Families in Sydney's Inner West have been waiting a long time for this one! The NSW Government has confirmed full funding for a brand-new public primary school in Rhodes, and it's the first public school Rhodes has had in almost four decades.

Rhodes is Finally Getting a Brand-New Public Primary School

The new Rhodes public primary school will be built between Blaxland Road and Cavell Avenue, close to the site of the suburb's former school. Land has already been secured, and demolition work is underway, so this long-awaited project is officially moving from plans on paper to bricks and mortar.

A New Public School For 900 Students

There'll be plenty of room for Rhodes' growing population, with the school designed to accommodate around 900 students across 40 modern classrooms, plus three dedicated learning support classrooms.

The 2026-27 NSW Budget has locked in the money for a school with real scale. The new campus will also include a playing field, games court, large hall, library and quadrangle, along with a co-located public early learning facility, which is a particularly handy addition for local families with younger children.

A Little Piece of Rhodes History is Staying

One particularly lovely detail is that the development won't completely erase the site's past. A heritage-listed 1920s industrial building with its distinctive sawtooth roof will be retained and incorporated into the new school.

The building was once home to manufacturer Rider and Bell, which made metal products including brass firefighter helmets, giving the shiny new campus a connection to Rhodes' industrial history.

Why Rhodes Needs a New School

Rhodes has changed dramatically since its last local public school closed almost four decades ago, with apartment developments transforming the suburb and thousands more homes planned.

The new school is expected to take some of the pressure off nearby Concord West Public School while giving more Rhodes families the option of sending their children to school much closer to home.

There's still a little wait before the first bell rings, but for families putting down roots in Rhodes, a brand-new neighbourhood school is now firmly on the horizon.

Visit NSW Government to keep an eye on the project's progress.

FAQs

When will the new Rhodes public school open?

The new public primary school in Rhodes is due to open by 2030. The NSW Government has confirmed full funding for the project, with demolition work already underway on the site.

Where will the new Rhodes public school be located?

The school will be built between Blaxland Road and Cavell Avenue in Rhodes, close to the site of the suburb's former school.

Will the new school have preschool or early learning?

Yes. A public early learning facility will be co-located with the new primary school, although further details about places, ages and enrolments have not yet been announced.

What will the catchment area be for the new Rhodes public school?

The enrolment boundaries and catchment area for the new school have not yet been announced. These details are expected to be confirmed closer to the school's opening.

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ellaslist is a trusted local guide for families across Sydney and NSW, written by parents and family lifestyle editors who understand what matters when it comes to raising kids in this city. Our team researches and reports on the school, parenting and family issues that affect everyday life, from NAPLAN and school holiday planning to health, education and the local events and activities that make family life easier. We aim to give parents clear, practical information they can act on, whether that's understanding a school report, finding the right family activity, or knowing what's coming up on the local calendar.

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