Three new preps are enrolled to start at the school in 2018, bringing the total number of pupils to 18 in the new year. 

With only seven pupils in 2015, Newlyn Primary School’s enrolment has more than doubled in two years, and principal Anthony Tait said growth was projected to continue. 

“We are seeing a trend with new families moving into the area and some families are travelling a little bit from outlying towns like Kingston and Smeaton,” Mr Tait said. 

“It really helps secure the future of the school in Newlyn.”

Many rural schools face the prospect of closing when pupil numbers drop.

Bullarto Primary School fought to avoid closure when pupil numbers plummeted to three in 2016, but numbers increased to 13 throughout 2017. 

Four new pupils have enrolled to start at the school in the new year, but with families moving out of the area and some grade six pupils graduating, the total number of pupils enrolled for 2018 sits at eight. 

Bullarto Primary School principal Jo Pegg said recent growth was fabulous news for the school, with new pupils already lined up to enrol in 2020 and 2021.

“With predicted growth over the next three or four years, the school will be staying open with student enrolment hopefully on the increase,” Ms Pegg said. 

Smeaton Primary School closed its doors in 2013 after 153 years serving the community. The age imbalance of pupils, with most in the upper year levels, and gender imbalance with only two female pupils contributed to the decision to close. 

The 142-year-old Kingston Primary School closed in 2004 with an enrollment of seven pupils. 

But Mr Tait said during the three years he has worked as principal, Newlyn Primary School has never had to consider closure. 

“The numbers were quite low back in 2015, but the school has good community support and good parent support,” Mr Tait said. 

He said the recent growth not only secures the school’s future, but provides benefits for students as well. 

“It means there are more students to play with and it is easier for them to participate in sport,” Mr Tait said. 

Enrolments at Newlyn Primary School are projected to grow by a few pupils each year over the coming years. 

“In 2019 it would be nice to see just over 20 students at the school,” Mr Tait said. 

Six staff are employed at the school including a principal, two teachers, an integration aid, school chaplain and business manager. 

“We’re lucky it is still reasonably small so we can still keep that community feel,” Mr Tait said. 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: