About the school
Kotara South Public School is located 7km south of the centre of Newcastle, nestled within a tranquil bush setting that showcases native flora and fauna. Home to approximately 260 students, the school aims to create a supportive learning community where every student is valued as an individual and encouraged to reach their full potential. The mission of Kotara South Public School is 'Together We Strive to Achieve Our Very Best'.
Learning Environment
The school boasts a professional and cohesive staff dedicated to fostering a love of learning within its students. Emphasising excellence, the students excel academically, artistically, socially, and in sports. Various innovative programs are offered across subjects such as Literacy and Numeracy, Science, Sport, Public Speaking, Debating, Chess, and Creative Arts. Additionally, the school provides tailored support for students with special needs, including a Hearing Support Unit and an Early Intervention class.
Technology and Facilities
With a strong focus on integrating technology into the learning experience, the school provides access to interactive whiteboards, a computer laboratory, and a Connected Classroom. Programs are designed to build the students' social, emotional, and motivational skills, promoting an inclusive atmosphere where students learn the value of respect, tolerance, and care for one another.
Community Involvement
Kotara South Public School values strong partnerships with parents and the community, encouraging participation in the school's evaluations and events through an active P&C committee. An Out of School Hours (OOSH) service is also available, further supporting families in the community.
Mission
We inspire every student to become safe, respectful learners. The Kotara South Public School difference is a strong start inspiring student success in a safe, supportive environment.
Location & Catchment Area
- Kotara South Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Kotara School 704 m
- B Garden Suburb Public School 1.1 km
- C Kotara High School 1.2 km
- D New Lambton Heights Infants School 1.4 km
- E Belair Public School 1.6 km
- F Newcastle Junior School 1.9 km
- G Hillsborough Public School 2.0 km
- H Charlestown Public School 2.1 km
- I Cardiff High School 2.3 km
- J Charlestown South Public School 2.4 km
- K Kahibah Public School 2.7 km
- L New Lambton South Public School 2.7 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 309 (138 girls, 171 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 309
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1069 (percentile 75)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 14% / 23% / 32% / 31%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 48
- Indigenous students
- 6%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 16%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 20.7
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 4.3
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 36 |
| Year 1 | 42 |
| Year 2 | 48 |
| Year 3 | 44 |
| Year 4 | 36 |
| Year 5 | 50 |
| Year 6 | 53 |
| Total | 309 |
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 | 309 | 138 | 171 | - | 1069 | 20.7 |
| 2024 | 317 | 146 | 171 | 92.3 | 1066 | 21.9 |
| 2023 | 337 | 171 | 166 | 91.7 | 1065 | 21.9 |
| 2022 | 340 | 162 | 178 | 91 | 1070 | 23.8 |
| 2021 | 342 | 170 | 172 | 94.7 | 1068 | 22.9 |
| 2020 | 348 | 174 | 174 | - | 1071 | 23.9 |
| 2019 | 329 | 160 | 169 | 94.7 | 1070 | 23.8 |
| 2018 | 327 | 145 | 182 | 94.7 | 1078 | 22.5 |
| 2017 | 300 | 133 | 167 | 94.8 | 1072 | 21.2 |
| 2016 | 287 | 127 | 160 | 95.3 | 1068 | 20.8 |
| 2015 | 302 | 139 | 163 | 94.5 | 1060 | 20.7 |
| 2014 | 275 | 128 | 147 | 95 | 1053 | 19.7 |
| 2013 | 270 | 123 | 147 | 95.2 | 1058 | 19.7 |
| 2012 | 249 | 115 | 134 | 94.2 | 1049 | 18.1 |
| 2011 | 220 | 102 | 118 | 95.8 | 1055 | 17 |
| 2010 | 233 | 108 | 125 | - | 1051 | 18 |
| 2009 | 218 | 98 | 120 | - | 1064 | 17 |
| 2008 | 180 | 77 | 103 | - | 1064 | 14.6 |
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.