About the school
Forster Public School is located just metres from the beach, drawing students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The school features spacious, well-kept grounds, a basketball court, and is adjacent to an excellent Aquatic Centre, tennis courts, squash courts, cricket nets, a large playing field, and an outdoor learning area with ocean views. Established as a primary school in 1993, it has a rich history dating back to its original site at Pilot Hill in 1872.
The school offers a dynamic and caring learning environment with a strong academic focus. Comprehensive student-centred learning programs are provided across all Key Learning Areas, addressing the diverse needs of students in a safe and positive climate. Literacy and numeracy are major priorities, with significant initiatives such as the National Schools Partnership project aimed at improving literacy outcomes.
Forster Public School boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art technology such as interactive whiteboards and video conferencing. It includes a Support Unit for students with intellectual disabilities, and students excel in both creative arts and sports. The school promotes talent development through various programs and competitions, and is proud of its partnership with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, enhancing its garden program with a new kitchen facility built in 2010.
Caring teachers uphold high behavioural standards, and a strong pastoral care system ensures that students feel valued. Leadership opportunities are fostered through student councillor and buddy programs. The school's commitment to inclusive education is supported by an active parent community and recognition of Indigenous culture and heritage. Forster Public School is a proud member of the Great Lakes Learning Community.
Mission
At Forster Public School we believe that every student should be challenged to learn in a supportive and inclusive class environment where student voice is encouraged and authentically heard. Our core school values are safety, respect and personal best.
Location & Catchment Area
- Forster Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Tuncurry Public School 3.0 km
- B Great Lakes College Tuncurry Campus 3.6 km
- C Great Lakes College Forster Campus 3.7 km
- D Great Lakes College Senior Campus 3.8 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 573 (256 girls, 317 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 573
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 934 (percentile 19)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 46% / 31% / 16% / 7%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 111
- Indigenous students
- 26%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 8%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 39.9
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 10.1
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 90 |
| Year 1 | 64 |
| Year 2 | 71 |
| Year 3 | 88 |
| Year 4 | 83 |
| Year 5 | 87 |
| Year 6 | 90 |
| Total | 573 |
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 | 573 | 256 | 317 | - | 934 | 39.9 |
| 2024 | 604 | 285 | 319 | 86.7 | 936 | 41.1 |
| 2023 | 648 | 314 | 334 | 88.6 | 929 | 43.6 |
| 2022 | 672 | 344 | 328 | 86.1 | 934 | 44 |
| 2021 | 688 | 348 | 340 | 88.6 | 933 | 44.2 |
| 2020 | 746 | 380 | 366 | - | 933 | 46.3 |
| 2019 | 704 | 366 | 338 | 91.3 | 934 | 44.2 |
| 2018 | 733 | 377 | 356 | 90 | 941 | 45.9 |
| 2017 | 765 | 377 | 388 | 91.9 | 935 | 45.5 |
| 2016 | 761 | 370 | 391 | 92.3 | 935 | 45.5 |
| 2015 | 757 | 357 | 400 | 92.2 | 936 | 45.6 |
| 2014 | 717 | 332 | 385 | 93 | 935 | 43.6 |
| 2013 | 690 | 317 | 373 | 93 | 936 | 40.4 |
| 2012 | 714 | 336 | 378 | 93.2 | 960 | 42.6 |
| 2011 | 731 | 348 | 383 | 92.7 | 954 | 42.8 |
| 2010 | 735 | 367 | 368 | - | 953 | 43.5 |
| 2009 | 749 | 360 | 389 | - | 993 | 42.4 |
| 2008 | 740 | 360 | 380 | - | 993 | 42.4 |
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.