About the school
Kotara High School is a comprehensive co-educational high school located in Adamstown Heights, Newcastle, with approximately 1000 students and 100 staff. The school emphasises a strong partnership among staff, students, parents, and the wider community. It boasts a robust Student Representative Council and an active Parents and Citizens Association, fostering a collaborative educational environment.
Academic Excellence
Kotara High School offers a diverse range of programs across all Key Learning Areas. The school consistently achieves above average results in various subjects and competitions, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence. It also provides a Hearing Support Unit, catering to students with special needs from Years 7 to 12, while integrating support within mainstream classes. Furthermore, there is a dedicated program for Gifted and Talented students, ensuring every learner's needs are met.
Community and Support
The inclusive ethos of Kotara High School ensures that students from all backgrounds feel welcome and supported. The school prioritises the development of personal growth through various activities, excelling not only academically but also in cultural and sporting arenas. Daily operations are enriched by a commitment to student welfare and tailored programs that facilitate individualised learning plans to support all families. The environment nurtures student well-being, equipping them to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Location and Facilities
Situated conveniently in Adamstown Heights, Kotara High School is easily accessible via public transport. The institution manages significant upgrades and infrastructure projects, demonstrating an ongoing investment in enhancing educational facilities and learning environments. The school’s commitment to continuous improvement reflects its dedication to providing a rich array of learning opportunities.
Mission
We help every student to learn, grow and succeed. Our vision: To be a school that inspires excellence and empowers every student to be the best they can be.
Location & Catchment Area
- Kotara High School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Belair Public School 469 m
- B Kotara School 772 m
- C Kotara South Public School 1.2 km
- D New Lambton South Public School 2.0 km
- E Kahibah Public School 2.1 km
- F Charlestown Public School 2.2 km
- G New Lambton Heights Infants School 2.2 km
- H Garden Suburb Public School 2.3 km
- I Charlestown East Public School 2.7 km
- J New Lambton Public School 2.8 km
- K Adamstown Public School 2.8 km
- L Newcastle Junior School 2.8 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 1,130 (512 girls, 618 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 1,125.8
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1066 (percentile 74)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 14% / 26% / 31% / 29%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 54
- Indigenous students
- 5%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 12%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 85.5
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 21
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 193 |
| Year 8 | 201 |
| Year 9 | 199 |
| Year 10 | 194 |
| Year 11 | 195 |
| Year 12 | 148 |
| Total | 1,130 |
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 | 1,130 | 512 | 618 | - | 1066 | 85.5 |
| 2024 | 1,119 | 517 | 602 | 86.3 | 1065 | 83.1 |
| 2023 | 1,130 | 535 | 595 | 86.3 | 1057 | 84.1 |
| 2022 | 1,168 | 565 | 603 | 83 | 1060 | 85.1 |
| 2021 | 1,147 | 551 | 596 | 87.9 | 1058 | 82.2 |
| 2020 | 1,127 | 544 | 583 | - | 1059 | 80.7 |
| 2019 | 1,121 | 547 | 574 | 89.3 | 1056 | 79.2 |
| 2018 | 1,070 | 525 | 545 | 89.3 | 1048 | 76.8 |
| 2017 | 1,082 | 540 | 542 | 91.9 | 1054 | 78.7 |
| 2016 | 1,114 | 549 | 565 | 92.2 | 1043 | 78.6 |
| 2015 | 1,034 | 514 | 520 | 91.5 | 1042 | 71.4 |
| 2014 | 1,020 | 502 | 518 | 89.7 | 1040 | 71.1 |
| 2013 | 1,014 | 501 | 513 | 90.4 | 1043 | 72 |
| 2012 | 1,017 | 503 | 514 | 89.3 | 1030 | 71.6 |
| 2011 | 970 | 481 | 489 | 89.8 | 1026 | 68.8 |
| 2010 | 953 | 461 | 492 | - | 1028 | 67.5 |
| 2009 | 961 | 483 | 478 | - | 1075 | 68.4 |
| 2008 | 987 | 493 | 494 | - | 1075 | 69.6 |
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.