Bates Drive School
Exceptional Learning Opportunities for all
Enrolment at this school is not organised by year levels.
About the school
Situated at Kareela in the Sutherland Shire, Bates Drive School is dedicated to catering to students with special needs. With a commitment to individualised planning and high levels of support, the school serves students aged 5 to 18 years, spanning Kindergarten to Year 12 across 11 classes. The diversity of student abilities includes significant intellectual and physical disabilities, autism, behavioural issues, and severe communication impairments, necessitating exemplary learning and teaching programs delivered by a passionate staff.
Philosophy and Learning Environment
Education through collaboration is fundamental to the school’s philosophy, where students, parents, and educators work as a cohesive team to foster a dynamic learning environment. The aim is to provide 'exceptional learning opportunities for all', ensuring each student feels safe, included, and ready to learn from their very first day.
Facilities
Bates Drive School boasts excellent facilities that cater to the varied needs of its students. These include an attractive bushland setting with a spacious playground, a large sandpit, a sensory room, a sensory corridor, an inground trampoline, an indoor/outdoor multipurpose area, and a solar heated pool, all designed to enhance the learning experience.
Community Engagement
The school has a proactive P&C Association and maintains strong links with various local organisations, further enriching the educational experience and community involvement. Bates Drive School is committed to ensuring every child thrives in an environment that prioritises learning, growth, and support.
Mission
Bates Drive School Mission Statement: to create a compassionate, empowering space where staff and students thrive together
Location & Catchment Area
- Bates Drive School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Gymea North Public School 546 m
- B Gymea Technology High School 878 m
- C Kareela Public School 1.1 km
- D Jannali East Public School 1.2 km
- E Kirrawee Public School 1.4 km
- F Sylvania Heights Public School 1.5 km
- G Port Hacking High School 1.6 km
- H Oyster Bay Public School 1.7 km
- I Sutherland North Public School 1.8 km
- J Sylvania High School 1.8 km
- K Miranda Public School 1.8 km
- L The Jannali High School 2.2 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 62 (21 girls, 41 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 62
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1018 (percentile 55)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 24% / 31% / 31% / 13%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 94
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 37%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 15.8
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 13.8
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Primary ungraded | 25 |
| Secondary ungraded | 37 |
| Total | 62 |
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 | 62 | 21 | 41 | - | 1018 | 15.8 |
| 2024 | 62 | 22 | 40 | 87.1 | 1015 | 16.9 |
| 2023 | 62 | 19 | 43 | 87.2 | 1016 | 16.9 |
| 2022 | 66 | 18 | 48 | 89.1 | 1029 | 16.8 |
| 2021 | 65 | 19 | 46 | 90.7 | 1031 | 16.7 |
| 2020 | 62 | 16 | 46 | - | 1040 | 15.7 |
| 2019 | 63 | 14 | 49 | - | 1050 | 15.7 |
| 2018 | 70 | 14 | 56 | - | 1045 | 15.7 |
| 2017 | 68 | 15 | 53 | - | - | 15.6 |
| 2016 | 67 | 15 | 52 | - | - | 15.5 |
| 2015 | 64 | 15 | 49 | - | - | 15.5 |
| 2014 | 64 | 14 | 50 | - | - | 15.5 |
| 2013 | 65 | 15 | 50 | - | - | 15.5 |
| 2012 | 67 | 16 | 51 | - | - | 15.5 |
| 2011 | 65 | 16 | 49 | - | - | 15.6 |
| 2010 | 64 | 17 | 47 | - | - | 15.6 |
| 2009 | 60 | 19 | 41 | - | 1078 | 14.4 |
| 2008 | 57 | 19 | 38 | - | 1078 | 14.3 |
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.