Find a School: Public & Private Schools in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter

Deciding which school is right for your child is one of the most important decisions parents must make. There is no shortage of quality schools in our region. It all depends on what type of primary or high school you’re choosing for your kids whether that be public, private, Catholic or other religious denominational, Steiner, Waldorf or an independent school.

In this guide, you can explore and research the best public or private school for your children in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Hunter region.

We’ve included information on where to find your local public school, as well as details of private schools in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter. We’ve included private primary and private high schools as well as schools which cover Prep to Year 12.

Children can start Kindergarten in NSW at the beginning of the school year if they turn 5 on or before 31 July that year. By law, all children must be in compulsory schooling by their 6th birthday.

Find Your Local Public School

Public government schools provide free education. All primary schools and the majority of high schools have designated intake areas based on your home address. Schools may accept enrolments from outside their local area if places are available. Use the School Finder website to locate NSW public schools and their designated intake areas. This will advise you about your local public school.

Private Schools in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter

There are also private schools that you can choose for your child. A private school is a non-government school. All schools in Australia, including private schools, receive government funding but also charge school tuition fees. Independent schools provide choice for parents who may be looking for a suitable school for their child based on religion, family values or pedagogy.

Check out our list of local private schools. Some schools feature Open Days and / or tours of their schools so you can see if it the right school for your child.

Australian Christian College – Singleton
109 – 129 Kelso Street, Singleton
Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12

Avondale School
119 Avondale Road, Cooranbong
ELC to Year 12

Belmont Christian College
65 John Fisher Road, Belmont North
Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College
256 Minmi Road, Fletcher
Preschool to Year 12

Brightwaters Christian College
82 Bulgonia Road, Brightwaters
Kindergarten to Year 7

Catholic Schools Office (CSO) Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
Various locations in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter area
44 primary schools, 11 secondary schools, and two K–12 schools

Charlton Christian College
43 Fassifern Road, Fassifern
Kindergarten to Year 12

Heritage College Lake Macquarie
85 Ironbark Road, Morisset
Kindergarten to Year 12

Hunter Christian School
Kerr St & Bull Streets, Mayfield
Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12

Hunter Valley Grammar School
42 Norfolk Street, Ashtonfield
ELC to Year 12

Linuwel School
133 Morpeth Road East Maitland
Kindergarten to Year 12

Macquarie College
182 – 222 Lake Road, Wallsend
Kindergarten to Year 12

Maitland Christian School
75-81 Chelmsford Drive, Metford
Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12

Margaret Jurd College
272 Sandgate Rd, Shortland 
Years 9 – 12

Medowie Christian College
6B Waropara Rd, Medowie
Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12

Newcastle Grammar School
Hill Campus: Cnr of Church & Newcomen Street, Newcastle
Park Campus: Cnr of Union St & Parkway Avenue, Cooks Hill
Kindergarten to Year 12

Newcastle Waldorf School
30 Reservoir Road, Glendale
Kindergarten to Year 12

St Philip’s Christian College
Newcastle: 57 High Street, Waratah
Cessnock: 10 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba
Port Stephens: 182 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay
Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12

Toronto Adventist School
6 Parkside Parade, Toronto
Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6

For a full list of local schools and to compare local schools, visit the My School website. It provides information about schools in Australia, letting you see how a school is performing, compared to schools with similar students.

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