School to go into recess from Term 1 2026
Kambora Public School in Davidson is being put into recess by the Department of Education, (DoE) from Term 1 2026.
The DoE’s director educational leadership, Amber Gorrell informed parents by letter on 17 September following a community consultation.
Recess means that the grounds will be maintained by the DoE for at least a few years while it monitors local demographics and future development plans before reassessment.
“There are currently 30 students at the school, and it is not sustainable to continue operating when there are nearby public schools that can also provide an outstanding education for these students,” Ms Gorrell said in the letter.
The DoE said it would be consulting with parents on an individual basis to support a transition to another school, and parents would have an allowance of $500 per child to cover new uniform expenses. The consultations and $500 are only available to parents whose children are transitioning to another public school within the Forest Network – such as Wakehurst, Mimosa and Belrose.
Year 4 parent Belinda Mason said there was a lot of anger, resentment and tears. “At the community meeting back in May, we were told we would not be out of pocket,” said Ms Mason, who is P&C vice president. Communication from the DoE had been ‘disrespectful and unacceptable,’ with no feedback on the submissions to parents.
“No one’s taking accountability from the department which is deplorable,” Ms Mason said. “Someone needs to take responsibility.” The process had taken an emotional toll, Ms Mason added. “(On) our children, families and amazing teachers. It’s heartbreaking for us all. Our school is more than a place to learn. It is a place where our children feel safe, supported and respected.”
Ms Mason said the uncertainty had been difficult for the children, and some might move to another school for Term 4 2025, and not wait until 2026. There had been 41 students enrolled in Term 2, but 11 had since left.
Davidson MP Matt Cross condemned the government and the DoE for ‘abandoning the students and families of Kambora.’
“The DoE failed to take action when the school population declined from 200 students in 2018 to 41 students in 2025,” Mr Cross said. “Warning signs on enrolments were ignored. Enforcing the local enrolment area was ignored. The community was ignored.
“I fear the closure of Kambora will be the first of many Sydney metropolitan schools (to close) under the Labor Government. It will be a concerning precedent for this Government.”