Every public-school student in New South Wales will now have access to high potential and gifted education at their local school, with the state-wide rollout of the Inspire program.
The initiative will be announced by NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car at the SMH Schools Summit. It forms part of the Minns Government’s policy to embed high potential and gifted education in every public school.
All public schools across the state are incorporating high potential and gifted education into teaching and co-curricular activities. Schools are introducing tailored programs including enrichment streams, extension opportunities and STEM initiatives based on local needs.
The Inspire program brings together each school’s high potential and gifted offerings under a single banner, published on school websites. An updated school-finder website now includes information about available places, allowing parents and carers to consider options beyond their local catchment if they choose.
The rollout has been supported by targeted professional development in gifted education delivered to teachers across the state in 2025. The training is designed to ensure students are challenged across academic subjects, the arts, leadership and sport.
As part of the broader plan, the government has committed $100 million to upgrade learning facilities at 33 high schools designated as HPGE Partner Schools. Eight of those schools completed upgrades ahead of the 2026 school year.
New extension classes are being introduced in comprehensive public high schools. HPGE Extension Classes are currently operating in eight schools, selected to address unmet demand for extension offerings. The schools running new classes in 2026 are Chifley College: Dunheved Campus, Kooringal High School, Hunters Hill High School, Lisarow High School, Elderslie High School, Georges River College: Peakhurst Campus, Port Hacking High School and Riverstone High School.
The government said the initiative is supported by changes to the teaching workforce, with vacancies at a 12-year low following wage increases and policies aimed at reducing workload.
Ms Car said, “We are determined to ensure our public schools are places of excellence, where all students can access opportunities to develop their talents and reach their full potential.
“The Inspire program ensures high potential and gifted students in NSW public schools are identified and their teachers are equipped to provide world-class opportunities for these students to be challenged and pursue their talents.
“The Minns Labor Government is backing the roll-out of Inspire with our $100 million investment in infrastructure upgrades for 33 HPGE Partner Schools, with new extension classes also now in place in more public high schools.
“Importantly, teachers are receiving targeted training to deliver these opportunities in every school, something that can happen thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s wage reform which has seen vacancies shrink to a 12-year-low.
“Selective schools and opportunity classes are no longer the only public pathways for gifted students to pursue excellence. Parents, carers and the community will see high potential and gifted education in action in their local public schools.”
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