Forest High School Relocates to Stunning $112M Campus in Allambie Heights
After decades of serving the northern beaches community from its original site near Northern Beaches Hospital, Forest High School is embarking on a transformative journey. On Monday, its 877 students will step into a state-of-the-art $112 million campus in Allambie Heights, marking the end of an era and the dawn of exciting new possibilities in public education.
The New Campus: A Beacon of Modern Education
Perched high on a hill in Allambie Heights, the new Forest High School offers breathtaking vistas—one window framing the shimmering Pacific Ocean and northern beaches, the other capturing the distant Sydney city skyline. This isn't just a relocation; it's a reimagining of what a public high school can be.
Principal Nathan Lawler emphasizes that the design revolves around the school's core values: inclusivity, safety, and community service. "We really push this narrative that our role is to serve our community as a comprehensive high school," Lawler told reporters. Whether a student excels in sports, creativity, academics like maths and sciences, or needs additional support, Forest High aims to cater to all.
The facility boasts impressive amenities, including a professional theatre, a fully equipped gymnasium, all-weather sports fields, and air-conditioned classrooms—features that rival many private institutions. Workers have recently completed painting lines on handball courts, signaling the campus's readiness for action. Early tours have left students buzzing with excitement and disbelief at the quality of their new home.
Facilities Designed for Every Student
From archery ranges to creative arts spaces, the campus is tailored to foster belonging. Lawler notes that trepidation among students has given way to enthusiasm, with groups expressing awe at the facilities. This modern setup isn't just about aesthetics; it's engineered to enhance learning outcomes in a supportive environment.
Why the Relocation? Making Way for Urban Growth
The move from the old site adjacent to Northern Beaches Hospital paves the way for a controversial new town centre development in Frenchs Forest. Years in the making, this relocation aligns with broader state government initiatives to modernize public schooling on the northern beaches.
In line with an election promise to provide co-education options at every public high school, catchment boundaries have been redrawn. Forest High's zone now extends east to include Manly Vale, Balgowlah, Allambie Heights, and Seaforth. This expansion is already paying dividends: while the school typically welcomes 120 Year 7 students, 145 are starting this year, with similar upticks across all year groups.
Parents are increasingly opting for Forest over local private schools and single-sex public options like Balgowlah Boys and Mackellar Girls. "The reputation of our teachers in the community is really strong," Lawler explains. "Having a new school helps, and the option for families previously zoned for single-sex schools to come here is a game-changer."
Broader Impacts on Northern Beaches Schools
The ripple effects extend beyond Forest High. Freshwater High School, long a successful senior campus for Years 11 and 12, will transition to a comprehensive Years 7-12 model, expanding its catchment from next year. Meanwhile, the government has backtracked on plans to convert Balgowlah Boys and Mackellar Girls to co-ed, allowing them to remain single-sex options. Notably, Balgowlah Boys boasted 97 students on the HSC honour roll this year, underscoring their appeal.
These shifts haven't been smooth. The Freshwater community lobbied hard to preserve its senior-only status, and construction at Forest's new site drew complaints over silt runoff polluting nearby Manly Dam, increased traffic, and construction noise. Environmental and logistical concerns highlighted the challenges of balancing urban development with educational needs.
Community Reactions and Future Outlook
Despite the controversies, the relocation signals a positive evolution for public education in Sydney's northern beaches. Enrollments are surging as families seek comprehensive, co-ed environments with top-tier facilities. Lawler points to the school's strong community ties and teacher reputation as key draws, pulling students from both private and selective public sectors.
For students, the change is palpable. No longer will lessons in Macbeth or trigonometry compete with distractions from the green oval or adjacent bushes. Instead, they'll learn in a space that inspires focus and aspiration, with ocean breezes and city lights as backdrops.
As the new term begins, Forest High stands as a testament to investment in public schooling. With its ocean views and inclusive ethos, it's poised to attract even more families, reshaping the educational landscape of the region. This $112 million project isn't just a building—it's a promise to the next generation of northern beaches students.
Looking ahead, similar transformations could influence other Australian public schools, emphasizing modern infrastructure and equitable access. For now, Allambie Heights is the epicenter of this educational renaissance.
