About the school
Paxton Public School is situated on expansive grounds in a semi-rural setting, approximately 10km from Cessnock in the Hunter Valley. The school operates with robust support from the Cessnock Community of Great Public Schools. The core values of Paxton Public School are encapsulated in its STAR framework: Safety, Teamwork, Achievement, and Respect, which underpin the school's commitment to Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL).
Vision and Educational Approach
The school's Vision Statement asserts: 'Parents, students and teachers all striving for the best by aiming high'. Paxton Public School is dedicated to fostering 21st Century Learners, emphasising engagement in the learning process. Students are offered opportunities in various fields, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths), robotics, sports, cooking, and the Creative and Performing Arts.
Unique Learning Programs
Every student at Paxton Public School has an individual education program tailored to support their learning needs. Teachers provide differentiated programs that focus on key areas for learning, ensuring that each child's educational experience is unique and specific to their needs. The school actively engages parents and the wider community in its activities, recognising their vital contributions to the educational journey of both students and teachers.
Community Collaboration
Additionally, Paxton Public School has established relationships with other small schools in the area, allowing for curriculum collaboration and joint sporting and excursion programs. This collaborative approach enhances the overall educational experience for students, reinforcing the community-oriented framework of the school.
Mission
We aim for excellence by providing a safe and inclusive learning environment that promotes high expectations and strong connections to community and culture.
Location & Catchment Area
- Paxton Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Ellalong Public School 3.0 km
- B Millfield Public School 3.4 km
- C Bellbird Public School 5.5 km
- D Congewai Public School 6.5 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 80 (42 girls, 38 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 80
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 926 (percentile 17)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 51% / 32% / 14% / 3%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 126
- Indigenous students
- 23%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 5.2
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 1.4
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 11 |
| Year 1 | 14 |
| Year 2 | 10 |
| Year 3 | 15 |
| Year 4 | 15 |
| Year 5 | 9 |
| Year 6 | 6 |
| Total | 80 |
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 | 80 | 42 | 38 | - | 926 | 5.2 |
| 2024 | 82 | 41 | 41 | 89 | 921 | 5.2 |
| 2023 | 88 | 38 | 50 | 88.9 | 927 | 5.2 |
| 2022 | 79 | 36 | 43 | 87 | 925 | 5.2 |
| 2021 | 70 | 35 | 35 | 91.1 | 925 | 3.9 |
| 2020 | 64 | 30 | 34 | - | 907 | 3.8 |
| 2019 | 55 | 21 | 34 | 91 | 928 | 2.7 |
| 2018 | 47 | 21 | 26 | 94.2 | 907 | 2.8 |
| 2017 | 49 | 20 | 29 | 92.5 | 881 | 2.8 |
| 2016 | 36 | 14 | 22 | 95.1 | 895 | 2.8 |
| 2015 | 56 | 22 | 34 | 92.7 | 896 | 3.9 |
| 2014 | 74 | 28 | 46 | 93.1 | 929 | 4.9 |
| 2013 | 74 | 27 | 47 | 93.4 | 898 | 4.9 |
| 2012 | 78 | 30 | 48 | 92.5 | 908 | 4.6 |
| 2011 | 67 | 25 | 42 | 94.4 | 910 | 3.6 |
| 2010 | 60 | 26 | 34 | - | 860 | 3.6 |
| 2009 | 58 | 27 | 31 | - | 885 | 3.6 |
| 2008 | 61 | 30 | 31 | - | 885 | 3.6 |
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.