Paddington Public School is a government-funded, co-educational public primary school located on Oxford Street, Paddington, New South Wales, Australia — an inner-eastern suburb of Sydney, close to the CBD and a short walk from Centennial Park. Established on 5 May 1856, Paddington Public School is one of the oldest schools still operating on its original site in New South Wales.
The school opened as a model school — one of the earliest in the colony — to establish high standards of elementary instruction and correct teaching methods. At its peak in the 1890s, the school enrolled over 1,400 pupils. Over its 170-year history, it has operated under several names, including Paddington Superior Public School (1881-1912) and Paddington Public School and Home Science School (1913-1946), before settling on its current name.
Today, Paddington Public School serves students from Kindergarten to Year 6, offering a high-quality, comprehensive education to the local Paddington and inner-eastern Sydney community.
School Values and Approach
The school prides itself on creating a supportive environment where every child is empowered to grow and succeed, built around core values of respect, curiosity, collaboration, responsibility, and resilience. Teachers bring experience, care, and a passion for learning to every lesson, with wellbeing and support staff working alongside teachers to make personalised adjustments for each child’s full participation in school life.
The school offers a wide variety of programmes catering to diverse interests and talents, including STEAM, the arts, sport, and leadership opportunities, ensuring students develop both academically and as well-rounded individuals.
Curriculum and Learning
Paddington Public School follows the NSW curriculum, with students engaging in key learning areas including:
- English and Languages
- Mathematics
- Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)
- Science and Technology
- Creative Arts
- Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education (PDHPE)
- Religion and Ethics
The school also emphasises literacy and numeracy as core priorities, supported by dedicated staff offering inclusive learning support, targeted intervention strategies, and programmes for students with additional needs. Centennial Park, just a short walk from the school, is regularly used for sporting and environmental activities.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia |
| Phone | +61 2 9358 2795 |
| Website | paddington-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
| School type | Government, co-educational primary school |
| Year levels | Kindergarten – Year 6 |
| Established | 5 May 1856 |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 3:15 pm |
Bell Times
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning bell and classes start | 8:55 am – 9:00 am |
| Recess | 10:45 am – 11:10 am |
| Supervised eating time | 12:40 pm – 12:50 pm |
| Lunch play | 12:50 pm – 1:30 pm |
| School ends | 3:00 pm |
Paddington Public School Term Dates 2026 (Eastern Division)
Important note: The original post incorrectly showed a UK-format 6-term calendar (September–July, with Autumn/Christmas/Easter half-term breaks and INSET days) for this school. Paddington Public School is an NSW government school following Australia’s standard 4-term calendar — not a UK school. The correct term dates are below.
Paddington Public School follows the NSW Department of Education’s Eastern Division calendar, which applies to all public schools across the Greater Sydney region.
| Term | Start Date (Students) | End Date | School Development Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Monday, 2 February 2026 | Thursday, 2 April 2026 | Tue 27 Jan – Fri 30 Jan 2026 |
| Term 2 | Wednesday, 22 April 2026 | Friday, 3 July 2026 | Mon 20 Apr – Tue 21 Apr 2026 |
| Term 3 | Tuesday, 21 July 2026 | Friday, 25 September 2026 | Mon 20 July 2026 |
| Term 4 | Tuesday, 13 October 2026 | Thursday, 17 December 2026 | Mon 12 October 2026 |
Paddington Public School Term Dates 2027 (Eastern Division)
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Thursday, 28 January 2027 | Friday, 9 April 2027 |
| Term 2 | Tuesday, 27 April 2027 | Friday, 2 July 2027 |
| Term 3 | Monday, 19 July 2027 | Friday, 24 September 2027 |
| Term 4 | Monday, 11 October 2027 | Monday, 20 December 2027 |
Note: ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, so NSW does not observe a substitute Monday holiday. School Development Days fall just before each term — students do not attend on these days.
Last verified: 03rd July 2026. Official source: NSW Department of Education — 2026 Term Dates and Paddington Public School official website
POOSC and Vacation Care
Paddington Public School offers Out of School Care (POOSC) and Vacation Care during school holidays, providing themed days, excursions, and hands-on experiences in a nurturing environment. Staff are trained and committed to delivering inclusive care, meeting the needs of all children, encouraging friendships, learning, and fun during school breaks.
Lunch Orders and School Bytes
The school uses the Flexischools app for lunch orders, allowing parents to order nutritious meals online for their children. For school communications and payments, the school uses School Bytes — an online platform for parents to manage school communications, view student information, and provide digital consent for events.
Enrolment
Paddington Public School offers enrolment for children from Kindergarten to Year 6. Families can apply online through the NSW Department of Education’s enrolment portal or collect forms from the school office. Required documents include:
- Proof of address
- Birth certificate
- Immunisation records
Orientation programmes help new students transition smoothly. Early application is recommended, particularly for Kindergarten, due to high demand. The school accepts local students within its intake area, with priority given to those closest to the school; out-of-area applications are considered based on availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Paddington Public School?
The school was established on 5 May 1856, making it one of the oldest schools still operating on its original site in New South Wales — over 170 years old.
Does Paddington Public School follow the same term calendar as other NSW public schools?
Yes. As an NSW government school, it follows the Eastern Division term dates set by the NSW Department of Education.
What term dates appeared in the original post — were they correct?
No. The original post contained a UK-format 6-term calendar (September start, with INSET days and half-term breaks) that belongs to a different UK school called Paddington. Paddington Public School, Paddington NSW, follows a standard Australian 4-term calendar starting in February.
Who do I contact for enrolment or school-specific queries?
Contact Paddington Public School at +61 2 9358 2795, or visit paddington-p.schools.nsw.gov.au.
