NSW Government announces transition to co-education in Randwick high schools

By ISABELLA GIBBS

In a move set to reshape the educational landscape, the NSW state government has unveiled plans to combine Randwick Boys and Girls High School to form a co-educational high school. The announcement was met with enthusiasm from local representatives and officials, signifying a significant shift toward expanded opportunities and inclusivity within the state’s education system.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, affirmed the community-driven decision stating, “the investment in the sites will provide all students with the best possible learning environment.”

This pivotal decision, underpinned by extensive consultations conducted by the Department of Education, reflects the collective voice of the eastern suburbs and Georges River school communities.

During these consultations, support for co-education emerged particularly among parents and caregivers.

Minister Car said, “the transition of these schools to co-education reflects the preferencesof the majority of parents in these local communities.”

As the government charts a course toward co-education, it anticipates a range of benefits.

Minister Car stated, “the larger student populations will help increase the range of subjects and extracurricular opportunities for students.”

To complete this transformation, a substantial investment of $42.5 million will be put towards upgrading and modernising school facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of present and future generations of students.

Local representative Marjorie O’Neill, Member for Coogee, echoed the resonance of the decision within the community stating, “we have listened to our community, and the decision to transition these schools to co-education aligns with the desires of the majority of parents in our vibrant local community.”

Allegra Spender, local MP for the federal seat of Wentworth, also responded to the announcement, saying, “this $42m investment is a win for those who have been advocating for more investment into public education in the East. I am glad to see that the overwhelming perspective of the community, which is that we need more co-ed public education in the East, has finally been listened to.”

With the groundwork already laid for site preparation and transition planning, the newly formed high school in Randwick will bear the interim name “Randwick High School.” A consultative process involving students, parents, and staff will determine the institution’s final name.

The decision to embrace co-education in Randwick represents a resounding stride toward expanding educational horizons and enabling contemporary learning environments that evolve with the needs of students and families.