Hunter School of Performing Arts

Hunter School of Performing Arts (HSPA) is a central school located in Newcastle-Muloobinbah, renowned as NSW's only fully selective performing arts public school. Offering a comprehensive curriculum with a special emphasis on the performing arts, HSPA provides a creative and inclusive learning environment aimed at nurturing excellence among its students. With an enrolment of approximately 1,150 students from Years 3 to 12, including 165 in Primary and 985 in Secondary, admission is primarily through an audition process, attracting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from Awabakal, Worimi, Darkinjung, Kuring-gai, and Wonnarua lands.

The school prides itself on developing a wide range of student abilities with a strong focus on dance, music, and drama. In addition to performing arts, HSPA maintains high academic expectations, underscored by a dedicated staff of around 95 teachers and 25 support personnel. The initiatives at the school cover performing arts, mastery learning, student wellbeing, and values education, ensuring that students are engaged in both their artistic and academic pursuits.

Facilities include a modern 365-seat theatre, multiple recording studios, specialist learning spaces, and a 1200-seat multi-purpose centre that enrich the student experience. HSPA fosters strong partnerships with local organisations and educational institutions, enhancing its community ties and providing numerous extracurricular opportunities. The school's ethos of connectedness, inclusion, and collaboration is reflected in its culture, driving students, staff, and the wider community to strive for excellence together.

HSPA is committed to providing a nurturing environment where the performing arts are a gateway to intellectual, human, social, and career development, ensuring a culturally safe and enriching atmosphere for lifelong creative and collaborative pursuits.