Revitalised specialist schooling is on the way to Armadale with one senior high school, Cecil Andrews, to focus on academic subjects and the other Armadale Senior High on vocational programs.
Premier Colin Barnett and Education Minister Peter Collier made the announcement while visiting Cecil Andrews Senior High School in Seville Grove today.
Mr Barnett said he visited schools in the area and attended a community forum last year to assess the region's education needs.
"The State Government identified Armadale as one of the areas that needed an improved focus on secondary education," he said.
A community survey last year also showed that parents wanted to see the best possible education provided to students, with a range of opportunities.
"After considering the survey results, I am today announcing Armadale Senior High School will be strengthened to focus on vocational programs for students, while Cecil Andrews Senior High School will have an academic focus," the Premier said.
The State Government has allocated $9.4 million to make improvements in the schools. The changes will be in place for the start of the 2017 school year.
Mr Collier said building and construction programs at Armadale Senior High School would continue, and there would be new programs in hospitality and allied health services.
"To support this move, the Government will invest in a new commercial kitchen at the school, while the cafeteria, food and textiles facilities will be upgraded," he said.
Cecil Andrews Senior High School will launch a new Academic Extension Program for students from Years 7 to 10.
"A new building for science, technology, engineering and mathematics - including laboratories, a lecture theatre and preparation areas - will be built to support this focus," Mr Collier said.
"As the schools do not have local intake areas, parents can apply to enrol their children at the school which best suits their aspirations."
Fact File
The budget for Armadale Senior High School is $4.45 million for new and refurbished buildings, and a co-ordinator to plan and organise the new programs
The budget for Cecil Andrews Senior High School is $4.95 million for new and refurbished buildings, and a co-ordinator to plan and organise the new programs
For more information, visit http://www.education.wa.edu.au/
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Education Minister's office - 6552 6300
