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Christopher Harris

Christopher Harris

Christopher Harris is education editor of The Sydney Morning Herald.

Sarah Peddie-McGuirk and James Turnbull with their children, Henry, 6, and Sadie, 4.

Sarah thought she had years to pick a high school. By year 3, kids were already leaving

As public education in NSW recorded 7000 fewer students last year, can anything be done to stop the parent rush to private schools?

  • Christopher Harris

Latest

PLC’s principal has expressed grave concerns over the safety of students.

Girls lead exodus from state’s public schools

Private school enrolments have hit a record high after public schools enrolment numbers dropped by almost 7000 pupils last year.

  • Christopher Harris and Nigel Gladstone
ACARA chief executive Stephen Gniel said one third of students were failing to meet very achievable benchmarks in maths.

‘Bit of an image problem’: The early maths plan for Australia’s primary schools

A third of Australian students in year 3 had failed to reach numeracy standards, but the SMH School Summit has heard ideas about fixing it.

  • Emily Kowal and Christopher Harris
Port Hacking High School year 7 students Willow Middleton and Luca Barnsley are in their own extension class this year.

Every public student granted access to ‘gifted’ education programs

Schools are now offering a range of education options, ranging from enrichment streams, extension classes and STEM programs.

  • Christopher Harris
Brad Stebbing and soccer players Enrico Bueno and Anne Roll.

This beloved sports facility was ‘upgraded’. Now locals are angry ... with a private school

A high-fee independent school struck a lease agreement with a community sports facility. Now locals aren’t happy.

  • Christopher Harris
Marist Catholic College Penshurt has seen enrolments jumped by 450 students between 2019 and last year.

‘Quite basic’: Why more parents are rejecting public education

An analysis of enrolment data shows Catholic and other private schools are enrolling the highest share of students in history.

  • Christopher Harris
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Parents have raised concerns the newly built John Cunningham Student Centre does not have enough space for students. The school says it has an abundance of student facilities.

‘Not a school for everyone’: Scots principal warns parents over WhatsApp group chat

Scots College principal Ian Lambert has promised the school will get more microwaves as he defends parent criticism of the lack of facilities and results at the almost $55,000 a year school.

  • Christopher Harris
Private schools composite

The public and private Sydney high schools most popular with parents

While enrolments in public high schools are down, others have recorded astronomical growth. Search the full list.

  • Christopher Harris and Craig Butt
Lee Casuscelli, 60, was killed in Saturday’s crash.

Two dead after alleged car theft and police chase across Sydney

A man has been charged over the deaths of two people whose car he allegedly crashed into while leading police on an hour-long pursuit.

  • Christopher Harris, Riley Walter and Angus Dalton
Sophie Geeves, 28, said she was often taken out of school, to go to appointments, so she could complete her schooling and gain her HSC.

‘We’ve got an equity problem’: HSC overhaul for thousands of students

Sophie Geeves had a battle on her hands to prove she had cerebral palsy. Now her advocacy has made it easier for all students.

  • Christopher Harris