Why choose us?
Thornton Public School is a Kindergarten to Year 6, Comprehensive, Coed Primary School in Thornton. We are proud to be part of a strong public education system and welcome students from all backgrounds and cultures.
Our vision: At Thornton Public School, in partnership with our community, we are committed to providing a high-performing and inclusive public school where every student is known, valued, and cared for. We foster a safe and supportive environment that nurtures respectful, responsible, and resilient learners, empowered to reach their full potential. Guided by quality teaching, educational leadership, and a culture of data-informed, evidence-based practice, we focus on continual improvement to achieve strong outcomes in literacy and numeracy for all students. We inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence, preparing learners for life who embrace challenges and contribute positively to an ever-changing world.
Contact us to find out if Thornton Public School is the right choice for your child's education. Enrol today and join an inclusive community that values learning, growth and success!
Enrol today
Ready to enrol? You can apply online or visit our school in person. Join our school community today!
Why families choose us
A strong start
We help every child feel safe, included and confident from their very first day.
Support for every family
Our teachers and learning and wellbeing support teams work with our families. We co-design plans that help students learn in the way that works best for them.
High quality education
We offer our students a wide range of subjects and opportunities. This empowers them to learn, develop skills, and discover their passions.
Easy to access
Located in Thornton, our school is easy to access by public transport, walking or driving. This makes every day at school more convenient for our families.
"Thornton Public School offers lots of oppurtunities for all the students. It is inclusive, supportive and welcoming towards everyone.” — a parent of Thornton Public School
What we can offer your child
High Expectations - Every student strives for success
At our school, student success is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to fostering growth and achievement for every learner through explicit teaching including clear learning intentions with accompanying success criteria, that empower students to reach their full potential. Regular assessments guide teaching and learning programs and monitor student progress ensuring students are receiving regular feedback. Our inclusive approach ensures that all students are challenged and supported to excel academically. Through a culture of high expectations, clarity, and care, we create an environment where every student can thrive and succeed.
- Inclusion classes support students with diverse learning needs. Individual learning plans are created to support students reaching their full potential.
- Teachers work collaboratively to identify High Potential and/or Gifted (HPGE) students and provide opportunities for these students to thrive within their identified HPGE domains.
- Every class uses the same learning language to ensure consistency throughout their learning journey. Teachers and students work collaboratively to create achievable individualised learning goals ensuring students know what they are learning to reflect on their own learning and progress.
- Teaching staff actively engage in professional learning which guides them in developing effective teaching and assessment processes that support all students.
- Attendance is monitored closely at our school, to ensure all students are supported in coming to school and accessing the curriculum to consolidate their learning. Our attendance coordinators are friendly, approachable and understanding.
- access to state wide sporting and academic competitions
- regular attendance at school
- success in life beyond school
- growth through high potential and gifted education
- striving for personal improvement.
Student Wellbeing - Engaged and connected learners
Student wellbeing is central to our school community, where every child is valued, supported, and encouraged to become the best version of themselves. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and ensures every student feels a strong sense of belonging. Our programs support students from all backgrounds, including those with English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD), Defence families, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, recognising and respecting their unique strengths, experiences, and cultures.
Through targeted wellbeing initiatives, inclusive practices, and opportunities for student voice and leadership, we empower our learners to grow in confidence, resilience, and compassion—preparing them to lead and contribute positively both within our school and beyond.
- Students who use English as an Additional Language or Dialect are supported in their learning through our comprehensive EALD program.
- Our Defence School Mentor (DSM) supports our families who have parents in the Australia Defence Force by providing opportunities for students to form strong relationships with other Defence students.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island students are supported by our teachers to embrace and share their culture. Every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student has a Personalised Learning Pathway that encourages them to set achievable literacy, numeracy, personal and cultural goals. Our teachers immerse all students in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Culture by embedding best practice and perspectives into everyday teaching and learning.
- Our Student Leadership team, including our Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (JAECG) and Student Representative Council (SRC) provide a chance for selected students to work collaboratively to improve the school. This opportunity inspires our students to use their voices in a positive way while working towards the common goal of creating a happy, safe and welcoming school environment.
- Comprehensive Wellbeing programs support students throughout their learning journey at our school. These programs include The Berry Street Education Model, Positive Behaviour for Learning, Rock & Water, Seasons for Growth, Socio-emotional Learning Lessons and Zones of Regulation.
- Wellbeing Programs
- Leadership Oppurtunities
- Cultural Support Groups
Community Partnerships - Stronger Together Partnering for Student Success
Our school is proud to be part of a warm, caring, and connected community where strong partnerships between staff, families, and students create a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Our active Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association plays a vital role in supporting school initiatives, organising events, and fostering community spirit. Together, we celebrate our students’ talents and teamwork through a variety of sporting events, carnivals, and extracurricular activities that promote health, participation, and school pride.
Whether it’s cheering on our teams, volunteering at school functions, or coming together for community celebrations, our school thrives on the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone who contributes to making it a vibrant and supportive place to learn and grow.
- Our Parents & Citizens Association meet each month to discuss our wonderful school. These meetings are proactive and work towards a common goal of creating a great school for students, parents, staff and community members.
- Students are offered numerous opportunities in various sporting pursuits throughout the year. During these sporting events, students are encouraged by teachers as well as community members to be their best and represent our school with pride.
- All students have the opportunity to participate in events within our local community which strengthen our relationships with other local schools within our Gateway Learning Community and beyond.
- Our local community supports our breakfast club by supplying fresh bread and supplies ensuring our students are ready to learn.
- Local community members and organisations annually sponsor presentation awards. Local community organisations also sponsor equipment for our students which further develops a strong sense of community pride.
- Welcoming Parents & Citizens Association
- Strong school spirit at sporting events
- Connections with other schools
- Contributions to our wellbeing initiatives
Stories and highlights
Hear about stories, wins and proud moments from our staff and students.
Policies and reports
Discover our local school policies, reports and plans.