About the school
Birchgrove Public School is an inner-city educational institution established in 1885, located in Balmain, New South Wales. The school is situated in an area rich in early European settlement history, while also respecting the local Aboriginal culture and traditions. Historically, it served as a high-density housing area for workers from nearby mines and heavy industry, although demographic shifts have changed the character of the area over time.
In 2010, Birchgrove Public School underwent extensive refurbishments, preserving its distinctive Victorian facade while integrating modern classroom facilities. The school features a pre-school with two units and is known for its highly engaged community that actively supports all aspects of the school’s educational programs. The school prides itself on a high level of student achievement across all key learning areas, bolstered by an extensive parent-organised music program.
All students, from Kindergarten to Year 6, benefit from an Italian Language Program. Birchgrove Public School is a Restorative Justice School, promoting an ethos of restoring relationships and taking responsibility. This is supported by initiatives such as a Student Parliament and a Student Representative Council (SRC), complemented by a strong welfare policy, including the Bounce Back Program and Peer Support Programs. The school motto, "To Strive", encapsulates its commitment to helping students achieve their personal best.
Mission
Inspiring every student to learn, grow, and achieve their best.
Location & Catchment Area
- Birchgrove Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus 889 m
- B Balmain Public School 903 m
- C Rozelle Public School 1.3 km
- D Nicholson Street Public School 1.5 km
- E Drummoyne Public School 2.2 km
- F Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay Campus 2.7 km
- G Fort Street Public School 2.7 km
- H Observatory Hill Environmental Education Centre 2.7 km
- I Orange Grove Public School 2.7 km
- J Annandale North Public School 2.8 km
- K Greenwich Public School 3.1 km
- L Hunters Hill Public School 3.1 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 214 (118 girls, 96 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 214
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1132 (percentile 92)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 5% / 11% / 27% / 57%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 17
- Indigenous students
- 4%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 21%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 15.4
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 4.7
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 23 |
| Year 1 | 36 |
| Year 2 | 31 |
| Year 3 | 31 |
| Year 4 | 31 |
| Year 5 | 23 |
| Year 6 | 39 |
| Total | 214 |
Year by year
Attendance data for 2020 is unavailable — NSW schools were disrupted by COVID-19 and the Department of Education did not publish figures for that year.
| Year | Enrolments | Girls | Boys | Attendance % | ICSEA | Teaching staff (FTE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 214 | 118 | 96 | - | 1132 | 15.4 |
| 2024 | 246 | 138 | 108 | 92 | 1138 | 16.5 |
| 2023 | 274 | 151 | 123 | 91.3 | 1131 | 17.7 |
| 2022 | 302 | 156 | 146 | 89.8 | 1150 | 18.4 |
| 2021 | 338 | 177 | 161 | 94.6 | 1136 | 20.9 |
| 2020 | 389 | 200 | 189 | - | 1136 | 23.1 |
| 2019 | 371 | 191 | 180 | 94.6 | 1137 | 23.1 |
| 2018 | 380 | 201 | 179 | 94.8 | 1154 | 21.9 |
| 2017 | 357 | 199 | 158 | 96.1 | 1139 | 21.4 |
| 2016 | 356 | 193 | 163 | 96.2 | 1156 | 21.3 |
| 2015 | 364 | 197 | 167 | 95.6 | 1156 | 21.1 |
| 2014 | 346 | 177 | 169 | 97 | 1158 | 20.1 |
| 2013 | 327 | 160 | 167 | 96.2 | 1160 | 20.1 |
| 2012 | 358 | 170 | 188 | 95.7 | 1166 | 20.6 |
| 2011 | 339 | 168 | 171 | 94.8 | 1161 | 19.6 |
| 2010 | 344 | 166 | 178 | - | 1160 | 19.6 |
| 2009 | 328 | 157 | 171 | - | 1206 | 18.4 |
| 2008 | 309 | 145 | 164 | - | 1206 | 18.4 |
Attendance data for 2020 is unavailable — NSW schools were disrupted by COVID-19 and the Department of Education did not publish figures for that year.