22 Mar 2023
The new high school in Taylor will now open in term 1, 2025, instead of the original planned timeframe of term 1, 2024.
We understand that this might be disappointing news and would like to reassure families that there are arrangements in place for students entering year 7 in 2024.
The delay is due to unavoidable impacts on the construction industry following the COVID-19 pandemic as well as adverse weather conditions over the past year.
Information for families with children starting year 7 in 2024
If your child is starting year 7 in 2024, they can complete high school at their current Priority Enrolment Area (PEA) high school – Amaroo School or Gold Creek School. Please be assured that both schools have recently received upgrades to expand their capacity and will be able to accommodate all students.
If you prefer and you live in the PEA, your child will be able to enrol in the new high school in Taylor for year 8 in 2025.
The PEA for the new high school in Taylor will be the same as the existing PEA for Margaret Hendry School: Taylor, Moncrieff and part of Jacka (North of Appleford Ave).
Enrolments for the new high school in Taylor will open in 2024 ahead of the school opening in 2025. For more information visit: https://www.education.act.gov.au/public-school-life/enrolling-in-a-public-school/priority_enrolment_area
Further information
An information session will be held shortly for affected families. Further information will be provided shortly through school newsletters.
Frequently asked questions
When enrolling my child in one of the other two high schools in the area, how can I let the Education Directorate know that I wish them to enrol my child to the new high school in Taylor in 2025?
Enrolments for the new high school in Taylor will open in April 2024 ahead of the school opening in 2025. At this time, an enrolment application can be made for the new high school in Taylor if desired.
What is the Priority Enrolment Area for the new high school in Taylor?
The PEA for the new high school in Taylor will be the same as the existing PEA for Margaret Hendry School: Taylor, Moncrieff and part of Jacka (North of Appleford Ave). Families living in the PEA are guaranteed a place at their local school. Enrolments for the new high school in Taylor will open in 2024 ahead of the school opening in 2025.
If I enrol my child in one of the other two high schools in the area, will I have to transfer to the high school in Taylor in 2025?
No, but if you live in the PEA for the new school you can transfer your enrolment if you wish.
What if my child likes the school we have enrolled them in for 2024?
They will have the option to remain there for the rest of their high school years.
Will there be supports to help transition the children to Year 8 for 2025 if changing to the new high school in Taylor in 2025?
Yes. There will be a team dedicated to this task working closely with the schools and students. Further information and supports will be provided through their schools ahead of the 2025 school year.
Will there be continuity of education for high schoolers who move to the new high school in Taylor in 2025? Will the new high school follow the same curriculum?
Yes. All ACT public schools teach to the Australian Curriculum. The new high school in Taylor will offer supports to students commencing all school years in 2025.
When can I enrol my child to the new high school in Taylor? Can I do it now?
Public school enrolments for 2025 will open in April 2024. An enrolment application can be made for the new high school in Taylor at this time and will be considered with other applications against standard enrolment criteria.
Why can’t Margaret Hendry School offer a year 7 program in 2024?
Established local high schools have the capacity and facilities to meet the educational needs of the year 7 students in their PEA.