Armidale Regional: Education
Armidale is a centre for all levels of education. There are three well renowned independent day and boarding schools (K-12), 8 public primary schools, 2 public secondary schools, a Catholic primary school, a Catholic secondary school, a Rudolf Steiner school, a Montessori school and the Minimbah Aboriginal School. Armidale has also been a centre of tertiary education for more than half a century; the University of New England is the nation’s oldest regional university and it maintains high academic standards in all its course offerings which include medicine and law. The New England Institute of TAFE offers many specialities in vocational education from hairdressing to horticulture, childcare to hospitality and the New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM) is a provider of incredible musical education for everyone from pre-schoolers to world acclaimed conducters.
Guyra provides education options for the entire family from pre-school and early childhood learning through to primary and secondary schools and easy access to tertiary options. Guyra Shire has five public primary schools scattered around the smaller localities as well as a Catholic primary school in the centre of town. Guyra also has a public central school that caters for K-12. Armidale is also close by with the University of New England and a New England Institute of TAFE campus.
Armidale City Junior Schools
Armidale City Public School
Ben Venue Public School
Chandler Public School
Drummond Memorial Public School
Kellys Plains Public School
Martins Gully Public School
Minimbah Aboriginal School
Newling Public School
Sandon Public School
St John’s Co-Educational Junior School
St Mary’s Primary School (Catholic)
Other Junior Schools
Black Mountain Public School
St Mary of the Angels
Ebor Public School
Central Schools
MET (Brethern)
Presbyterian Ladies College
The Armidale School
Guyra Central School
High Schools
Armidale High School
Duval High School
New England Girls School
O’Connor Catholic College
Further Education
New England Community College
New England Conservatorium of Music
TAFE New Enlgand
University of New England
Armidale City Junior Schools
Armidale City Public School
Address: Faulkner St, Armidale
Phone: 02 6772 3420
Website: www.armidalec-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Armidale City Public School has a tradition of excellence in cultural, academic and sporting achievement. The school is well known for its care and concern for students. The school has an inclusive philosophy catering for the needs of students from a wide range of backgrounds from within the community. Their agreed purpose is to meet these needs by improving the educational opportunities our students enjoy and thereby improving the outcomes of their learning. The school provides a diverse range of programs focusing on effective learning skills, remediation and extension, teach tolerance, understanding and the value of individual differences. Learning opportunities are provided to ensure that each student can reach his or her full potential. Their curriculum is balanced in order to meet students’ social, physical, artistic and intellectual needs. Individual development is carefully monitored and the partnership with parents highly valued.
Armidale Waldorf School
Address: 278 Rockdale Road, Armidale
Phone: 02 6772 8876
Website: www.waldorf.nsw.edu.au
The Armidale Waldorf School is an established independent, co-educational school working to foster the educational impulses of Rudolf Steiner. The school is incorporated as a non-profit company with limited liability, is funded by fees, as well as grants on a per capita basis from the State and Commonwealth Government, is a member of the Australian Independent Schools Association, is registered with the NSW Board of Studies, and is a member of the Rudolf Steiner Schools Association.
The School has a people centred structure where three bodies are working together towards the goal of a healthy school: the College of Teachers, the School Council (or board of directors) and Administration. These three bodies work within a supportive community of family and friends. The Parents’ & Friends’ Association, are integral to the structure providing substantial support on many levels.
Ben Venue Public School
Address: Erskine St, Armidale
Phone: 02 6772 4263
Website: www.benvenue-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Ben Venue is a modern, well-presented school in the north of Armidale, with new classrooms, Library, multi-purpose hall, large shade shelter, sporting facilities and technology resources. Ben Venue has a strong history of high academic achievement with students demonstrating a love of learning across academic, social, sporting, cultural and welfare programs. Students are supported and encouraged to achieve personal excellence. The school enjoys a balance of teachers who have been at the school for a significant time, with other executive and teachers new to the school. Teachers and parents work together to provide opportunities for students to participate in many activities and excursions. All students wear the school uniform and many represent the school at District, Regional, and National levels. The school is acknowledged in broader educational arenas for its Music, Arts and sporting achievements. Environmental awareness is actively encouraged through a variety of on-going initiatives. Ben Venue has an active Parents and Citizens Association which financially supports many individuals, groups and programs each year to assist students to maximise the opportunities available.
