A new selective school will be built in Sydney to meet “strong demands”, as only around 30 per cent of applicants secure a place in NSW selective schools every year. 

The new school will be located in southwest Sydney, which is a “key growth area” as described by Premier Gladys Berejiklian. 

"There is strong demand for selective schools, with around 15,000 applications for only 4200 places. This new school will provide another convenient local option for these students and their families,” Ms Berejiklian said. "We know many students are travelling long distances to attend selective schools.” 

“I want to ensure every child in NSW has the opportunities to be best they can be, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be,” Ms Berejiklian added. 

The new school will bring the total number of full and partial selective schools in NSW to 49.  

In addition, the NSW Government announced two new initiatives to lift academic performance across all public schools. 

The new High Potential and Gifted program will assist students who need to be challenged in areas where they show talent. The program will allow students to have access to personalised learning and learn above their age level. 

Moreover, the new “Bump It Up” program will be expanded to every school in NSW with tailored targets for improving performance in literacy, numeracy, wellbeing, equity and attendance.  

Bump It Up has already been introduced to 137 schools, where more than one-quarter of schools have achieved their targets in the first year alone. 

"NSW is the largest provider of public education in Australia, and we are committed to [ensuring] that every student, from Gunnedah to Gordon, has access to a top-quality education," NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said. 

“These programs not only will help lift academic results, they will help prepare young people for rewarding careers and ventures in the future,” Ms Mitchell added.