A parliamentary inquiry has heard that one-third of NSW schools are full while 180 – including Bathurst Public, Perthville Public, Raglan Public and Carenne School – are stretched beyond their capacity . 

These four schools are operating above the 100 per cent utilisation rate, meaning all their permanent and demountable spaces are completely utilised. 

But a Department of Education spokesperson said higher enrolments could usually be catered for without adding demountable classrooms. 

“For schools over 100 per cent utilisation, a decision has generally been made at a local level by the school principal to manage student enrolments within existing permanent spaces, instead of placing demountable classrooms on the school site,” the spokesperson said. 

“In cases of sustained and stable enrolment increases, the department provides additional permanent facilities, or new schools, as necessary.”

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole believes the revelation is a positive for the region.

“This clearly shows the Bathurst region is a point of destination, as young families are moving to the region,” Mr Toole said.  

Mr Toole said education was a priority for the state government with more than $10 million in funding going to local public schools in 2016, in addition to an $8 million upgrade at Bathurst High Campus in 2014. 

Mr Toole said schools shouldn’t stop taking enrolments, but it was up to them to decide whether they could cope.

“Enrolment is a matter up to each school,” he said.

“It is important that they have the resources to provide education to the students. 

“It might mean building a new high school in the region, to accommodate growth.”

The NSW school system will be required to deal with an estimated extra 225,000 students by 2031, with 165,000 expected to enter the public system.