About the school
Port Macquarie Public School is the first established school in Port Macquarie, conveniently situated on a hilltop with sweeping views of Town Beach and the north shore. Its close proximity to the central business district and recreational facilities allows students to engage with community programs and activities, enriching their educational experience.
Learning Environment
The school offers a diverse range of opportunities in a safe and welcoming environment, preparing students for the challenges of the new millennium. With a commitment to quality learning and student welfare, Port Macquarie Public School adopts inclusive practices, ensuring that every student feels valued. The school serves approximately 450 students from varied backgrounds, including those in mainstream classes as well as support and opportunity classes for students with special needs and those who are gifted.
Academic and Extracurricular Activities
Students at Port Macquarie Public School have the opportunity to excel not only academically but also in sports, music, and drama. The school’s curriculum encourages critical thinking and creativity through a broad range of subjects and extracurricular activities.
Community Commitment
The principal, Brett Thurgate, emphasizes the school's role as a community hub, fostering inclusivity where every child can grow academically and socially. The school prides itself on its cultural diversity and structured support for students with varying needs, aiming to ensure that all students can achieve their full potential. With the motto 'Honour and Pride', the school community embraces the value of respect and dedication to education.
Mission
We help every student to learn, grow and succeed. Join our friendly and inclusive school community today! Quality learning in a safe and happy environment.
Location & Catchment Area
- Port Macquarie Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A North East Public School of Distance Education 77 m
- B Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie Campus 751 m
- C Hastings Secondary College, Westport Campus 1.9 km
- D Westport Public School 2.1 km
- E Hastings Public School 2.6 km
- F Tacking Point Public School 4.8 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 451 (202 girls, 249 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 451
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 932 (percentile 19)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 50% / 28% / 16% / 7%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 116
- Indigenous students
- 24%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 11%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 37.2
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 11.3
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 58 |
| Year 1 | 61 |
| Year 2 | 62 |
| Year 3 | 77 |
| Year 4 | 58 |
| Year 5 | 66 |
| Year 6 | 69 |
| Total | 451 |
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 | 451 | 202 | 249 | - | 932 | 37.2 |
| 2024 | 442 | 209 | 233 | 86.7 | 933 | 38.6 |
| 2023 | 417 | 197 | 220 | 88.5 | 932 | 38.6 |
| 2022 | 429 | 207 | 222 | 84.5 | 935 | 37.1 |
| 2021 | 445 | 217 | 228 | 87.9 | 929 | 36.5 |
| 2020 | 434 | 201 | 233 | - | 930 | 34.5 |
| 2019 | 434 | 197 | 237 | 90.8 | 932 | 34.5 |
| 2018 | 432 | 189 | 243 | 91.4 | 922 | 34.5 |
| 2017 | 442 | 198 | 244 | 91.9 | 912 | 33.8 |
| 2016 | 442 | 191 | 251 | 87.2 | 907 | 34.5 |
| 2015 | 436 | 205 | 231 | 92.8 | 928 | 34.4 |
| 2014 | 438 | 212 | 226 | 93.5 | 930 | 34.7 |
| 2013 | 415 | 196 | 219 | 93.3 | 933 | 33.9 |
| 2012 | 415 | 183 | 232 | 92.2 | 949 | 32.8 |
| 2011 | 430 | 194 | 236 | 93 | 945 | 33.9 |
| 2010 | 428 | 188 | 240 | - | 949 | 31.7 |
| 2009 | 443 | 202 | 241 | - | 981 | 33 |
| 2008 | 480 | 221 | 259 | - | 981 | 33.9 |
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.