Waitara Public School
Big enough to offer everything. Small enough to know your child.
About the school
Waitara Public School is located in Wahroonga, nestled in a community characterised by an increasing density of housing. The school boasts a diverse student population, incorporating over 52 cultures and featuring two Opportunity Classes that cater to academically gifted students. A strong emphasis on data-driven, differentiated teaching methodologies promotes student engagement and success. Additionally, Waitara Public School prioritises student wellbeing, offering numerous programs designed to enhance self-esteem and ensure a safe, supportive learning environment.
Partnerships within the community and a dedicated parent body foster a robust 'Learning Community' atmosphere, highlighting the school's commitment to values education and student leadership. The academic achievements of the students are notable, with a vast array of opportunities available in sports, dance, drama, music, and the arts. The teaching staff at Waitara is not only talented but also deeply committed to nurturing each student’s potential, ensuring they strive for personal excellence.
The school continues to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of its student population, reflecting its commitment to providing high-quality public education. The recent upgrade of facilities has expanded the school's capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 students, ensuring that it remains a premier educational institution in the region.
Mission
The Waitara Way is built on four foundations: Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Personal Best. These are not just words on a wall. They shape how our students treat each other, approach challenges, and show up every day.
Location & Catchment Area
- Waitara Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Hornsby Girls High School 986 m
- B Clarke Road School 1.5 km
- C Hornsby South Public School 1.6 km
- D Normanhurst Boys High School 1.8 km
- E Wahroonga Public School 1.8 km
- F Hornsby High School 1.9 km
- G Asquith High School 2.0 km
- H Normanhurst Public School 2.1 km
- I Asquith Public School 2.5 km
- J Warrawee Public School 2.5 km
- K Normanhurst West Public School 2.6 km
- L Hornsby North Public School 3.1 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 972 (457 girls, 515 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 972
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1148 (percentile 95)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 2% / 7% / 30% / 60%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 4
- Indigenous students
- 0%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 91%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 54.6
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 5.9
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 112 |
| Year 1 | 132 |
| Year 2 | 123 |
| Year 3 | 132 |
| Year 4 | 142 |
| Year 5 | 175 |
| Year 6 | 156 |
| Total | 972 |
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 | 972 | 457 | 515 | - | 1148 | 54.6 |
| 2024 | 1,023 | 477 | 546 | 92.6 | 1155 | 56.8 |
| 2023 | 1,032 | 500 | 532 | 93.2 | 1153 | 58 |
| 2022 | 1,031 | 495 | 536 | 89.6 | 1157 | 57 |
| 2021 | 1,055 | 530 | 525 | 95.8 | 1155 | 60.1 |
| 2020 | 1,070 | 558 | 512 | - | 1153 | 58.1 |
| 2019 | 978 | 522 | 456 | 94.7 | 1157 | 53 |
| 2018 | 926 | 481 | 445 | 94.8 | 1150 | 51.6 |
| 2017 | 862 | 419 | 443 | 95.7 | 1153 | 46.3 |
| 2016 | 732 | 331 | 401 | 94.8 | 1143 | 39.5 |
| 2015 | 693 | 330 | 363 | 95.5 | 1159 | 37.5 |
| 2014 | 659 | 314 | 345 | 96.1 | 1147 | 35.1 |
| 2013 | 614 | 295 | 319 | 96.2 | 1152 | 32.9 |
| 2012 | 618 | 295 | 323 | 95.5 | 1169 | 32.7 |
| 2011 | 643 | 309 | 334 | 96.2 | 1171 | 33.9 |
| 2010 | 622 | 300 | 322 | - | 1173 | 32.7 |
| 2009 | 602 | 302 | 300 | - | 1141 | 32.9 |
| 2008 | 609 | 296 | 313 | - | 1141 | 32.5 |
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.