# Newcastle Senior School

Newcastle Senior School is a NSW government schools for specific purposes in Waratah, New South Wales, Australia.

- **Sector**: NSW government school
- **Type**: Schools for Specific Purposes
- **Gender**: Co-ed
- **Enrolments**: 37 (2025)
- **Address**: 66 Harriet Street, Waratah NSW 2298
- **Phone**: (02) 4985 3122
- **Website**: https://newcastles-s.schools.nsw.gov.au
- **Email**: newcastles-s.school@det.nsw.edu.au
- **ACARA AGE ID**: 56288
- **Established**: 1939-08-01

## About

Newcastle Senior School supports students in Years 9 to 12 who have intellectual disabilities and complex learning needs. It operates as a School for Specific Purposes (SSP), aiming to create educational pathways tailored to the individual requirements of its students. The school comprises three components: the Newcastle Junior School, which caters to Pre-school to Year 4; the Newcastle Middle School for Years 5 to 8; and Newcastle Senior School, which focuses on post-school preparation. Newcastle Senior School promotes inclusive educational practices, ensuring a safe and engaging environment where all students feel welcome and ready to learn.

## Individual Learning Plans
The school collaborates closely with families to develop individual learning plans that cater to each student's unique needs and goals. With a strong emphasis on quality of life outcomes, the school provides specialised support that encourages personal growth and skill acquisition.

## Professional Staff
Newcastle Senior School employs 32 permanent teaching staff, including 20 teachers and numerous support officers, all dedicated to fostering a supportive educational atmosphere. The principal, along with the teaching and wellbeing teams, work diligently to create a structured environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

## Facilities
Students at Newcastle Senior School benefit from purpose-designed facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool and sensory equipment, which assist in their learning and development. The school also provides programs aimed at enhancing communication skills, independence, and essential life skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Overall, Newcastle Senior School is committed to nurturing each student's potential within an inclusive community, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills for their future.

## Mission

Newcastle Senior School works to build positive relationships and provide an inclusive, engaging and respectful school environment focused on maximising each student’s acquisition of skills for life and learning.

Motto: "Every child has the right to quality public education."

## Enrolment history

| Year | Enrolments |
| --- | --- |
| 2025 | 37 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2023 | 36 |
| 2022 | 37 |
| 2021 | 39 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2019 | 53 |
| 2018 | 58 |
| 2017 | 59 |
| 2016 | 56 |
| 2015 | 49 |
| 2014 | 48 |
| 2013 | 48 |
| 2012 | 54 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2010 | 36 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2008 | 36 |

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Source: SchoolAtlas (https://www.schoolatlas.com.au/schools/56288-newcastle-senior-school), compiled from ACARA and NSW Department of Education data, reference year 2025. SchoolAtlas does not rank schools.