28 Nov 2023
Artist’s impression of the Strathnairn school
The new preschool to year 6 School and Early Childhood Education and Care Centre in Strathnairn, Ginninderry will now open in time for Term 1, 2026, instead of the original planned opening of Term 1, 2025.
We understand this news may be disappointing, and we would like to reassure affected communities that there are arrangements in place for students entering early childhood education or primary school in 2025.
The delay is due to development and planning delays, as well as processes to remove an Environmental Clearance Zone (ECZ) surrounding the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre taking longer than anticipated. Strathnairn and Macnamara suburbs are affected by the ECZ, preventing works on the majority of the school site at this time. As a result, it will not be possible to deliver the school in time for the 2025 school year.
Families in Strathnairn will continue to share a PEA with both Macgregor Primary School and Kingsford Smith School P-6 for enrolments to the 2025 school year. Please be assured that both schools will be able to accommodate all students.
If you live in the area and your child is starting school in 2025, they can begin their schooling at their Priority Enrolment Area (PEA) school. For families living in Strathnairn, this would be either Kingsford Smith School or Macgregor Primary School, or you can apply to enrol at Southern Cross Early Childhood School.
When the new school in Strathnairn opens, your child can either continue at the school they enrolled in for 2025 or, if you prefer and you live in the PEA, your child will be able to enrol the new Strathnairn School for 2026.
Public school enrolments for 2026 will open in April 2025 and the PEA for the new Strathnairn School will be advised prior to this time. For more information about PEAs, visit: https://www.education.act.gov.au/public-school-life/enrolling-in-a-public-school/priority_enrolment_area
Representatives from the Directorate will provide an update to the community in person at the next available opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When enrolling my child in a another ECEC or primary school for 2025, how do I let them know that I wish to then enrol my child in Strathnairn ECEC / Primary School for 2026?
Public school enrolments for 2026 will open in April 2025. Families living in the Priority Enrolment Area are guaranteed a place at their local school. Strathnairn ECEC and Primary School will have capacity for over 780 preschool to year 6 students, as well as an Early Childhood Education and Care Centre. When enrolments for the 2026 year open in April 2025, an enrolment application can be made for the new ECEC and Primary School in Strathnairn.
If I enrol my child in one of the other two primary schools and ECEC in the area, will I have to transfer to Strathnairn primary school in 2026?
No. Your child would continue to be guaranteed a place at the school they already attend.
What if my child likes the school we have enrolled them in for 2025? Will they have to move to Strathnairn ECEC and Primary School in 2026?
No, they will not have to move in 2026. They will have the option to remain in the school you have enrolled them in for 2025 for the rest of their primary school years.
Will there be supports to help transition children moving to Strathnairn ECEC and Primary School in 2026 after attending a different school for 2025?
Yes. There will be a dedicated team working closely with the schools and students.
Will Strathnairn ECEC and Primary School offer all year levels ECEC-6 when it opens in 2026?
More information will be made available about the school opening closer to the time.
Will there be continuity of education for primary school students who move to Strathnairn Primary School in 2026? Will Strathnairn Primary School follow the same curriculum?
Yes. All ACT public schools teach to the Australian Curriculum. The new Primary School in Strathnairn will offer support to ensure a smooth enrolment and transition for students commencing in 2026.
How can we be certain that Strathnairn ECEC and Primary School will open in 2026?
We cannot be 100% certain due to the various risks affecting the construction, industry and market locally and nationally. Some delays are unavoidable, for example wet weather. We are progressing the project as quickly and safely as possible and will provide ongoing updates on construction once it has commenced.
When can I enrol my child to Strathnairn ECEC and Primary School? Can I do it now?
Public school enrolments for 2026 will open in April 2025. An enrolment application can be made for Strathnairn ECEC and Primary School at that time and will be considered against the standard enrolment criteria.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on ACT.Education@act.gov.au.
Further information can be found on the Education Directorate website: https://www.education.act.gov.au/