1.3 Education

Better and Fairer Schools

The new 10-year Better and Fairer Schools Agreement injects $10.4 billion of funding into New South Wales public schools over the next 10 years.

The NSW Government is adding $5.6 billion alongside $4.8 billion from the Australian Government.

In just two years in Government, average funding per student has increased from $14,819 in 2023 to an estimated $17,022 in 2025.

Teacher vacancies across New South Wales have been reduced by 40 per cent since 2023.

School infrastructure

This Budget continues the historic investment in school infrastructure to respond to the enrolment growth audit which showed schools had not been built where they were most needed.

This includes a record $9.0 billion of school infrastructure investment over four years for new and upgraded schools.

A further $50.0 million will expand high potential and gifted education opportunities at more public schools across the State, bringing total program funding to $100.0 million. This program is already delivering specialist school facilities at six metropolitan and seven regional New South Wales schools with another 20 schools included in this year’s Budget.

Skills and TAFE

Investment in TAFE has now increased for the third successive year, to $2.8 billion in 2025-26. This is critical to grow our skilled workforce including to build the homes and
infrastructure we need.

This Budget includes funding for $480.4 million over four years for asset renewal and critical capital maintenance, including $100.0 million to relocate Bankstown TAFE.

This investment is on top of $215.9 million for 1,300 apprentices and trainees in local government, funded in last year’s Budget.

Early childhood education and care

The NSW Government is stepping in to fix the early childhood education and care market. This includes the largest expansion of public preschool in the State’s history and better regulation of private and not-for-profit services.

The NSW Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment for 100 new public preschools.

A further $10.0 million in 2025-26 will progress work on expanding the public provision of early childhood education and care.

$200.9 million will increase First Nations access, enrolment and attendance in early childhood education.