Yanchep Secondary College opens doors for day one of school year

• New $43.5 million high school opens north of Perth 

A brand new secondary school in one of the State's fastest growing suburbs was opened today on the first day of school for 2018.

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery officially opened the $43.5 million Yanchep Secondary College, a year ahead of schedule, with 580 students settling into their state-of-the-art classrooms.

Following rapid enrolment growth as the local area has grown, the new school will replace the nearby Yanchep District High School which will now operate as Yanchep Lagoon Primary School for students from kindergarten to Year 6.

Yanchep Secondary College opened today for students from Years 7 to 11, and by 2019 it will be ready to also welcome Year 12 students. It will help cater for students from Yanchep, Two Rocks and Lancelin.

The new senior school provides high-tech facilities that cater for teaching and learning in the 21st century, including a science learning area with nine general and chemistry laboratories and a technologies learning area for education in materials technology, food science and textiles, digital technologies and business studies.

The school community has embraced science and will have a focus on the ocean and natural environment using the nearby Yanchep National Park. There will be a focus on teaching students skills in coding and programming, allowing them to create new programs, apps, games and technology.

Students and the Yanchep community will also enjoy a gymnasium, combined with its outdoor sports facilities including an oval, hockey/soccer field and eight multi-purpose courts.

Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:

"The opening of Yanchep Secondary College will ensure students in the Yanchep, Two Rocks and Lancelin communities can complete their secondary education at the one school.

"Local students will be learning in state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, fitted with the latest technology.

"Students will have fantastic opportunities at this new school, particularly in coding and programming, marine science and a focus on the natural environment - a perfect link with Yanchep National Park right on the doorstep."

Comments attributed to Butler MLA John Quigley:

"The people of Yanchep should be proud of this state-of-the-art school for which we've fought so long to get built.

"Yanchep Secondary College has a projected enrolment of more than 1,200 students and will be vital in catering to the rapidly growing area.

"Students who were forced to travel all the way to Butler for Years 11 and 12 will be able to complete their secondary education locally at one of the most modern schools in the State.

"The principal, Dr James Kent, has almost three decades' experience in education and specialist knowledge in STEM which will be of huge benefit to local students."

Minister's office - 6552 5700