From our youngest learners to those in their final years of high school, students across NSW are set to benefit from new infrastructure and schools, and upgrades to technology as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said more than $19.7 billion would be invested into providing world-class education to students right across the state in 2020-21.
“We are investing in our students who will be our future mechanics, doctors and small business owners. We’re laying the foundations and boosting the facilities that our kids need to have the best success in life,” Ms Mitchell said.
“NSW’s students, teachers and parents have faced the state’s triple crises of drought, bushfires and now COVID-19 head on, adapting to how education is delivered across the state.
“We’re investing $120 million in our future generations by providing 12 months of free community preschool for our littlest learners to ensure they are well prepared to start school.
“We’re also spending $337 million to provide tutors to every public school and selected non-government schools for 2021 ensuring no student’s education suffers as a result of the disruption caused by COVID-19.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said supporting the education system and investing in boosting outcomes were paramount to a prosperous, post-pandemic economy.
“Schools have seen a year like no other, and this budget will support students from their very first years to their last. Making sure our students in preschool, primary school and high school have not fallen behind during the pandemic is key to our recovery,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We recognise the importance of schools in the wider community, which is why we are investing $240 million over two years into regional and metropolitan school building programs.
“The programs will help schools across NSW fund projects like canteens, administration buildings and outdoor learning areas. These projects will be completed by local business, with local employees, supporting local jobs, delivering a win for the school and the wider community.”
Ms Mitchell said the budget would support students and families right across the state with a $366 million investment into the Rural Access Gap program.
“The program will connect students and teachers from some of the most remote parts of the State with the technology and tools they need to access and leverage educational opportunities,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We are also pushing on with our major reforms in education ensuring our students are prepared for life after school.
“Our history making $6.7 billion school building program grows to $7 billion. Progress continues uninterrupted with 50 new or upgraded schools already delivered this year as part of our record building program delivering 200 new and upgraded schools.”
Other education investments in the 2020-21 NSW Budget includes:
- More than $100 million for an Education Campus in Murwillumbah;
- $320 million for new primary schools at Edmondson Park, Googong and Murrumbateman; and upgrades to Carlingford West Public School, North Sydney Public School, and Picnic Point High School;
- $366 million for digital upgrades in regional schools starting with $85 million being delivered immediately;
- $158 million to install LED lights in public schools over the next two years; and
- More than $1.3 billion in flexible needs-based funding for schools for the 2021 school year.
Non-government schools will receive $1.5 billion in grant funding in 2020-21, including the Government’s commitment to provide $500 million over four years for the Building Grants Assistance Scheme for capital works projects to support enrolment growth, and $31 million towards tutors for low SES, low fee schools.