Dozens of teachers walked away from public schools in the Upper Hunter over the last year, sparking claims NSW is being hit by an “exodus” of teaching staff.
Data published by the Daily Telegraph reveals almost 2,800 NSW teachers left their jobs in 2024 – 1,014 through retirement and 1,799 who handed in their resignations.
Four schools across the state lost more than a dozen teaching staff each, while Sydney’s Pittwater High School suffered the biggest loss with 14 teachers walking away.
Vincentia High School, on the NSW South Coast, recorded 10 resignations and three retirements for a total of 13.
In the Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook High School said goodbye to eight teachers – the highest number in the region – while Singleton High School lost 7.
Five staff departed Merriwa Central School, while Scone High School farewelled four teachers.
But the Upper Hunter’s total of 43 resignations/retirements pales in comparison to the Paramatta region, which lost a total of 164 full-time teachers in 2024.
The NSW Teachers Federation is calling for less class-time and reduced class sizes in attempt to better attract and retain teaching staff.
Image: William West (Getty Images)
