About the school
Macdonald Valley Public School is one of the smallest schools within the Hawkesbury region, situated in a rural area near St. Albans. Established in 1848, it proudly holds the title of the oldest continuously operating government school in New South Wales. Students often travel up to 15 kilometres by school bus to attend. The school boasts extensive grounds that feature large grassed playing areas, a basketball court, cricket nets, a long jump pit, and various play equipment. Its natural surroundings include bush, wetlands, rainforests, timber plantations, cultivated fields, and rugged mountains, providing ample opportunities for environmental studies.
The school community comprises farmers, craftsmen, artists, musicians, and various other professions, creating a culturally rich environment for parents and citizens. The strong relationship between the school and its community enhances the learning experience and ensures robust support for educational programs. Macdonald Valley Public School is highly resourced, excelling in sports, music, and craft, and is recognised for its award-winning Horsemanship program. It is dedicated to nurturing a family-oriented atmosphere that emphasises the belief that 'character builds destiny.'
The school offers a comprehensive education for students from Kindergarten to Year 6, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement among its diverse student body. This commitment to building character and a strong academic foundation ensures that every student is well-prepared for their future.
Mission
At Macdonald Valley Public School we believe that every student deserves equal access to quality education and opportunities to succeed, and to engage with a range of experiences that enrich their lives and learning.
Location & Catchment Area
- Macdonald Valley Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Wisemans Ferry Public School 7.3 km
- B Maroota Public School 15.0 km
- C Brewongle Environmental Education Centre 19.3 km
- D Colo Heights Public School 22.3 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 13 (8 girls, 5 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 13
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1020 (percentile 56)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 26% / 32% / 25% / 17%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 100
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 1.6
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 1.2
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 6 |
| Year 1 | 3 |
| Year 4 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 1 |
| Total | 13 |
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 | 13 | 8 | 5 | - | 1020 | 1.6 |
| 2024 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 86.9 | 1040 | 1.6 |
| 2023 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 88.5 | 1005 | 1.6 |
| 2022 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 83.2 | 994 | 1.6 |
| 2021 | 16 | 8 | 8 | 92.4 | 959 | 1.4 |
| 2020 | 14 | 10 | 4 | - | 950 | 1.4 |
| 2019 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 92 | 958 | 1.4 |
| 2018 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 93.1 | 952 | 1.4 |
| 2017 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 95.3 | 1012 | 1.4 |
| 2016 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 94.6 | 951 | 1.4 |
| 2015 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 96.5 | 945 | 1.4 |
| 2014 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 95.1 | - | 1.4 |
| 2013 | 5 | 3 | 2 | - | - | 1.4 |
| 2012 | 6 | 3 | 3 | - | 900 | 1.3 |
| 2011 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 94.6 | 1017 | 1.3 |
| 2010 | 8 | 4 | 4 | - | 1017 | 1.3 |
| 2009 | 9 | 4 | 5 | - | 1088 | 1.3 |
| 2008 | 10 | 6 | 4 | - | 1088 | 1.2 |
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.