Chandler Public School
Address: Grafton Rd, Wollomombi
Phone: 02 6778 1335
Website: www.chandler-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Chandler Public School is a great place for your child to learn. Their small class sizes allow teachers to devote more individual time and attention to students and give students greater access to our exceptional resources. School programs are individually targeted to ensure that all students reach their academic, sporting and creative potential. The genuine relationship between staff, students and our families ensures our school maintains a high standard of academic success in a positive, nurturing environment. They encourage high parent and community involvement through sports coaching, special lessons, activity days and classroom assistance.
All children develop strong networks through the grades. This enhances social and leadership skills through supportive friendships across age groups. Our highly-qualified staff implements quality education programs that give every student the opportunity to reach their potential. Innovative technology programs prepare our students for their future. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including many major educational excursions, band lessons, public speaking, sports programs, interschool days and a focus on sustainable living programs. They invite you to come in for a visit to see the great education on offer for your child.
Drummond Memorial Public School
Address: 250 Rusden Street, Armidale
Phone: 02 6772 3736
Website: www.drummondm-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Drummond Memorial aims to develop a co-operative spirit amongst students, staff, parents and the wider community to make the school a happy, caring and secure learning environment which fosters equal opportunities for all children. All children will be encouraged to develop talents and abilities to the fullest extent through learning experiences which integrate academic, practical, creative and social aspects to provide a rich, varied and balanced education by: learning to value themselves, each other and their environment; learning to make decisions about health and physical well being; developing a positive and realistic understanding of their abilities; building confidence and pleasure in the process of learning which will be lifelong; fostering independence, self-reliance and self discipline; promoting an understanding of change and the ability to deal positively with such change.
Kellys Plains Public School
Address: Kellys Plains School Rd, Armidale
Phone: 02 6775 1253
Website: www.kellysplan-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Kelly’s Plains School is a community school where communication between children, teachers and parents is emphasised. Students are encouraged to take responsibility and a leadership role in the school, supported by a caring community of teachers and parents who all work together for the good of the students. Relationships between all groups are strong, with many parents visiting the school on a daily basis. Mutual respect is a key feature of the school, resulting in well behaved students who are proud of their school and who are well disciplined. The school is well resourced and boasts a well laid out, extensive playground with plenty of equipment to encourage physical play.
Martins Gully Public School
Address: Bona Vista Rd, Armidale
Phone: 02 6772 3314
Website: www.martinsgul-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
The teachers and students at Martin’s Gully Public School work together within a happy and supportive educational environment to ensure that everyone realises their full potential. Situated on the southern outskirts of Armidale, with a school population of approximately 170 students, they enjoy a reputation as a high achieving school where strong emphasis is placed on literacy and numeracy, and where children are encouraged to take part in a wide range of creative, academic, sporting and personal development activities. They are a member of the Armidale Community of Public Schools working together to provide the best possible education for all students through extension programs and activities in literacy, numeracy, science, creative arts and sport.
Our primary-secondary transition programs promote important links with our neighbouring high school. Martins Gully Public School are well resourced and provide the students access to the latest technologies. Students have access to computers both in their classroom and via a computer lab. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards and innovative software contributing to quality teaching in every classroom. The school promotes its positive, family ethos through parent participation in their children’s education and an active Parents and Citizens Association. The school supports and encourages student leadership, and promotes the values of care, concern and cooperation amongst the school community. Our attractive grounds, rural outlook and expansive playgrounds complement our excellent learning facilities.
Minimbah Aboriginal School
Address: Galloway St, Armidale
Phone: 02 6772 4853
Website: www.minimbah.net
Minimbah Primary was established in 1997, and is an Independent school in Armidale NSW. They have a Pre-school catering for 3 to 5 year olds. The school enrolment is mostly Aboriginal with a minimum of 90% Indigenous students. Their mission at Minimbah is to develop ‘Strong and Spirited’ students. Strong, academically and Spirited, through a strong sense of values, belonging, cultural pride and identity. The School’s curriculum instils in students a positive sense of what it means to be Aboriginal in today’s society. Accelerated Literacy has been implemented across all stages and since its implementation, significant changes have been seen in attendance and student engagement. Parent feedback has been extremely positive and has lifted teacher, student and parent expectations. Minimbah has access to a Learning Support Teacher, School Psychologist/ Counsellor, and Speech Therapist. Community Health provide services such as Screening for Hearing and Sight and have also implemented the ‘Shake a Leg Program’. We operate a Healthy Lunch Program.We offer an Active After School Communities Program.
