The NSW government hopes a record spend on education in the state budget will take some of the pressure off schools struggling to cope with skyrocketing student enrolments.
NSW Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian said $14.3 billion will be spent in 2016/17, an increase of $1.1 billion, to try to offset what the coalition describes as once-in-a-generation spike.
As well, almost $1 billion extra has been set aside over the next four years - 50 per cent more than was foreshadowed in the 2015/16 budget - to cope with the influx of students.
Education Minister Adrian Piccoli said enrolments in NSW are expected to grow by more than 45,000 over the next four years.
"We want to ensure growing neighbourhoods have the schools that families will need into the future," he said in a statement on Tuesday after the budget was handed down.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
In addition, funding to clear a maintenance backlog more than doubled from $160 million over two years to $330 million.
EDUCATION FUNDING IN THE BUDGET
* Almost $1 billion over four years for 1100 new classrooms
* Smalls Rd, Ryde and North Kellyville to get new primary schools
* Cammeraygal High School in line for a senior campus at Crows Nest
* Extra classrooms slated for schools at Willoughby, Fort Street, Oran Park, Rosehill and Curl Curl, with more announcements in coming months
