Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle considers need for new school west of Maitland

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle says land it is buying in Rutherford and Aberglasslyn is “well placed” for a school or early childhood education centre.

The diocese is in the process of purchasing two pieces of land, from Maitland City Council, at Weblands Street and Liddell Avenue.

Diocese vice chancellor of administration Sean Scanlon said a final decision had not been made on the best use for the sites, but educational facilities were being considered.

Mr Scanlon said this could mean new schools or early educations services by St Nicholas Early Education – which provides services in Singleton and Newcastle West.

He said a Fairfax Media investigation into school enrolments earlier this month highlighted the need for more education facilities across the Hunter.

“The diocese is currently conducting an internal due diligence process and working in partnership with Maitland City Council to progress [the sale],” he said.

“The sites are well placed for potential educational use with surging enrolments throughout the Rutherford and Lochinvar local areas.”

Rutherford resident Brigid Teasdale plans to send her children Duke, 2, and Eleanor, eight months, to a Catholic school when they are older.

She said she had already begun to look into enrolments at Maitland area Catholic schools for her son because she had heard many had long waiting lists.

Ms Teasdale welcomed the possibility of a new school near her home.

“It would be another opportunity for our children to have the education we’re after,” she said.

“There’s nothing wrong [with public schools in Maitland] but a lot of them are overcrowded and under-funded.”

In a confidential meeting in May, councillors chose the diocese from three organisations that lodged expressions of interest to buy the land. 

According to council documents, the sale of Weblands Street would go ahead for just over $4 million, while the Liddell Avenue site would be exchanged for almost $2.5 million. 

Fairfax Media reported recently that high demand for enrolment and lack of adequate public school infrastructure could put more pressure on independent and Catholic schools.