Newling Public School
Address: 80 Chapel St, Armidale
Phone: 02 6772 1488
Website: www.newling-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Newling Public School, established in 1974, is situated in the ‘Education City’ of Armidale. The school serves a diverse urban and rural community and reflects the strong values which our community upholds. Our school actively fosters a “family” atmosphere in which all pupils share equally, where parents and the general community are welcome and encouraged to participate and where the experienced staff are professionally committed and supportive of one another. The school ensures that all children are provided with the opportunity and skills to reach their potential and prepare them for the future through extensive academic , cultural , sporting and technological programs. The wonderful facilities and grounds also help maintain a happy, safe environment conducive to the learning, growth and development of all .\ Success is assured through the ongoing evaluation and development of policies, programs and plans.
Sandon Public School
Address: Erskine & Niagara Sts, Armidale
Phone: 02 6772 3349
Website: www.sandon-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Sandon Public School is situated on the western edge of Armidale. The school provides a caring and co-operative learning environment for all students. Individual differences are well catered for and accepted. Excellence is promoted in all endeavours and individual achievement is encouraged. The inclusion of students with disabilities is a distinctive program at the school.
St John’s Co-Educational Junior School
Address: 8 Uralla Rd, Armidale
Phone: 02 6774 8700
Website: www.negs.nsw.edu.au/st-johns/about/
St John’s Co-Educational Junior School provides a unique education in a family atmosphere. The school caters for boys and girls from Transition to Year 6. Boarding is available for girls from Year 5.
St John’s is located on a spacious and picturesque campus, with bright, fresh classrooms and a generous playground with modern equipment specifically designed for primary students.
Classes are structured so that teachers can seamlessly deliver differentiated learning in a supportive environment, ensuring all students feel confident as they progress at a pace most suitable to them.
St Mary’s Primary School
Address: 156 Rusden Street, Armidale
Phone: 02 6772 4441
Website: www.stmarysarmidale.catholic.edu.au/
St Mary’s is situated in the ‘Catholic Block’ of town which includes the Cathedral, the Bishop’s House, the Catholic Chancery, the Parish Hall, the Ursuline Convent and the offices of the Catholic Schools Office. St Mary’s has plenty of space for the students and has beautiful grounds with many large deciduous trees around the school. The Infants and primary sections of the school are separate. St Mary’s has excellent facilities and playing fields across a side street. The school library is well appointed and spacious. There are new computer facilities available for the students.
Other Junior Schools
Bald Blair Public School
Address: Ebor Road, Guyra
Phone: 02 6779 1578
Website: www.baldblair-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Bald Blair School is a picturesque rural school situated 11kms from Guyra. The school’s central aim is for all students to attain the highest possible educational standard of which they are capable. It is the belief of the school community that this will be achieved by providing explicit teaching and learning in an environment not unlike that of the family, where trust, care, mutual support and co-operation enhance quality learning outcomes. The school encourages its students to participate and be challenged by a balanced, sequential curriculum appropriate to their stage of development.
Ben Lomond Public School
Address: Inn Rd, Ben Lomond
Phone: 02 6733 2001
Website: www.benlomond-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Ben Lomond Public School promotes a caring, nurturing learning environment in which students are challenged to develop intellectually, socially, physically and emotionally. Students have the opportunity to develop responsibility and leadership skills. The school enjoys a co-operative relationship between students, staff, parents and community. The parents and community are supportive of school programs. Their activities and fund raising events are inclusive and welcoming to all members of the school community.
The school regularly participates in sporting, cultural and educational excursions at local, regional and state level. The school’s motto, ‘Above All’, reflects our belief that students should always try to achieve their best in everything they do.
Black Mountain Public School
Address: 815 Black Mountain Rd, Black Mountain
Phone: 02 6775 0192
Website: www.blackmtn-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Black Mountain Public School, situated in an idyllic setting, is the focal point of a small community located in the Northern Tablelands area of NSW. This community is made up of farmers and others who travel to the City of Armidale or town of Guyra to work in a variety of trades. Since its establishment in 1882 the school has prospered according to the fortunes of the rural community, and has alternated between being a one-teacher and two-teacher school. Although a large number of students come from the surrounding properties, a bigger percentage travel by bus from Guyra.
The school has as its central aim the education of students to attain the highest possible educational standard of which they are capable. It is the belief of the school community that this will be achieved by providing quality teaching in an environment not unlike that of the family where trust, care, mutual support and cooperation enhance quality learning. The Black Mountain badge has the words “Fellowship in Learning”, which reflects the belief that students should be educated in an atmosphere where they help one another to achieve their own potential.
St Mary of the Angels (Catholic)
Address: Malpas Street, Guyra
Phone: 02 6779 1661
Website: www.stmarysguyra.catholic.edu.au
St Mary of the Angels school is a small, Catholic school offering excellence in education within a rural setting. A major feature of the school is the welcoming family atmosphere where students and parents work together in harmony.
Ebor Public School
Address: Ebor St, Ebor
Phone: 02 6775 9136
Website: www.ebor-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Ebor Public School welcomes students and their families to their well resourced school, which provides a consistent, safe and supportive environment in which all their students can reach their full potential. Their school aims to assist in the development of happy children who are good citizens, always caring of others, motivated, conscientious, confident and self-disciplined. Due to small class size and outstanding student to teacher ratios, they are able to provide each of their students with a learning plan specifically tailored to their individual needs and talents.
Ebor Public School is special in that each of their students has their own computer, which is dedicated to their use of technology across all the Key Learning Areas. New programs include Environmental Education community partnerships and achievements in the Creative and Practical Arts. Literacy and Numeracy are school focus areas, which are further supported by extra DET staffing and funding. Students participate in regular excursions and Combined Small Schools’ Days, providing many opportunities for students to interact and learn within a large group of peers. The school has a supportive P&C, with parents who are invited to be actively involved in their children’s school life. If you are interested in any special activities, such as supporting student reading, being involved in the Active After School Communities (AASC) sports program, or have other talents you would like to share, you will be more than welcome at their small school! Ebor Public School plays an important role in our community by providing a focal point for many community and school based meetings or activities. The pride they have in their school is reflected in the school motto: While we learn we grow.
Central Schools
MET (Brethern)
Address: 251 Donnelly Street, Armidale
Phone: 02 6771 1725
Website: www.metschool.nsw.edu.au
The first affiliated school was established by the Exclusive Brethren Christian fellowship in 1993. As a school we are a highly respected academic facility that demands high standards of ourselves. The School is happy to be judged objectively against other schools on performance criteria, measured as the fulfilment of student potential, which meets government standards. We are committed to achieving the highest levels of teaching from our staff and academic potential from our students. MET School is a registered and accredited independent school, which operates multiple campuses. With one central administration the campuses work in close cooperation sharing expertise, professional learning opportunities and resources.
Presbyterian Ladies College
Address: Crest Rd, Armidale
Phone: 02 6770 1700
Website: www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
PLC Armidale is an all girls’ school comprising of two schools which are located on the one beautiful 17 hectare campus: Junior School (Pre-Kinder to Year 6) and Senior School (Year 7 – 12). The location of the two schools means that there is a greater level of interaction and camaraderie between students and staff, in a nurturing environment.
There are a number of activities in which the whole school participates simultaneously : the Athletics Carnival, Community Service Week, and the Guild Drama event at the end of the year.
The Armidale School
Address: 87 Douglas St, Newling
Phone: 02 6776 5800
Website: www.as.edu.au
The Armidale School (TAS) is an independent, Anglican day and boarding school predominantly for boys, located in Armidale on the New England tablelands of northern New South Wales, Australia. Founded in 1894, TAS has a non-selective enrolment policy and offers a diverse curriculum with a focus on academic achievement. Current enrolments stand at approximately 620 students, including 200 boy boarders from Years 6-12. TAS has a co-educational Junior School catering for Transition (pre-Kindergarten) to Year 5, a boys Middle School (Years 6-8) and a boys Senior School (Years 9-12).
Guyra Central School
Address: Marne Street, Guyra
Phone: 02 6779 0844
Website: www.guyra-c.schools.nsw.edu.au
Guyra Central School is a progressive school with highly motivated staff providing exceptional learning opportunities for all of their students from Kindergarten to Year 12. They aim to ensure that our students are provided with a wealth of opportunities to achieve success in academic, sporting, cultural and vocational pursuits.
As a central school, teaching expertise and skills can be shared across primary and secondary contexts to enrich the learning of students. An extensive and challenging curriculum is offered, with a strong middle school program to foster the continuity of learning as students move from primary to the secondary school. At Guyra Central School take pride in their capacity to provide rich and innovative educational experiences for all students. Their goal is to empower our students with values, skills, and knowledge to become valuable members of their local community and beyond.
