About the school
Thornton Public School is situated between Maitland and Newcastle, conveniently located at the end of the Sydney Newcastle expressway. With an enrolment of 620 students, it embraces a diverse community representing a wide spectrum of socio-economic backgrounds. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum encompassing key learning areas, numerous sports, band, individual music tuition, and values education. Its mission is 'Developing Learners for Life', with a strong commitment to delivering quality programs in literacy, numeracy, and technology, all within a nurturing environment. The school emphasizes lifelong learning, encouraging students to reach their potential as they prepare for active engagement in the 21st Century. Thornton Public School prides itself on promoting both academic and sporting achievements, alongside a rich array of cultural activities like arts, dance, music, and languages. Environmental studies also hold significant importance in the school's curriculum. The school nurtures a friendly, open relationship with the community, enhancing the educational experience through active partnerships and collaborations with families and local organisations. Thornton Public School also supports students with a variety of needs, including those from Defence families and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, fostering respect and appreciation for cultural diversity within the school community. Additionally, initiatives for student wellbeing are integral to the school's approach, ensuring all students feel valued and connected.
Mission
At Thornton Public School, we are committed to providing a high-performing and inclusive public school where every student is known, valued, and cared for. We foster a safe and supportive environment that nurtures respectful, responsible, and resilient learners, empowered to reach their full potential.
Location & Catchment Area
- Thornton Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Francis Greenway High School 2.8 km
- B Metford Public School 3.0 km
- C Hunter River Community School 3.0 km
- D Beresfield Public School 3.1 km
- E Woodberry Public School 3.2 km
- F Woodberry Learning Centre 3.3 km
- G Ashtonfield Public School 3.7 km
- H Tarro Public School 4.2 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 826 (381 girls, 445 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 826
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 974 (percentile 35)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 37% / 34% / 21% / 8%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 108
- Indigenous students
- 17%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 14%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 46.8
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 8.9
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 114 |
| Year 1 | 107 |
| Year 2 | 119 |
| Year 3 | 129 |
| Year 4 | 117 |
| Year 5 | 122 |
| Year 6 | 118 |
| Total | 826 |
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 | 826 | 381 | 445 | - | 974 | 46.8 |
| 2024 | 830 | 400 | 430 | 89.4 | 972 | 46.4 |
| 2023 | 819 | 407 | 412 | 90.3 | 980 | 45.1 |
| 2022 | 753 | 367 | 386 | 87.6 | 968 | 41.7 |
| 2021 | 744 | 359 | 385 | 91.3 | 964 | 39.4 |
| 2020 | 763 | 360 | 403 | - | 965 | 39.3 |
| 2019 | 702 | 344 | 358 | 91.4 | 962 | 37.1 |
| 2018 | 658 | 325 | 333 | 92.6 | 959 | 34.8 |
| 2017 | 611 | 305 | 306 | 92.6 | 957 | 33 |
| 2016 | 556 | 284 | 272 | 93 | 956 | 29.1 |
| 2015 | 541 | 272 | 269 | 92.5 | 952 | 29.1 |
| 2014 | 545 | 266 | 279 | 94.4 | 974 | 29.6 |
| 2013 | 525 | 254 | 271 | 94.2 | 985 | 28.7 |
| 2012 | 544 | 256 | 288 | 93.8 | 977 | 27.5 |
| 2011 | 552 | 265 | 287 | 94.6 | 978 | 27.7 |
| 2010 | 602 | 297 | 305 | - | 976 | 29.9 |
| 2009 | 605 | 301 | 304 | - | 1020 | 31.1 |
| 2008 | 620 | 309 | 311 | - | 1020 | 31.2 |
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.