North Shore
We are shaping our future approach to education through a precinct model, ensuring our response is tailored to the needs of each community we serve.
Cathedral and Northern Suburbs Precinct
Master Planning for a Seamless Baptism to Post - School Experience
St Leo’s Catholic College and Our Lady of the Rosary, Waitara
The Cathedral Precinct will undergo master planning to deliver a fully integrated education pathway - linking St Leo’s Catholic College and Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Waitara - along with an Early Learning Centre (ELC) and Out of School Hours Care (OSHC). This comprehensive approach ensures a faith-filled and future-ready journey from the early years to adulthood.
New Builds and Refurbishments across the Precinct
Purpose Built Spaces for 2 Catholic Primary Schools
New building and refurbishment projects are planned to enhance learning environments at:
1. St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School, Berowra Heights
2. St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School, Carlingford
Eileen O’Connor Support Class Expansion
At St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School, Pennant Hills - new support classes will be established as part of the Eileen O’Connor Catholic School, extending inclusive education options within the precinct.
Early Childhood Education and Care
Engaging directly in the provision of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)
We are exploring ECEC opportunities across the precinct to meet the needs of each local community. This includes ELC and OSHC. These offerings will strengthen support for families and create strong foundations for future learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is a simple transfer of enrolment form that suffices. All current St Philip Neri students are guaranteed a place at the new amalgamated school. All parents are required to do if they wish their child to go to Willoughby is to complete the Transfer of Enrolment form by Friday 29 August, 2025.
Yes. From 2026, we will be one school community located on the St Thomas site. Our facilities and resources already meet the needs of the combined student body. St Philip Neri students will have until January 2028 to transition to the St Thomas uniform.
The amalgamated school will benefit from a larger staff team. This provides greater expertise and flexibility to meet the needs of all students.
No, the PEN remains as the school's parent leadership team, and we look forward to welcoming new St Philip Neri parents to this group.
North Shore Precinct
Expanding Pymble Parish Schools to provide Early Years Education and a K-12 College
New Multi-Campus Model for Pymble Parish Schools
Pymble Parish schools- Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour- will become a K-12 College with an Early Learning Centre (ELC). Year 7 intake commencing January 2027.
Reimagining an Inclusive Model of Education
Expansion of Eileen O’Connor Catholic School
St Philip Neri, Northbridge will be repurposed to accommodate a new Eileen O’Connor facility to provide support for students with complex learning needs. This exciting new chapter reflects our deep commitment to care, compassion and inclusive education.
Bridging Schools Together as One Community
Together as one school community
The two Parish schools of the Lower North Shore, St Philip Neri, Northbridge and St Thomas, Willoughby will come together as one community on the St Thomas site, creating enhanced opportunities for students including larger peer and family networks.
Early Childhood Education and Care
Engaging directly in the provision of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)
We are exploring tailored ECEC opportunities across the precinct to meet the needs of each local community. This includes ELCs and Out of School Hours Care (OSHC). These offerings will strengthen support for families and create strong foundations for future learning.
Frequently asked Questions
The move to a K-12 model is part of a broader vision to provide a seamless faith and learning journey for students. It ensures consistency in pastoral care, learning frameworks, and faith-based education throughout primary and secondary years. This direction responds to community feedback for more coeducational secondary schooling options on the North Shore.
The transition will be phased. The first Year 7 intake will be in 2027, with subsequent grades added each year until full K–12 operation.
Your child will benefit from continuity in learning and relationships and reduced transition anxiety between primary and secondary school, tailored pastoral, academic and faith programs across the full school journey.
The essence of the primary experience will remain - nurturing age-appropriate and community-focused. Some enhancements may include access to specialist teachers, shared resources and expanded facilities.