Highgate Primary School is a public primary school located at 147 Lincoln Street, Highgate, Western Australia, less than 2 kilometres north of the Perth city centre. Highgate is the smallest suburb in the entire Perth metropolitan region, and the school sits on a historic, state-listed heritage site bounded by Lincoln Street, Bulwer Avenue, Bulwer Street, and Grant Street.
Highgate Primary School opened on 1 November 1895 with just 80 children, making it one of the oldest schools in the Perth metropolitan area. As enrolments grew, a separate Infants’ School was built in 1899, and the two schools were eventually amalgamated into a single Highgate Primary School in 1975.
Over the following decades, the school has continued to expand — an Undercover Area was added in 1999, a new library opened in 2008, and purpose-built art rooms and classrooms were added in 2011.
A Growing, Culturally Diverse School
Highgate Primary School currently educates just over 990 students, including approximately 60 students enrolled in its Intensive English Program for newly arrived migrant and refugee children. Drawing from its inner-city location and this specialised program, the school community represents over 60 different nationalities, making it one of the most culturally diverse public schools in Western Australia.
Major Expansion For 2026
One of the most significant developments for Highgate Primary School is a $12 million classroom expansion currently underway, designed to meet growing enrolment demand. The new two-storey modular building will include:
- Six general learning classrooms accommodating 160 students
- A multi-purpose teaching space
- Teacher facilities and additional student and staff toilets
The new building will connect to the school’s existing two-storey building via the current lift, and the existing green space will be remediated to provide adequate play areas. Through a shared-use agreement with the City of Vincent, students also have exclusive use of nearby Birdwood Square during school hours. The expansion is anticipated to be ready for students at the start of the 2026 school year.
Curriculum and Special Programs
Highgate Primary follows the Western Australian Curriculum, with a particular strength in supporting newly arrived students through its Intensive English Program. The school also teaches Indonesian as a Language Other Than English (LOTE), and is known for a highly successful chess team and rock band, alongside active participation in local sporting events.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 147 Lincoln St, Highgate WA 6003, Australia |
| Phone | +61 8 9253 2700 |
| School type | Public (government-funded) primary school |
| Year levels | Kindergarten – Year 6 |
| Special programs | Intensive English Program (EAL/D) |
Highgate Primary School Term Dates 2026
Western Australian government schools, including Highgate Primary School, follow term dates set centrally by the WA Department of Education and published in the Western Australian Government Gazette. These dates apply uniformly across all WA public schools statewide.
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Break Following |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Monday, 2 February 2026 | Thursday, 2 April 2026 | 3–19 April 2026 |
| Term 2 | Monday, 20 April 2026 | Friday, 3 July 2026 | 4–19 July 2026 |
| Term 3 | Monday, 20 July 2026 | Friday, 25 September 2026 | 26 Sep – 11 Oct 2026 |
| Term 4 | Monday, 12 October 2026 | Thursday, 17 December 2026 | Summer holidays begin |
Highgate Primary School Term Dates 2027
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Break Following |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Monday, 1 February 2027 | Friday, 9 April 2027 | 10–25 April 2027 |
| Term 2 | Monday, 26 April 2027 | Friday, 2 July 2027 | 3–18 July 2027 |
| Term 3 | Monday, 19 July 2027 | Friday, 24 September 2027 | 25 Sep – 10 Oct 2027 |
| Term 4 | Monday, 11 October 2027 | Thursday, 16 December 2027 | Summer holidays begin |
Note: In 2026, Monday 26 April is expected to be observed as a public holiday instead of ANZAC Day, which falls on a Sunday (25 April).
Last verified: 27 June 2026 Official source: Western Australia Department of Education — Term Dates
How Families Can Use This Calendar
Knowing the Highgate Primary School calendar in advance helps families:
- Plan holidays and travel during the official term breaks rather than during instructional weeks.
- Prepare for the start of Term 1 2026, which coincides with the opening of the school’s new classroom block.
- Stay aware of WA-specific public holidays that fall within term time.
- Plan around the long-term 4 break, which runs from mid-December through to early February of the following year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Highgate Primary School?
Highgate Primary School opened on 1 November 1895, making it over 130 years old and one of the oldest schools in the Perth metropolitan area.
What is the Intensive English Program at Highgate Primary?
It is a specialised program supporting newly arrived migrant and refugee students who are learning English, drawing students from across the Perth metropolitan area in addition to the local catchment.
What is changing at the school in 2026?
A new $12 million, two-storey classroom block is expected to be ready for students at the start of the 2026 school year, adding six classrooms and a multi-purpose teaching space to accommodate growing enrolment.
Are WA term dates the same for all public schools?
Yes. Term dates are gazetted centrally by the WA Department of Education and apply to all WA public schools, including Highgate Primary. Independent and Catholic schools may differ slightly.
Who do I contact for school-specific queries?
For enrolment, attendance, or other school-specific questions, contact Highgate Primary School directly at +61 8 9253 2700.