Newcastle Senior School
Every child has the right to quality public education.
Enrolment at this school is not organised by year levels.
About the school
Newcastle Senior School supports students in Years 9 to 12 who have intellectual disabilities and complex learning needs. It operates as a School for Specific Purposes (SSP), aiming to create educational pathways tailored to the individual requirements of its students. The school comprises three components: the Newcastle Junior School, which caters to Pre-school to Year 4; the Newcastle Middle School for Years 5 to 8; and Newcastle Senior School, which focuses on post-school preparation. Newcastle Senior School promotes inclusive educational practices, ensuring a safe and engaging environment where all students feel welcome and ready to learn.
Individual Learning Plans
The school collaborates closely with families to develop individual learning plans that cater to each student's unique needs and goals. With a strong emphasis on quality of life outcomes, the school provides specialised support that encourages personal growth and skill acquisition.
Professional Staff
Newcastle Senior School employs 32 permanent teaching staff, including 20 teachers and numerous support officers, all dedicated to fostering a supportive educational atmosphere. The principal, along with the teaching and wellbeing teams, work diligently to create a structured environment where students can thrive academically and socially.
Facilities
Students at Newcastle Senior School benefit from purpose-designed facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool and sensory equipment, which assist in their learning and development. The school also provides programs aimed at enhancing communication skills, independence, and essential life skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Overall, Newcastle Senior School is committed to nurturing each student's potential within an inclusive community, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills for their future.
Mission
Newcastle Senior School works to build positive relationships and provide an inclusive, engaging and respectful school environment focused on maximising each student’s acquisition of skills for life and learning.
Location & Catchment Area
- Newcastle Senior School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Newcastle Middle School 285 m
- B Waratah Public School 465 m
- C Callaghan College Waratah Campus 730 m
- D Lambton High School 981 m
- E Hamilton North Public School 1.4 km
- F Waratah West Public School 1.4 km
- G Hunter School of Performing Arts 1.8 km
- H New Lambton Public School 1.8 km
- I Lambton Public School 1.8 km
- J Islington Public School 1.9 km
- K Mayfield West Public School 2.4 km
- L Hamilton Public School 2.5 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 37 (9 girls, 28 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 37
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 960 (percentile 29)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 40% / 31% / 17% / 12%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 125
- Indigenous students
- 22%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 19%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 11.1
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 9.4
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Secondary ungraded | 37 |
| Total | 37 |
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 | 37 | 9 | 28 | - | 960 | 11.1 |
| 2024 | 40 | 9 | 31 | 85.3 | 988 | 11.1 |
| 2023 | 36 | 9 | 27 | 82.8 | 997 | 12.4 |
| 2022 | 37 | 9 | 28 | 84 | 1000 | 13.4 |
| 2021 | 39 | 9 | 30 | 76.7 | 1002 | 14.5 |
| 2020 | 51 | 13 | 38 | - | 972 | 14.5 |
| 2019 | 53 | 16 | 37 | - | 978 | 14.5 |
| 2018 | 58 | 21 | 37 | - | 955 | 14.5 |
| 2017 | 59 | 24 | 35 | - | - | 14.5 |
| 2016 | 56 | 23 | 33 | - | - | 13.4 |
| 2015 | 49 | 23 | 26 | - | - | 13.4 |
| 2014 | 48 | 17 | 31 | - | - | 13.4 |
| 2013 | 48 | 14 | 34 | - | - | 12.4 |
| 2012 | 54 | 17 | 37 | - | - | 12.4 |
| 2011 | 31 | 14 | 17 | - | - | 7.9 |
| 2010 | 36 | 18 | 18 | - | - | 7.9 |
| 2009 | 33 | 17 | 16 | - | 1007 | 7.9 |
| 2008 | 36 | 18 | 18 | - | 1007 | 7.9 |
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.