Three weeks ago, the concept designs for Lismore South Primary School were revealed, leaving some very happy South Lismore parents, students and staff to dream about a move in 2027.

Two weeks ago, the Bexhill Public School (PS) rebuild was completed, the building and landscaping equipment were removed, and staff and students began to enjoy the significant upgrade. This is part of the NSW Government's $1.4 billion for new and upgraded schools announced in the 2024/25 budget.

The Bexhill PS upgrade began in 2021 and was slightly delayed due to the February 2022 floods because of supply chain issues. The school itself was not affected. Students and staff have been enjoying the new classrooms since Term 2.

The upgrade has provided new permanent learning spaces and brought students the latest education facilities. The benefits are:

• Five new permanent, flexible teaching and learning spaces.
• Upgraded administration building.
• Upgraded OSHC and staff spaces in the former principal’s residence.
• Upgraded community hall for shared use by the school.
• Landscaping and upgraded sports court.

The new five classrooms increased the capacity of the school to 130 students.

Bexhill Public School Principal Helen Craigie said, "We are overjoyed with the completion of this project, which marks a new chapter in the history of Bexhill Public School, originally opened as a Public School in 1882.

"Our upgraded modern, fit-for-purpose school environment is vibrant and welcoming. The positive impact these facilities will have on our students’ engagement, curiosity and passion for learning is already evident.

“This is a transformative milestone for our school community, and demonstrates that our students, staff and families are valued and supported in every way possible.

“These inspiring new learning spaces will further enhance Bexhill Public School's inclusive education focus, underpinned by our school motto of 'Learn Share Care'.”

Bexhill PS will be home to approximately 135 students and seven full-time teachers. A number of development applications around Withers Street, North Street, Osborne Road, and Eltham Road have been approved or are pending approval, which will increase the number of students attending Bexhill PS in the next five years.

In 2024, the NSW Department of Education said Bexhill Public School is using 80% of its permanent teaching spaces, and there is sufficient capacity at this school and the nearby Kadina Campus of The Rivers Secondary College for current and future growth projections.

"Future growth, which is not considered in these projections, could be accommodated at the other seven (7) primary schools in and around Lismore, most of which have substantial permanent capacity available.

"The department continuously monitors population and development trends so it can meet enrolment needs in schools across NSW. Where sustained and stable enrolment increases are identified, the department will determine the most appropriate intervention strategy, including providing additional permanent facilities or a new school.

"Earlier this year the Department of Education also carried out an Enrolment Growth Audit as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to effectively monitor for enrolment growth and supply education infrastructure in areas of need in NSW."