Wollongong Schools Battle Enrolment Squeeze as University Faces Budget Pressures

Wollongong's education sector is facing mounting challenges this week, with new data showing primary school enrolments have dropped 3.2 per cent across the city's public system, even as secondary institutions report mixed results heading into the winter term.

The NSW Department of Education released the figures on Monday, revealing that schools in high-growth areas such as Horsley and Figtree have been hit harder than expected. Corrimal Public School reported a shortfall of 47 students compared to projections made in March, forcing the school to consolidate three Year 3 classes into two and defer planned infrastructure upgrades at its Port Kembla Road campus.

"We're seeing families move away from the region or choosing private alternatives," a spokesperson from the Wollongong Primary Principals' Association explained during a meeting at Wollongong Town Hall on Wednesday. The group called on state government representatives to investigate whether housing affordability issues are driving the exodus.

Meanwhile, the University of Wollongong announced on Thursday that it will freeze all non-essential spending following a $4.8 million shortfall in federal research grants. The university, which employs over 2,000 staff across its main campus in North Wollongong and satellite facilities in the CBD, will pause recruitment for 34 academic positions and redirect resources toward the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences.

The cuts affect the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Centre for Sustainable Development, both located in the Innovation Campus near Squires Way. Interim Vice-Chancellor Glenn Barr indicated the university is exploring partnerships with industry to offset the losses.

In brighter news, Illawarra Catholic Primary Schools held their mid-year cross-regional athletics carnival on Saturday at Fairy Meadow Sports Ground, with over 1,200 students competing across multiple events. The carnival, now in its 22nd year, drew participants from 19 schools spanning from Shoalhaven to the Central Coast.

The NSW Education Standards Authority also confirmed this week that Year 10 examinations across Wollongong schools will proceed as scheduled in September, with additional support provided to students with identified learning difficulties. Local TAFE NSW Illawarra centres reported healthy enrolment growth in vocational training programs, particularly in construction and hospitality sectors—up 11.7 per cent on last year.

Education experts suggest Wollongong's decline in primary enrolments may stabilise once proposed housing developments in Figtree and Port Kembla reach completion next year.

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