classrooms, a vocational education and training (VET) kitchen and a semi-commercial kitchen, staff facilities, a multimedia workshop, studio and store, an additional woodwork workshop, a science laboratory and a shade structure.
That will bring the total number of permanent classrooms at the school to 42.
For Jerrabomberra High School principal Scott O’Hara, the expansion will go beyond giving the school more classrooms.
“This is an incredibly exciting milestone for our school community who will soon have an even bigger school to continue to learn, grow and thrive.
“These expanded facilities will ensure that every young person here has access to the opportunities they deserve and give our teachers the resources they need to deliver the very best education.
“We can’t wait to see our new facilities come to life and look forward to the opening in 2027.”
The expansion was an election commitment from NSW Labor, which pledged to deliver it by 2026.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and Member for Monaro Steve Whan thanked the efforts of Mr O’Hara and the local P&C for their involvement in the planning process.
“I thank the local community for their advocacy and passion that has helped us deliver the new schools this growing community needs.
“Making these investments in public education means our community can access public education closer to home, now and into the future.
“I look forward to seeing the expansion of Jerrabomberra High School take shape and the benefits this world-class public school will give to our local families.”
In early September, construction started on Googong High School and a new (and permanent) site for Bungendore High School.
Mr Whan also announced that Googong would see a new primary school and preschool built on the same block as the town’s high school.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos also acknowledged community advocacy.
“The people of Jerrabomberra fought hard for a local high school large enough for their growing community – and that’s exactly what the Minns Labor Government is delivering with this much-needed high school expansion.
“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on our election commitments for much needed school infrastructure as a result of the tireless work of Education Minister and Deputy Premier Prue Car.
The design and construction contract for the Stage 2 upgrade has been awarded to Hutchinson Builders. The school has been designed by TKD Architects.
The start of construction follows early site works, which started earlier this year.
