Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School
Following comprehensive consultation, the NSW Department of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø will introduce places for female students at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in future years. There are no changes planned for 2026 and 2027, and boys’ places will not be reduced when girls enrol.
Before making the decision, the department consulted with students, parents and staff at Farrer and other primary and high schools, as well as parents of children in early childhood education and members of the wider community. More than half of parents and carers of primary and early childhood-aged children supported the introduction of places for female students. There was also significant support for an increase in boarding places for girls in NSW. The consultation report can be viewed and downloaded at the bottom of the webpage.
Starting early 2026, the department will work with the school community on the timeline, model, and infrastructure needs to support a successful transition. Future consultations will explore offering and maintaining some single-sex classes and programs to respect the preferences of some students and families.
Frequently asked questions
The following were encouraged to participate through an online survey and online workshops:
- current Farrer students
- parents and carers of current Farrer students
- current Farrer staff
- students from other high schools and primary schools
- parents and carers of students at other high schools and primary schools
- parents and carers of children in early childhood education
- community members.
The consultation period was held from Thursday 29 May to Friday 18 July 2025.
The Department is committed to increasing co-education options for students and this is part of addressing that policy.
The consultation also found that:
- More than half of the parents and carers of prospective primary and early childhood aged children surveyed supported the introduction of places for female students at Farrer.
- A significant percentage also supported an increase in boarding places for girls in NSW.
- There was a lower level of support from current and past Farrer school community members for the introduction of female students.
Farrer will remain single sex in 2026 and 2027. Delaying the introduction of co-education at Farrer will minimise disruption for current senior students and enable extensive planning and consultation to successfully implement this change.
The changes will be in line with the Department’s Enrolment of Students Policy.
No, there will be no reduction in places for boys.
The consultation identified important aspects of the school's culture and values to be maintained in planning for the future.
The department will explore the option of offering some single-sex classes and programs to respect the preferences of some students and families.
Please contact Ruythe Dufty or Theressa Miles, Directors, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍøal Leadership, by email at ruralnorthtamworth@det.nsw.edu.au or by telephone on 131 536.