About the school
Melville High School is a comprehensive, coeducational school located in Kempsey, NSW, offering a supportive and positive environment where students are empowered to excel in various fields. The school encourages all students to pursue their Higher School Certificate through either academic or vocational pathways. In the junior years, students follow a structured pattern of study, with a wide selection of traditional and vocational courses available as they progress into Stage 5 and Stage 6. Melville prides itself on providing the most extensive range of courses in the Macleay region, all taught by experienced educators.
The school’s focus on student success is reinforced by strong support structures emphasising effective learning, welfare, and discipline, with achievements celebrated publicly. Furthermore, staff instill core values of Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience in students. In addition to academic offerings, students are encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities, promoting a well-rounded experience. In 2015, Melville introduced the Clontarf Academy, aimed at addressing educational disadvantages for Aboriginal boys through sports and community involvement, exemplifying the school’s dedication to inclusivity.
Melville High School boasts a modern campus equipped with well-resourced classrooms, advanced technology, and dedicated facilities for science, physical education, and the creative arts. The student body is recognised for high levels of achievement in statewide programs, with results often exceeding those of similar schools. The school's commitment to fostering a holistic educational experience makes it a standout institution in the community.
Mission
Giving your child the best learning experiences in a caring environment where they feel valued, connected, and inspired by opportunities that enrich their whole self.
Location & Catchment Area
- Melville High School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Kempsey South Public School 714 m
- B Kempsey West Public School 1.4 km
- C Kempsey East Public School 2.2 km
- D Kempsey High School 2.4 km
- E Green Hill Public School 4.0 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 355 (174 girls, 181 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 355
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 849 (percentile 5)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 67% / 23% / 7% / 2%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 147
- Indigenous students
- 43%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 5%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 48.5
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 16.6
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 71 |
| Year 8 | 58 |
| Year 9 | 70 |
| Year 10 | 66 |
| Year 11 | 56 |
| Year 12 | 34 |
| Total | 355 |
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 | 355 | 174 | 181 | - | 849 | 48.5 |
| 2024 | 367 | 182 | 185 | 69.7 | 857 | 53.5 |
| 2023 | 443 | 226 | 217 | 69.3 | 864 | 56.2 |
| 2022 | 517 | 257 | 260 | 69.2 | 860 | 53.9 |
| 2021 | 573 | 297 | 276 | 74.2 | 874 | 55.9 |
| 2020 | 592 | 301 | 291 | - | 866 | 57.5 |
| 2019 | 608 | 308 | 300 | 80.9 | 873 | 56 |
| 2018 | 588 | 290 | 298 | 81.8 | 882 | 57.3 |
| 2017 | 623 | 310 | 313 | 81.6 | 886 | 59.4 |
| 2016 | 690 | 340 | 350 | 82.9 | 897 | 60.3 |
| 2015 | 704 | 358 | 346 | 82.3 | 889 | 61.5 |
| 2014 | 805 | 405 | 400 | 82 | 910 | 66.2 |
| 2013 | 844 | 401 | 443 | 84.4 | 921 | 68.3 |
| 2012 | 918 | 463 | 455 | 86.2 | 918 | 73.3 |
| 2011 | 936 | 480 | 456 | 85.3 | 917 | 75 |
| 2010 | 931 | 486 | 445 | - | 915 | 73.5 |
| 2009 | 927 | 471 | 456 | - | 941 | 72.7 |
| 2008 | 882 | 450 | 432 | - | 941 | 69.6 |
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.