About the school
Kempsey High School commenced in 1930 and has a legacy of excellence in academic, civic, business, artistic, and sporting achievements. The school is committed to fostering a sense of personal worth, integrity, and responsibility among its students, providing a supportive environment that challenges them to excel. A strong focus on cooperation and responsibility is integral to the school's code, promoting respect and growth in students on intellectual, cultural, physical, and social levels.
Curriculum and Programs
The school offers a broad range of courses from Years 7 to 12. In Years 7 and 8, students engage with programs that emphasise literacy and numeracy, while Years 9 to 12 present a wide variety of subjects in small class settings. Notable enhancement programs include an after-school homework program, HSC tutor program, and Year 12 tutorial support. The Enterprise Centre collaborates with employers to provide hands-on projects that teach vital employability skills. Among its esteemed programs, Agriculture and Visual Arts stand out for their quality and breadth.
Support and Community Engagement
Kempsey High School boasts a range of facilities designed to aid student learning, including modern laboratories, performance spaces, and training centres. The school fosters a strong community presence, encouraging parental involvement and deepening connections with local businesses and organisations. Initiatives such as the Gooris On The Job and Gooris In Business programs underscore the school's commitment to Aboriginal education and cultural understanding, supported by the Barrunba Ngundakang - the Aboriginal Centre. The essence of the school’s approach is to create an inclusive environment that enables all students to feel safe and supported, ultimately guiding them toward their full potential.
Mission
Kempsey High School supports children to reach their potential through quality teaching and learning within a nurturing and supportive environment. We strive to prepare all students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens ready to engage in our local community.
Location & Catchment Area
- Kempsey High School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Kempsey West Public School 1.3 km
- B Green Hill Public School 2.2 km
- C Melville High School 2.4 km
- D Kempsey East Public School 2.8 km
- E Kempsey South Public School 3.0 km
- F Aldavilla Public School 3.8 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 584 (290 girls, 294 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 578.6
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 848 (percentile 5)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 66% / 23% / 8% / 2%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 151
- Indigenous students
- 46%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 3%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 60.7
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 18.7
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 99 |
| Year 8 | 116 |
| Year 9 | 143 |
| Year 10 | 94 |
| Year 11 | 88 |
| Year 12 | 44 |
| Total | 584 |
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 | 584 | 290 | 294 | - | 848 | 60.7 |
| 2024 | 556 | 261 | 295 | 69.8 | 854 | 63 |
| 2023 | 547 | 268 | 279 | 72.1 | 854 | 60.6 |
| 2022 | 497 | 234 | 263 | 70.6 | 853 | 56.7 |
| 2021 | 478 | 244 | 234 | 76.5 | 844 | 52.8 |
| 2020 | 457 | 224 | 233 | - | 846 | 44.6 |
| 2019 | 461 | 224 | 237 | 79.8 | 852 | 46 |
| 2018 | 489 | 244 | 245 | 81.5 | 856 | 47.2 |
| 2017 | 466 | 216 | 250 | 78.5 | 846 | 47.2 |
| 2016 | 451 | 216 | 235 | 78.5 | 859 | 45.2 |
| 2015 | 442 | 208 | 234 | 80.8 | 855 | 43.9 |
| 2014 | 470 | 225 | 245 | 80.5 | 852 | 45.3 |
| 2013 | 479 | 219 | 260 | 75.6 | 851 | 46 |
| 2012 | 495 | 233 | 262 | 76.1 | 854 | 46.1 |
| 2011 | 542 | 266 | 276 | 80.2 | 850 | 46.5 |
| 2010 | 498 | 235 | 263 | - | 856 | 45.8 |
| 2009 | 482 | 225 | 257 | - | 870 | 45 |
| 2008 | 482 | 237 | 245 | - | 870 | 46 |
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.