High Schools
Armidale High School
Address: Butler St, Armidale
Phone: 02 772 7466
Website: www.armidale-h.schools.nsw.edu.au
Armidale High School, established in 1920, is a large comprehensive high school situated on the south side of Armidale. The school offers a curriculum of enormous breadth and co-curricula programs encompassing the arts, sporting, environmental, leadership and cultural pursuits. Outstanding Higher School Certificate (HSC) results, sustained consistently over many years, are obtained. Special emphasis is placed on the arts and the school has achieved recognition for its work in Environmental Education, Aboriginal Education, Languages other than English and lifesaving. AHS prides itself on the student-centred nature of its philosophy, welfare and curriculum programs
Duval High School
Address: Crest Rd, Armidale
Phone: 02 6772 1266
Website: www.duval-h.schools.nsw.edu.au
Duval High School, Armidale, is located in the New England region of NSW. The school was established in 1974. It is a centre of excellence in drama and public speaking and has received the Director General’s Award of Excellence for Support for Student Learning and for Teaching. Duval High School has developed a history of excellence and achievement in many academic, cultural and sporting areas. The school has close community ties with UNE and the city generally. It also has a strong supportive parent community. The vision of Duval High School is to provide a caring, challenging educational environment where each individual is encouraged towards self-fulfilment, concern for others and the co-operative pursuit of excellence. Duval High School seeks to ensure a quality educational program for all students, providing a diverse curriculum, offering effective welfare programs and a wide range of cultural and sporting opportunities.
New England Girls School
Address: 8 Uralla Rd, Armidale
Phone: 02 6774 8700
Website: www.negs.nsw.edu.au
NEGS is a day and boarding girls’ school founded in 1895 and located in Armidale, Northern NSW on a beautiful 50 hectare campus. It has a mix of old and new heritage listed buildings with state of the art Science laboratories, a multi-purpose centre and a national standard Equestrian Centre. NEGS also boasts a range of resources for extra-curricular activities catering for the needs of each student. The New England Girls School has over 100 years experience inspiring girls to embrace learning and effect change for a better world.
NEGS has a long-established tradition where every girl is known and valued. Staff work closely with the girls and their families to facilitate the best all-round education available. Girls are equipped and empowered by the values we celebrate, realising the potential in each student and providing a balanced education that addresses the academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of each student’s life. At NEGS, girls have the opportunity to develop into what they want to be. We cherish balance and offer rich and diverse co-curricular opportunities, including membership of Round Square that provides a wider global perspective.We are very proud of our school and our students. Ultimately, you will find a school with warmth, Christian values and an integrity that has resulted in NEGS becoming one of Australia’s most respected rural schools.
O’Connor Catholic College
Address: Kirkwood Street, Armidale
Phone: 02 6772 1666
Website: www.oconnor.nsw.edu.au
O’Connor Catholic College is a co-educational high school, from years 7 to 12, and a systemic school in the Diocese of Armidale. It began in 1975 with the amalgamation of two of Armidale’s longest established schools – St Ursula’s College (est. 1882) and De La Salle College (est. 1906). The School occupies the site of the former De La Salle College.
Further Education
New England Community College
Address: 136 Bradley Street, Guyra
Phone: 02 6779 2132
Website: www.gala.org.au
The New England Community College (NECC) located in Guyra, Uralla, Walcha and Armidale, offers a diverse range of certificate courses, general interest courses, computer training and Literacy and Numeracy. For work or pleasure, for income or leisure NECC is your local Registered Training Organization. Certificate courses are nationally recognized qualifications.
New England Conservatorium of Music
Address: CB Newling Building, Corner Mossman & Faulkner Streets, Armidale
Phone: 02 6773 6419
Website: necom.une.edu.au
The New England Conservatorium of Music, affectionately known as NECOM, is a thriving regional conservatorium on the Northern Tablelands of NSW. The principal campus is situated in Armidale with a satellite campus in Inverell. NECOM provides extensive pre-tertiary programs, professional development and special music events to a wide regional community of children and adults through to professional musicians and educators.
NECOM is NSW’s only ‘Conservatorium without Walls’, a model based on building collaborative affiliations with government and non-government schools, community studio music teachers and community music organisations to share resources, deliver joint programs, build organisational capacity and enhance professional development of music educators.
TAFE New England
Address: Beardy Street, Armidale
Phone: 02 6773 7700
Website: tne.edu.au
The Armidale campus of the New England Institute of TAFE offers courses in a wide range of industry areas, from trades & primary industries, business administration, visual arts, screen studies and graphic design to allied health and community services, tourism & hospitality, English as a second language and literacy and numeracy, among others. They offer flexible study options to suit a variety of work and life situations.
University of New England
Phone: 02 6773 3333
Website: www.une.edu.au
UNE is Australia’s oldest regional university offering more than 200 courses at undergraduate, postgraduate coursework and higher degree research levels. More than 87,000 people have graduated from UNE, with many of them going on to hold senior positions around Australia – and abroad – in business, government, education, research, and community development.
