About the school
Sawtell Public School is a focal point for its community on the mid north coast of NSW. The school provides outstanding academic and social programs that enable children to fulfil their potential as students and citizens. The priority is for students to be happy at school. Sawtell prides itself on being a school of opportunity, with participation in all aspects of school life being encouraged. This is reflected in the school motto, 'Play the Game', which is embedded in the school's philosophy.
Culture and Values
Tradition and traditional values are recognised and reinforced through the school's culture. Individuality is developed through a strong creative arts program, and teamwork is fostered via a range of sporting opportunities. Outdoor learning activities and an extensive excursion program help in developing students' knowledge of their environment. The school aims to produce caring, capable citizens who will uphold the school's values in the wider community.
Learning Environment
Set in a beautiful coastal village, Sawtell Public School utilises its unique location to enrich the learning experiences for its students. The school enjoys collaborative partnerships with families and the wider community, focusing on individual student needs. Student voice and leadership are highly valued, enhancing educational outcomes and fostering a sense of belonging among students. The comprehensive programs offered include High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE), explicit teaching methods, and support for students with diverse needs.
Mission
Every child is challenged to learn and continually improve within our school in an environment of high expectations, respect and inclusivity.
Location & Catchment Area
- Sawtell Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A William Bayldon Public School 1.7 km
- B Toormina Public School 1.8 km
- C Toormina High School 1.9 km
- D Coffs Harbour Learning Centre 3.0 km
- E Coffs Harbour Senior College 3.7 km
- F Boambee Public School 3.8 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 293 (147 girls, 146 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 293
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1003 (percentile 48)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 30% / 27% / 25% / 19%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 85
- Indigenous students
- 16%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 11%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 17.1
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 2.7
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 57 |
| Year 1 | 45 |
| Year 2 | 43 |
| Year 3 | 50 |
| Year 4 | 36 |
| Year 5 | 33 |
| Year 6 | 29 |
| Total | 293 |
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 | 293 | 147 | 146 | - | 1003 | 17.1 |
| 2024 | 280 | 132 | 148 | 90.4 | 1002 | 16 |
| 2023 | 287 | 137 | 150 | 89.6 | 1009 | 17.1 |
| 2022 | 314 | 159 | 155 | 87.9 | 996 | 18.3 |
| 2021 | 310 | 154 | 156 | 91.9 | 995 | 16.7 |
| 2020 | 325 | 164 | 161 | - | 987 | 17.9 |
| 2019 | 355 | 183 | 172 | 93.6 | 984 | 19.1 |
| 2018 | 352 | 186 | 166 | 93.4 | 991 | 19.1 |
| 2017 | 357 | 194 | 163 | 94.3 | 986 | 19 |
| 2016 | 333 | 177 | 156 | 93.8 | 996 | 18.9 |
| 2015 | 320 | 169 | 151 | 94.9 | 988 | 17.6 |
| 2014 | 312 | 166 | 146 | 94 | 992 | 17.6 |
| 2013 | 286 | 153 | 133 | 93.7 | 980 | 16.3 |
| 2012 | 259 | 127 | 132 | 93.1 | 978 | 15.1 |
| 2011 | 260 | 138 | 122 | 94.2 | 972 | 15 |
| 2010 | 247 | 126 | 121 | - | 971 | 13.8 |
| 2009 | 277 | 129 | 148 | - | 981 | 14.9 |
| 2008 | 265 | 117 | 148 | - | 981 | 15 |
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.