A staff member discovered the break-in at Tamworth Public School before dawn on Monday morning and alerted police.

Police confirmed the principal’s office, off Napier Street, was ransacked after an offender forced entry through a window.

Nothing appears to have been stolen, but a door to another building was also damaged in a failed attempt to get into the canteen.

Officers believe the break-in occurred between 9.15pm on Sunday and 5am on Monday.

Police were also called to Calrossy Anglican School in Brisbane St after it was also broken into between Friday night and Monday morning.

Offenders forced a ground floor door and ransacked three rooms including offices. Cash and a laptop were stolen.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area is being urged to call Tamworth police.