About the school
Nicholson Street Public School, established in 1883, is located on attractive grounds at the tip of the Balmain peninsula with views of Sydney Harbour. The school is backed by informed parents who maintain high expectations and collaborate with dedicated, enthusiastic staff committed to delivering quality teaching and learning programs aimed at maximising student outcomes. The current student population, reflecting the diversity of the Balmain Peninsula, is nurtured in a skilled and motivated environment, ensuring a stimulating and safe learning atmosphere for all.
Educational Excellence
The school's motto, "Learning, Laughter, Life," underscores its dedication to providing an excellent holistic education for each student. Nicholson Street Public School prioritises quality teaching of literacy and numeracy, while also embracing an innovative approach to integrating 21st-century learning skills into the curriculum, granting students numerous opportunities to excel across all learning areas. High expectations from students, staff, and the community drive ongoing improvements in academic achievements.
Programs and Activities
Nicholson Street Public School offers a rich array of programs aimed at fostering student engagement and promoting leadership. Every student develops skills and confidence in academic, artistic, cultural, and sporting domains. The school’s renowned performing arts program includes concert and training bands, choirs, and other ensemble groups, with students frequently representing the school in regional activities. Additionally, all students participate in sporting events, including district and regional carnivals for swimming, athletics, and cross country running.
The school benefits from well-resourced facilities and current technologies, as well as strong support from an active Parents and Citizens' Association, fostering a robust educational partnership throughout the school community.
Mission
At Nicholson Street Public School, we are dedicated to nurturing resilient, respectful, locally engaged, globally prepared, critical thinkers who are curious and creative lifelong learners.
Location & Catchment Area
- Nicholson Street Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Balmain Public School 979 m
- B Fort Street Public School 1.2 km
- C Observatory Hill Environmental Education Centre 1.2 km
- D Birchgrove Public School 1.5 km
- E Conservatorium High School 2.1 km
- F Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus 2.2 km
- G Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay Campus 2.2 km
- H Rozelle Public School 2.3 km
- I Ultimo Public School 2.4 km
- J North Sydney Public School 2.5 km
- K Cammeraygal High School 2.8 km
- L North Sydney Girls High School 3.0 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 95 (45 girls, 50 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 95
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1151 (percentile 95)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 1% / 8% / 30% / 61%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 1
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 18%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 5.2
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 1.6
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 12 |
| Year 1 | 21 |
| Year 2 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 14 |
| Year 4 | 17 |
| Year 5 | 12 |
| Year 6 | 11 |
| Total | 95 |
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 | 95 | 45 | 50 | - | 1151 | 5.2 |
| 2024 | 93 | 45 | 48 | 91.5 | 1156 | 5.1 |
| 2023 | 94 | 44 | 50 | 90.7 | 1148 | 6.1 |
| 2022 | 97 | 42 | 55 | 90 | 1153 | 6.1 |
| 2021 | 117 | 56 | 61 | 94.4 | 1143 | 7.2 |
| 2020 | 130 | 66 | 64 | - | 1136 | 7.3 |
| 2019 | 168 | 79 | 89 | 95.1 | 1136 | 9.7 |
| 2018 | 170 | 82 | 88 | 94.1 | 1137 | 9.7 |
| 2017 | 167 | 81 | 86 | 95.2 | 1150 | 9.6 |
| 2016 | 153 | 71 | 82 | 93.3 | 1137 | 8.5 |
| 2015 | 156 | 65 | 91 | 95.1 | 1155 | 9.5 |
| 2014 | 169 | 75 | 94 | 96.2 | 1144 | 9.1 |
| 2013 | 163 | 78 | 85 | 95.7 | 1175 | 9.1 |
| 2012 | 152 | 74 | 78 | 95.4 | 1195 | 9 |
| 2011 | 151 | 77 | 74 | 95.9 | 1204 | 8 |
| 2010 | 142 | 72 | 70 | - | 1218 | 7 |
| 2009 | 128 | 72 | 56 | - | 1209 | 7 |
| 2008 | 130 | 74 | 56 | - | 1209 | 5.6 |
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.