About the school
Main Arm Upper Public School is nestled in a serene rural setting just a ten-minute drive from Mullumbimby, providing a nurturing learning environment for students. The school prides itself on delivering a rigorous education within a family-oriented atmosphere that encourages continuous learning and the development of essential thinking skills. The core values of Respect, Resilience, and Responsibility are deeply ingrained in the school’s culture, reflected in its warm, cooperative community.
With small class sizes, the school offers individualised learning opportunities, enabling students to grow with confidence. Strong literacy and numeracy programs are complemented by creative and performing arts initiatives, as well as extensive environmental and welfare programs. Notable programs include "Positive Behaviour for Learning" (PBL) and "You Can Do It" (YCDI), both aimed at fostering life skills rather than just focusing on undesirable behaviours.
Additionally, the Kinder Buddy Program provides support and social integration for younger students. The YCDI program emphasises five foundations: Confidence, Persistence, Organisation, Resilience, and Getting Along, helping students recognise and take responsibility for their actions in learning.
The school also boasts a diverse range of enrichment programs, including dance, drumming, music, gardening, and after-school activities, ensuring the holistic development of each child. Parental involvement is highly valued, as the school collaborates with families to enhance the learning experience, striving to ensure the success and happiness of every student. Following recent floods, Main Arm Upper Public School is committed to recovery and continuous improvement, focusing on the wellbeing and growth of its students.
Mission
Set in a beautiful rural environment, Main Arm Upper Public School is a caring and connected learning community where every child is known, valued and supported to thrive. Strong partnerships, personalised learning and a focus on wellbeing ensure students are confident learners and capable, compassionate citizens.
Location & Catchment Area
- Main Arm Upper Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A The Pocket Public School 6.6 km
- B Wilsons Creek Public School 8.2 km
- C Burringbar Public School 8.7 km
- D Crabbes Creek Public School 9.5 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 88 (42 girls, 46 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 88
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1016 (percentile 54)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 24% / 30% / 30% / 16%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 71
- Indigenous students
- 7%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 38%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 5.1
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 1.6
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 9 |
| Year 1 | 14 |
| Year 2 | 10 |
| Year 3 | 21 |
| Year 4 | 12 |
| Year 5 | 13 |
| Year 6 | 9 |
| Total | 88 |
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 | 88 | 42 | 46 | - | 1016 | 5.1 |
| 2024 | 92 | 45 | 47 | 83.4 | 1025 | 5.1 |
| 2023 | 89 | 42 | 47 | 84.6 | 1020 | 5.1 |
| 2022 | 91 | 45 | 46 | 80.3 | 1021 | 5 |
| 2021 | 88 | 37 | 51 | 87.9 | 1038 | 4.8 |
| 2020 | 91 | 37 | 54 | - | 1034 | 4.8 |
| 2019 | 90 | 40 | 50 | 91.2 | 1027 | 4.8 |
| 2018 | 109 | 51 | 58 | 91.4 | 1017 | 5.9 |
| 2017 | 109 | 48 | 61 | 91.9 | 1027 | 5.8 |
| 2016 | 103 | 46 | 57 | 93.4 | 1036 | 5.7 |
| 2015 | 82 | 32 | 50 | 92.6 | 1058 | 4.6 |
| 2014 | 73 | 32 | 41 | 93.1 | 1033 | 4.6 |
| 2013 | 79 | 33 | 46 | 95.5 | 1091 | 4.6 |
| 2012 | 73 | 30 | 43 | 92.5 | 1020 | 5.2 |
| 2011 | 56 | 27 | 29 | 90.2 | 922 | 3.7 |
| 2010 | 55 | 36 | 19 | - | 994 | 4.3 |
| 2009 | 55 | 32 | 23 | - | 1039 | 3.2 |
| 2008 | 57 | 36 | 21 | - | 1039 | 3.7 |
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.