Crown Street Public School is a heritage-listed, government-funded, co-educational primary school located at 356 Crown Street, Surry Hills, New South Wales 2010 — an inner-city suburb south of Sydney’s CBD.
The school is one of the oldest continuously operating public schools in Sydney, with origins dating back to April 1863, when Bourke Street National School opened in a building rented from the Bourke Street Congregational Church.
The current school building was designed by prominent colonial architect George Allen Mansfield and constructed in 1869, with the permanent building occupied in May 1880. The dramatic site — perched on a small hill above Crown Street, approached via stone terraces and iron fences — is one of the most architecturally distinctive school buildings in inner Sydney.
The school was officially listed on the NSW State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999, recognising its significance as a major part of Surry Hills’ early development and as an outstanding example of Victorian-era public school architecture.
Today, Crown Street Public School serves approximately 296 students from Kindergarten to Year 6, led by Relieving Principal Olivia Parry. The school’s motto — “Equity and Excellence in Education” — reflects its long commitment to serving the diverse inner-city community.
A School with Remarkable History
Crown Street Public School’s enrolments grew extraordinarily rapidly in its early years — from its opening in 1863, numbers grew to 1,035 by May 1878 and 1,608 by 1879, far exceeding the capacity of its temporary buildings. The permanent building, completed in 1880, was designed to accommodate approximately 1,200 pupils.
The grounds include a small cenotaph in the ANZAC tradition, dedicated to former pupils who served in wars — a poignant reminder of the school community’s long history.
Notable Alumni
Among Crown Street Public School’s distinguished former students are:
- Victor Trumper — widely regarded as one of the greatest Australian cricketers of all time
- Eric Harrison — Australian politician and diplomat
- Tas Jones — a talented athlete who excelled in swimming, diving, and rugby
School Culture and Values
The school’s emphasis on equity and excellence extends to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds across the inner-city community. An ICSEA score of 1101 (above the national average) reflects the educated, professional community the school serves, while the school maintains a strong focus on inclusion and individual support.
Acknowledgement of Country
Crown Street Public School pays respect and acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which the school stands, and pays respect to Elders both past and present.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 356 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia |
| Phone | (02) 9360 4187 |
| crownst-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au | |
| Website | crownst-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
| Principal | Olivia Parry (Relieving) |
| School type | Government, co-educational primary school (Heritage-listed) |
| Year levels | Kindergarten – Year 6 |
| Enrolment | Approximately 296 students |
| ICSEA | 1101 |
| Motto | Equity and Excellence in Education |
| Founded | April 1863 |
Crown Street Public School Term Dates 2026 (Eastern Division)
Crown Street 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 |
Crown Street 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 |
School Holiday Periods 2026
- Summer 2025–26: Mon 22 Dec 2025 – Mon 26 Jan 2026
- Autumn: Tue 7 April – Fri 17 April 2026 (Mon 6 April is Easter Monday)
- Winter: Mon 6 July – Fri 17 July 2026
- Spring: Mon 28 September – Fri 9 October 2026
- Summer 2026–27: Fri 18 December 2026 – Wed 27 January 2027
Note: ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, so NSW does not observe a substitute Monday public holiday.
Last verified: 15 July 2026. Official source: NSW Department of Education — 2026 Term Dates and Crown Street Public School official website
Enrolment
Students are eligible to enrol at Crown Street Public School if they are turning 5 before 31 July of the year they wish to start Kindergarten. Priority enrolment is given to families residing within the local intake area. Families can check their address on the NSW School Finder tool to confirm their eligibility. Online enrolment is available for Australian or New Zealand citizens and permanent residents; paper applications are also accepted. Contact the school office at (02) 9360 4187 for enrolment enquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Crown Street Public School?
The school dates from April 1863, making it over 160 years old — one of Sydney’s oldest continuously operating public schools.
Is the school building heritage-listed?
Yes. Crown Street Public School was listed on the NSW State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999, recognised for its architectural significance and its role in Surry Hills’ early history.
Who are some notable alumni?
Victor Trumper (legendary Australian cricketer), Eric Harrison (politician and diplomat), and Tas Jones (swimmer and rugby player).
Who do I contact for enrolment or school-specific queries?
Contact Crown Street Public School at (02) 9360 4187 or crownst-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au.
Related New South Wales School Calendars
- Darlinghurst Public School Calendar
- Bourke Street Public School Calendar
- Ultimo Public School Calendar
- Artarmon Public School Calendar
Leave a Reply