Chatswood High School has surpassed 2000 students for the first time, following a recent multimillion-dollar upgrade that has significantly increased enrolments.
Rapid Growth at Chatswood High
Chatswood High School’s enrolment has reached 2106 students this year, ranking it as the second most populous public school in New South Wales. The enrolment increase places the school 240 students above its designated cap, which is based on the capacity of its permanent infrastructure.
Background: Infrastructure and Capacity Planning
A significant campus upgrade at Chatswood High was finalised in late 2023, forming part of a $250 million combined investment with Chatswood Public School. This upgrade was intended to accommodate growing demand from families choosing public education options in the area. The state government reported that ten north shore schools have been upgraded in the past decade, adding room for 6700 additional students.
Changing Enrolment Patterns Across NSW
Chatswood is among a small number of public schools in established suburbs where enrolment is rising. The Ponds High and Cherrybrook Technology High have also surpassed 2000 enrolled students this year, while more than 100 public schools statewide are operating at 50 per cent capacity or less.
Many of these are located in inner and eastern Sydney, where rising property prices and increased uptake of private education have reduced public school enrolments. In areas such as Bondi Beach, Paddington and Coogee, some primary schools have lost more than 250 students over the past five years.
Facilities Strain and Policy Response
Enrolment caps, introduced in 2019, were designed to reflect the capacity of permanent school buildings and discourage over-enrolment by directing students to schools with available space. Despite these measures, Chatswood High has continued to attract students due to its academic performance, creative arts programs, and sporting opportunities.
Transport access via the Metro and ongoing residential development in the north shore have further contributed to increased enrolments.
New Schools Deferred Despite Growth
Proposals to build new schools in Chatswood and St Leonards were recently withdrawn, after the NSW Department of Education assessed no immediate requirement. In nearby areas, however, some schools are experiencing enrolment reductions.
Cammeraygal High in Crows Nest has experienced a reduction in its enrolment limit, with schools like Pittwater High and Granville South Creative and Performing Arts High also reporting a drop in student numbers.
Community Perspective
The school’s parent association has noted that the combination of strong academic outcomes and upgraded facilities has made Chatswood High an attractive option for families moving into the area. The catchment area and available infrastructure have become key considerations for both parents and school planners.
Looking Ahead
While the NSW government is currently focusing on classroom expansion in outer metropolitan growth areas like the north-west and south-west, where most enrolment growth is occurring, it has acknowledged ongoing monitoring of demand in lower north shore areas, including Chatswood.
Published 22-May-2025