SMALL schools more than make the grade when it comes to enrolment numbers in Tamworth.
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A show of hands reveals more parents have chosen to enrol their children in schools with smaller numbers, Department of Education figures reveal.
Timbumburi Public School started with just 96 students in 2004.
That number has grown by 65 per cent in 14 years to 159 students.
The school is more like a big family and being able to know all the kids helps teachers to cater to their individual needs, Timbumburi Public School acting principal Andrew McDonald said.
"No one gets lost and we know where they are all at socially and academically, so if something isn't going well for them we know what to do to make things better," he said.
"The biggest thing with our community is that the parents and extended families are all really involved, they want to raise money for the school and get resources for the school."
The class sizes are the same, but the smaller overall size means the school can offer more opportunities with less competition, Mr McDonald said.
Primary enrolments have increased year-on-year for the past four years in Tamworth and the same goes at the four high schools.
Oxley High School is the largest in Tamworth and saw an 18 per cent drop in numbers from 2004, while Bullimbal School grew by 86 per cent and Nemingha Public School by 49 per cent.
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While students generally attend their local public school, small schools continue to be attractive to families for the close relationships with teachers and family environment, a Department of Education spokesman said.
"Enrolments at public schools are affected by parent choice, retention rates between grades and local demographics that impact on the number of school-aged children in an area served by a local school," he said.
When numbers fall at small schools in rural areas, viability is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The Department of Education looks at isolation, transport, the availability of alternate schools and the demographic predictions for the area. Isolation in rural areas is a factor that helps to keep small schools open.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
