New northern suburbs school to get under way

• Major investment of $78million in education for Banksia Grove families

• New secondary school set to open in 2015 with year 7 and 8 students

Premier Colin Barnett and Education Minister Liz Constable turned the first sod today on the site of a $78million secondary school in Banksia Grove.

"We committed to a new secondary school for the Banksia Grove community at the election and I'm pleased local families and their children will soon have access to a state-of-the-art secondary educational facility," Mr Barnett said.

"The suburb of Banksia Grove is expanding rapidly and once completed will house more than 12,000 residents.

"The State Government is investing extensively in schools and is committed to meeting the educational and social needs of growing communities."

The Premier thanked Wanneroo MLA Paul Miles for his strong local representation and his key role in bringing on the project.

Education Minister Liz Constable said site works were expected to start next year and the first stage of building should be ready for year 7 and 8 students to start the 2015 school year.

"With single and double storey buildings, stage one of this extensive building program will accommodate 850 students," Dr Constable said.

"The new school will be equipped with top-class facilities including specialist learning areas for science, technology, arts, music, enterprise, and health and physical education.

"The school will become a central part of this growing community, supported by parents and teachers who understand the value of high-quality secondary education."

Dr Constable said the State Government was committed to providing excellent school environments for Western Australia's public school students.

"This new school will ultimately accommodate up to 1,450 students. Families moving into the area can be confident that their children will receive a high-quality education, learning in world class facilities," she said.

      Fact File

• An architect will be appointed in June

• $45million has been allocated for Stage 1; $8million for the year 7 move to secondary school in 2015 (estimate only); and $25million for Stage 2 in 2018

Premier's office - 6552 5000

Education Minister's office - 6552 5700