# Bates Drive School

Bates Drive School is a NSW government schools for specific purposes in Kareela, New South Wales, Australia.

- **Sector**: NSW government school
- **Type**: Schools for Specific Purposes
- **Gender**: Co-ed
- **Enrolments**: 62 (2025)
- **Address**: Bates Drive, Kareela NSW 2232
- **Phone**: (02) 9521 6049
- **Website**: https://batesdrive-s.schools.nsw.gov.au
- **Email**: batesdrive-s.school@det.nsw.edu.au
- **ACARA AGE ID**: 56161
- **Established**: 1970-01-01

## About

Situated at Kareela in the Sutherland Shire, Bates Drive School is dedicated to catering to students with special needs. With a commitment to individualised planning and high levels of support, the school serves students aged 5 to 18 years, spanning Kindergarten to Year 12 across 11 classes. The diversity of student abilities includes significant intellectual and physical disabilities, autism, behavioural issues, and severe communication impairments, necessitating exemplary learning and teaching programs delivered by a passionate staff.

## Philosophy and Learning Environment
Education through collaboration is fundamental to the school’s philosophy, where students, parents, and educators work as a cohesive team to foster a dynamic learning environment. The aim is to provide 'exceptional learning opportunities for all', ensuring each student feels safe, included, and ready to learn from their very first day.

## Facilities
Bates Drive School boasts excellent facilities that cater to the varied needs of its students. These include an attractive bushland setting with a spacious playground, a large sandpit, a sensory room, a sensory corridor, an inground trampoline, an indoor/outdoor multipurpose area, and a solar heated pool, all designed to enhance the learning experience.

## Community Engagement
The school has a proactive P&C Association and maintains strong links with various local organisations, further enriching the educational experience and community involvement. Bates Drive School is committed to ensuring every child thrives in an environment that prioritises learning, growth, and support.

## Mission

Bates Drive School Mission Statement: to create a compassionate, empowering space where staff and students thrive together

Motto: "Exceptional Learning Opportunities for all"

## Enrolment history

| Year | Enrolments |
| --- | --- |
| 2025 | 62 |
| 2024 | 62 |
| 2023 | 62 |
| 2022 | 66 |
| 2021 | 65 |
| 2020 | 62 |
| 2019 | 63 |
| 2018 | 70 |
| 2017 | 68 |
| 2016 | 67 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2014 | 64 |
| 2013 | 65 |
| 2012 | 67 |
| 2011 | 65 |
| 2010 | 64 |
| 2009 | 60 |
| 2008 | 57 |

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Source: SchoolAtlas (https://www.schoolatlas.com.au/schools/56161-bates-drive-school), compiled from ACARA and NSW Department of Education data, reference year 2025. SchoolAtlas does not rank schools.