As part of the NSW Government's plan to rebuild public education, the NSW Budget is delivering $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW. This targeted investment will ensure growing communities get access to a world class public education.
The new permanent Bungendore High School will be built on a site at Birchfield Drive, Bungendore and will open on Day 1, Term 1 2027.
The benefits
The new high school will have contemporary facilities including:
modern classrooms and support learning classrooms
a front facing administration and staff facilities
a library, hall and canteen
sports field and agricultural plot
kiss and drop zones.
In time for the 2026 school year, further expansion of the high school will be delivered on the existing facilities at the Majara Street site as a temporary solution, while the permanent school is built.
Planning
Design
In progress
Complete
Planning approval for the high school on Birchfield Drive, Bungendore has been granted by the Department of Education’s Planning and Assessment team.
In response to community feedback received during the public exhibition of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF), the REF has been updated with responses to questions, comments and submissions. A summary of the questions submitted has been included below. The updated REF, along with a Decision Statement has been published on the Planning Portal for Division 5.1 (Part 5) Activities: edu.nsw.link/BungendoreHSREF.
We will now progress into the final design and construction phase for the permanent high school facilities in Bungendore. Hindmarsh has been appointed as the builder for the project and we expect construction to start in late 2025.
Finalising the detailed design for the new high school with the builder to prepare for Construction.
Site establishment and enabling work, including site fencing, setting up temporary facilities, preparing utilities like water and power, and surveying works.
Bulk earthworks and ground preparation to shape the site and construct foundations for the new school buildings.
The planning application for the expansion of the 2026 temporary Bungendore High School site is now in the final stages of assessment by the department’s Planning Assessment team. A determination is expected shortly. You can view the submission on the Planning Portal at edu.nsw.link/BungendoreHStempREF.
Image: Artist impression of the new school (subject to change)
Image: Artist impression of the new school (subject to change)
Image: Artist impression of the new school (subject to change)
Image: Learning spaces in new temporary facilities at Bungendore High School
Image: Interior in new temporary facilities of Bungendore High School
Image: Learning spaces in new temporary facilities at Bungendore High School
Image: Learning spaces in new temporary facilities at Bungendore High School
Image: Learning spaces in new temporary facilities at Bungendore High School
Image: Learning spaces in new temporary facilities at Bungendore High School
Image: Learning spaces in new temporary facilities at Bungendore High School
Image: Learning spaces in new temporary facilities at Bungendore High School
How was the Birchfield Drive site selected for the school?
The new site was selected based on multiple criteria including availability, land size, growth potential, and the ability to meet the forecast secondary education demand for the Queanbeyan Urban Secondary School Community Group.
The site is located next to existing low-density housing and is close to the North Elmslea area, which the Structure Plan identifies as a future growth precinct. This location offers long-term access to a growing community and supports the broader aim of placing new school infrastructure in areas expected to support future demand.
The department is committed to delivering a safe, accessible, and well-planned high school for Bungendore that supports current and projected community needs.
How has transport to the site been considered?
The approved planning application includes a Transport Impact Assessment (TIA), which looked at how students, staff, and families will travel to and from the new school. It highlighted the need for better walking and cycling access and identified several upgrades that could help improve safety and convenience.
Some of these improvements, such as footpaths, shared paths, and safe drop-off areas, were proposed by both the department and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council. Council has also outlined its longer-term plans to improve pedestrian links between North Bungendore and the rest of the town. The department will continue working closely with Council and the local community during the project’s delivery to monitor how access is working in practice and make further improvements where needed.
Will expansion of the new school be possible on the Birchfield Drive site?
The school has been designed to support 600 students in its first stage of operation, with room to grow if needed. The department is confident that the site, as designed, meets the educational needs of the school and its community, now and into the future.
How has student accessibility been considered in the design?
The new high school has been designed to meet strong accessibility and inclusion standards. This includes following the Department’s own Educational Facilities Standards and Guidelines (ESFG), which ensure schools are safe, accessible, and inclusive for all students.
An independent accessibility consultant has reviewed the design and confirmed it meets all relevant access requirements. Features like tactile signage, clear visual cues, window shading, and accessible pathways will be further refined as the design progresses to make sure the school is welcoming and easy to navigate for everyone. These refinements are part of the normal process for new school projects and help ensure the completed school supports the needs of all students and the wider community.
How has shaded outdoor space been considered in the design?
The department’s Education Facilities Standards and Guidelines (EFSG) recognise the health risks of too much sun exposure and include clear design guidelines for providing shade in key areas of the school. This includes places where students eat, play, and learn outdoors, helping to create a safe and sun-protected environment.
The location of the covered outdoor learning area (COLA) on the north-western side of Building C (the school hall) will support functional connectivity with active recreation spaces and maximise opportunities for cross-ventilation and natural light. The COLA’s structure incorporates shading elements, including roof cover and surrounding landscaping, to moderate solar exposure during peak periods.
What parking will be provided?
The project includes 50 on-site staff parking spaces and a dedicated kiss-and-drop zone on Birchfield Drive. In line with department policy, student parking is not provided at government high schools.
The Transport Impact Assessment (TIA) prepared as part of the planning process found that local streets can manage the expected traffic and parking needs. The department will continue to monitor parking and traffic during the school’s operation, working with Council as needed.
Builder
Hindmarsh
Electorate
Monaro
Address
Birchfield Drive Bungendore NSW 2621
The Bungendore community can celebrate a major milestone today with construction getting underway on the new permanent high school in Bungendore.
The NSW Government is committed to delivering a permanent high school close to home for the people of Bungendore.
Students and communities across NSW will continue to benefit from new and upgraded schools in 2023.
We are committed to working together with our school communities to deliver the best possible learning facilities for students.
Opportunities for school communities to get involved in the project will be shared on this page.
Register to receive project updates, works notifications and other communications at edu.nsw.link/BHSupdates
Your feedback on this project is important to us. For more information, questions or to make a comment please email us at schoolinfrastructure@det.nsw.edu.au or complete the contact form.
Everything you need to know about your new or upgraded school.
Images and information to keep you informed about the progress of your new or upgraded school throughout every stage of the building process.
Full list of documents and supporting information to support state significant developments.
See how we keep the school community, nearby residences and businesses informed of upcoming works.
We recognise the Ongoing Custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. We pay respect to Elders past and present as ongoing teachers of knowledge, songlines and stories. We strive to ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner in NSW achieves their potential through education.
