Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos has highlighted a $200 million school maintenance and upgrade program being delivered across New South Wales over the summer holidays, with students set to return to improved classrooms and facilities for the start of Term 1, 2026.
The Minns Labor Government’s program will see works completed at almost 850 public schools, ranging from routine maintenance and minor upgrades to larger refurbishment projects led by the NSW Department of Education’s local asset management teams.
More than 1,300 projects are underway across the state, with hundreds of tradespeople working throughout the school holiday period to ensure campuses are clean, safe and ready for the new school year.
The works include painting at more than 300 schools, over 200 flooring replacement projects, close to 50 bathroom upgrades, and a range of critical accessibility improvements, including new ramps and lift upgrades. Schools will also benefit from refreshed outdoor areas, repaired walkways and essential building works.
Courtney Houssos said the summer maintenance blitz reflects the Government’s focus on delivering practical improvements that directly support students, teachers and school communities.
“While students are enjoying their summer break, work is underway at hundreds of schools across NSW to ensure they return to a great learning environment for the start of 2026,” Ms Houssos said.
“The Minns Labor Government is focused on getting the fundamentals right – maintaining our schools, improving facilities, and supporting principals, teachers and school communities with the infrastructure they deserve.”
“Whether it’s new paint and flooring, upgraded bathrooms, vital repairs or accessibility improvements, these works are about ensuring every student can access a world-class public education.”
Across NSW, the summer school maintenance program includes:
- $36 million for painting works
- $28 million for upgraded bathrooms and amenities
- $21 million for flooring projects
- $14 million for accessibility improvements
- $12 million for roof repairs or replacements
- $2.4 million for specialist classroom upgrades
Ms Houssos said the upgrades would ensure classrooms and shared spaces are refreshed and ready for day one of Term 1.
