About the school
Cessnock West Public School is located in the lower Hunter Valley town of Cessnock, serving a current enrolment of 413 students. The school prioritises innovative and quality education within a caring environment, recognising each child as the focus of its educational programmes. Emphasising Future-focused Learning skills and the REAL (Rigorous, Engaging, Authentic Learning) approach, Cessnock West fosters self-discipline and a love of learning. The core values of the school—Respect, Responsibility, and Learning—guide its initiatives.
As an Early Action for Success school, Cessnock West focuses on early identification and intervention for students needing additional support, funding Speech and Occupational therapy sessions directly within the school premises. The school adopts an integrated and holistic approach to learning by embedding literacy and numeracy in other key learning areas.
Creativity and physical activity are encouraged, with opportunities for students to explore sports and arts. The school also maintains a partnership with a local radio station, allowing students to operate an in-house radio program during lunchtime, promoting engagement and creativity. Sustainability is a core principle; students work with community volunteers in the Friends of the Environment program to enhance the school’s gardens.
Cessnock West also offers an Opportunity Class for gifted and talented students and collaborates with the University of Newcastle through its Children's University program, providing additional educational enrichment for students in Stage 2 and Stage 3.
Mission
Cessnock West Public School empowers all students to embrace learning and high achievement, strengthen their emotional, social and physical wellbeing, and develop connections with their culture and community.
Location & Catchment Area
- Cessnock West Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Mount View High School 1.6 km
- B Cessnock Public School 1.8 km
- C Cessnock High School 2.3 km
- D Cessnock East Public School 2.6 km
- E Nulkaba Public School 3.1 km
- F Bellbird Public School 3.5 km
- G Kitchener Public School 5.0 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 399 (193 girls, 206 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 399
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 884 (percentile 8)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 67% / 24% / 7% / 2%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 152
- Indigenous students
- 30%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 9%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 26.3
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 3.1
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 56 |
| Year 1 | 47 |
| Year 2 | 62 |
| Year 3 | 62 |
| Year 4 | 63 |
| Year 5 | 54 |
| Year 6 | 55 |
| Total | 399 |
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 | 399 | 193 | 206 | - | 884 | 26.3 |
| 2024 | 385 | 178 | 207 | 85.2 | 873 | 25.1 |
| 2023 | 387 | 186 | 201 | 86 | 876 | 26.3 |
| 2022 | 379 | 176 | 203 | 83 | 881 | 25.5 |
| 2021 | 385 | 173 | 212 | 89.6 | 887 | 25.8 |
| 2020 | 385 | 178 | 207 | - | 887 | 25.8 |
| 2019 | 396 | 190 | 206 | 90.6 | 887 | 25.8 |
| 2018 | 405 | 204 | 201 | 90.3 | 883 | 25.8 |
| 2017 | 410 | 210 | 200 | 91.4 | 891 | 25 |
| 2016 | 393 | 202 | 191 | 92.7 | 898 | 23.7 |
| 2015 | 371 | 200 | 171 | 92.8 | 913 | 23.6 |
| 2014 | 369 | 205 | 164 | 94.4 | 911 | 23.6 |
| 2013 | 357 | 192 | 165 | 92.7 | 924 | 23.7 |
| 2012 | 360 | 185 | 175 | 92.9 | 925 | 22.8 |
| 2011 | 360 | 183 | 177 | 92.6 | 920 | 21.6 |
| 2010 | 349 | 190 | 159 | - | 914 | 21.1 |
| 2009 | 350 | 184 | 166 | - | 935 | 20.1 |
| 2008 | 371 | 190 | 181 | - | 935 | 22.8 |
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.