Navigating Central Coast Schools: A Guide for Families

Relocating to a new area with your family involves many important considerations, and for families moving to the Central Coast, the educational opportunities available for their children are often at the top of the list. With its stunning landscapes, family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to both Sydney and Newcastle, the Central Coast has become a popular destination for those looking to raise their families in a vibrant and nurturing community. Just ask Matt, Jackie and Mitch who are all raising their own young families here.

One of the most common questions we are asked by families looking to relocate to the area is about the quality of schools in the area. Parents want to ensure their children receive a high-quality education that aligns with their values and aspirations. The good news is, the Central Coast offers a diverse range of primary and high schools, both public and independent, catering to a variety of educational philosophies and needs.

In this blog we will outline the top performing schools* on the Central Coast:

Primary Schools

1. Central Coast Grammar School, Erina Heights. A non-selective, independent co-educational day school from Kindergarten to Year 12.

2. The Coast Christian School, Bensville.  A non-selective, independent co-educational day school from Kindergarten to Year 6.

3. Central Coast Rudolf Steiner School, Fountaindale. A non-selective, independent co-educational day school from Early Childhood to Year 10. From 2025, it is a candidate school for the ‘International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Years 11 and 12)’ and is currently pursuing authorisation to class themselves as an IB World School. See their website for more.

4. Gosford Public School, Gosford. A public K-6 school.

5. Pretty Beach Public School, Wagstaff. A public K-6 school.

6. MacKillop Catholic College, Warnervale. A non-selective, independent co-educational day school from Kindergarten to Year 12.

High Schools

1. Gosford High School, Gosford. A public 7-12 high school with admission based on a selective entry process.

2. Central Coast Grammar School, Erina Heights (see above).

3. Central Coast Adventist School, Erina. A non-selective, independent co-educational day school from Kindergarten to Year 12.

*Note the above rankings are based on 2022 academic results from Better Education

Making the move to the Coast?

Moving to the Central Coast with your family is an exciting journey and finding the right school is a crucial step in ensuring a positive experience for your children. The Central Coast boasts a range of exceptional primary and high schools, both public and independent, each offering a unique approach to education.

A great tool if you’re planning on having your children attend a public school and you’re unsure as to which one you are zoned for is the NSW Government School Finder. It should be noted however that most public school zoning is strict in terms of intake – it is not common for a public school on the Central Coast to accept students outside of the zoned area (however, never say never).

Check out our Suburb Snapshots page on our website where we list some of the schooling options for each suburb on the Central Coast.

If you’re considering a move to the Central Coast, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team for guidance and support in finding the perfect home for you and your family.