The first sod has been turned at the new site for The Forest High School, marking the start of main
works construction for a new state-of-the-art campus as part of a multi-million-dollar project to relocate the school.
The new site at Allambie Heights is surrounded by native bushland and sits on a plateau alongside
Garigal National Park.
The $160 million project will deliver a new school with modern classrooms to accommodate up to 1500
students, a 50 per cent increase in student capacity.
Designed as a large courtyard campus, the new school will be connected by a continuous accessible
circulation path called the Learning Loop which will link classrooms with the landscape around the
internal edges of the campus buildings.
Features will include a new library, canteen and administration spaces, a multi-purpose sports and
performance hall, new outdoor sports courts, landscaped recreation and outdoor learning spaces, and
over 180 parking spaces for bicycles and scooters.
The new school location remains within the current intake area for The Forest High School, ensuring a
smooth transition for students who will continue their educational journey at the existing school site until
the completion of the new school.
The project is part of an expansive plan to establish a new dynamic town centre for the Frenchs Forest
community, with plans for a mixed-use centre on the current school site to support a range of retail, civic,
commercial and residential uses.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“I am thrilled to welcome the start of construction of a new state-of-the-art school for The Forest High
School.
"The new school has been designed to a brief that encourages student movement around the school,
strengthens a connection with Country, the environment and the community.
“This incredible project is an investment in students and local families, and promises a revitalised, more
connected Frenchs Forest community, and I look forward to sharing news as works progress.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Education Greg Warren said:
"The relocation of The Forest High School is a vital element of our much-anticipated plan to create a
thriving new town centre.
“We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this will have for students and teachers and the broader
Frenchs Forest community."
Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said:
"The brand new Frenches Forest High School will be a massive asset for our community, and I’m thrilled
to mark the beginning of main construction works today.
“The school will be an important part of the lives of so many young people and families over decades to
come, as they learn and grow through some of the most formative years of life. They deserve the best
possible facilities, and I can’t wait to see the modern high-quality school come to fruition.”
The Forest High School Principal Nathan Lawler said:
“This milestone marks the beginning of a legacy for our school community. With its open spaces and
sporting fields, and thoughtful design, our new and improved school will enhance the educational
opportunities available to our students.
“We are all excited to see works on our new school begin and look forward to the positive changes this
will bring to our students and the wider community.”