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. Our list includes private primary and private high schools as well as schools which cover Prep to Year 12.
Many schools have virtual and on-campus tours available. 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.
Featured listings are posted at the top. We thank these educational institutions for their support of Newy with Kids.
Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
Discover your local Catholic school
Welcome to the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, where our schools make a profound difference in the lives of young people, their families, and in the communities we serve.
Our Diocese operates 58 schools, educating over 20,000 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 across the communities of Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, the Manning Valley and Upper Hunter Valley regions.
Affordable and open to all, our schools welcome anyone seeking the lifelong benefits of a Catholic education, aiming to help each child achieve their full potential and lead a fulfilling life contributing positively to their community.
Each and every student in our schools is known and nurtured, and given opportunities to grow academically, spiritually, physically and emotionally in a supportive environment. We cater for a range of learning needs and endeavour to support each child in their individual journey.
Our dedicated teachers deliver high-quality education supported by modern technology across a broad range of subjects, where students are invited to discover and develop their individual talents and abilities.
Along with a challenging academic curriculum, students can apply their unique skills in a variety of co-curricular activities. Some of these include social justice initiatives, STEM, music, drama, visual arts, debating, public speaking and representative sport.
For more information, visit our website and discover your local Catholic school today!
Website: www.mn.catholic.edu.au
Email: info@mn.catholic.edu.au
Phone number: (02) 4979 1200
Address: 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle West, NSW, 2302
Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College
Discover Excellence at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College
Located in the suburb of Fletcher, Newcastle, Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College offers a dynamic educational environment for students from PreSchool to Year 12. Our vision is to serve as a learning gateway, opening doors to a world of opportunities. We prepare students for life beyond school by encouraging them to embrace their unique talents, strive for excellence, and seize each day.
At Bishop Tyrrell, we pride ourselves on our innovative programs tailored to meet the needs of all students. Our Gifted and High Potential program allows high-achieving students to excel academically, while our Gifted Athletes Program ensures student-athletes can train and compete at high levels without compromising their studies.
Our comprehensive approach to education, known as The Learning Power Approach, develops essential learner attributes such as curiosity, determination, and imagination. We support the growth of the whole student through a vast array of co-curricular activities, including the Da Vinci Decathlon, Tournament of Minds, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Our BTAC Bluejays teams excel in sports like basketball, netball, and touch football, while various clubs and committees have a focus on arts, social justice, and community involvement.
Rooted in our core values of Belonging, Excellence, Faith, Innovation, Kindness, and Service, Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College is dedicated to nurturing confident, capable learners ready to make a positive impact.
Join us and become part of a community that champions individual growth and collective success
Website: www.btac.nsw.edu.au
Email: Office@btac.nsw.edu.au
Phone Number: (02) 4979 8484
Address: 256 Minmi Road, Fletcher, NSW, 2287
Novoschool
Novoschool – for curious learners
Novoschool is a new high school opening in Newcastle in 2025 for years 7-9, growing to Year 12 in the years following. It offers a personalised learning approach, encouraging students to co-design their education and explore their interests. The school promotes creativity, autonomy, and real-world experiences through internships and community-based learning. The values of the school are Curiosity, Generosity, Global and Excellence. Novoschool also features extended hours to support flexible learning and strong student-teacher relationships, emphasising a curious and collaborative mindset for its learners.
Website: www.novoschool.nsw.edu.au
Email: info@novoschool.nsw.edu.au
Phone Number: 0475 763 573
Address: 125 Bull Street, Newcastle West, NSW, 2302
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
Novoschool
125 Bull Street, Newcastle West
Years 7 – 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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