Shortland Public School
Respect, Relationships and Responsibility
About the school
Shortland Public School is located on the western fringe of Newcastle, close to the University of Newcastle and the Shortland Wetlands Environmental Education Centre. It is a dynamic and innovative institution that provides a nurturing environment for its students, promoting continuous improvement through active community participation. The school caters to a diverse student population, including Regional Emotional Disturbance, Multi-Categorical, and Autistic classes, supported by equity funding for small group literacy and numeracy sessions.
Learning and Support Programs
Shortland Public School focuses on delivering tailored support through various programs such as daily DiPL literacy groups, Accelerated Literacy lessons, and a targeted multicultural program led by an ESL support teacher. The school prides itself on identifying and nurturing gifted students, offering specialised aerobics, ensemble, art, and environmental programs.
Community and Values
The school participates in the Positive Behaviours for Learning program, reinforcing its commitment to a Code of Conduct centred on 'Respect, Responsibility, and Relationships.' Shortland Public School also provides a range of extracurricular activities, including Active After Schools and access to OOSH services. By fostering a strong relationship with families and the community, the school ensures that every student is supported and encouraged to thrive.
Facilities and Future Initiatives
Plans are underway to establish a new public preschool at Shortland Public School, enhancing the educational opportunities for younger children. With a commitment to innovative teaching and a supportive community, Shortland Public School aims to empower its students to reach their full potential.
Mission
At Shortland Public School we are proud to be an inclusive school with high expectations that promotes the wellbeing and success of all students.
Location & Catchment Area
- Shortland Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Awabakal Environmental Education Centre 601 m
- B Heaton Public School 2.0 km
- C Callaghan College Jesmond Senior Campus 2.2 km
- D Jesmond Public School 2.5 km
- E Waratah West Public School 2.7 km
- F Callaghan College Wallsend Campus 2.7 km
- G Plattsburg Public School 2.9 km
- H Mayfield West Public School 3.4 km
- I Maryland Public School 3.4 km
- J Lambton Public School 3.5 km
- K Waratah Public School 3.7 km
- L Wallsend Public School 3.7 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 271 (122 girls, 149 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 271
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 926 (percentile 17)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 49% / 25% / 17% / 9%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 124
- Indigenous students
- 28%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 20%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 26.5
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 9.5
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 39 |
| Year 1 | 41 |
| Year 2 | 41 |
| Year 3 | 41 |
| Year 4 | 29 |
| Year 5 | 36 |
| Year 6 | 44 |
| Total | 271 |
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 | 271 | 122 | 149 | - | 926 | 26.5 |
| 2024 | 250 | 114 | 136 | 85.9 | 912 | 24.5 |
| 2023 | 239 | 106 | 133 | 85.3 | 895 | 21.2 |
| 2022 | 225 | 100 | 125 | 82 | 893 | 19.8 |
| 2021 | 218 | 93 | 125 | 88 | 894 | 17.3 |
| 2020 | 234 | 106 | 128 | - | 898 | 17.2 |
| 2019 | 233 | 94 | 139 | 89.5 | 905 | 17.2 |
| 2018 | 240 | 113 | 127 | 90.4 | 911 | 18.3 |
| 2017 | 238 | 100 | 138 | 91.9 | 921 | 18.2 |
| 2016 | 228 | 95 | 133 | 92.5 | 913 | 17.1 |
| 2015 | 222 | 94 | 128 | 90.2 | 936 | 16 |
| 2014 | 242 | 102 | 140 | 93.7 | 936 | 16.2 |
| 2013 | 238 | 100 | 138 | 93.4 | 937 | 16.2 |
| 2012 | 258 | 118 | 140 | 91.7 | 932 | 18.9 |
| 2011 | 256 | 112 | 144 | 92 | 931 | 18.9 |
| 2010 | 250 | 116 | 134 | - | 928 | 17.8 |
| 2009 | 261 | 118 | 143 | - | 964 | 17.6 |
| 2008 | 276 | 127 | 149 | - | 964 | 17.8 |
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.