General News
14 December, 2025
Last lessons at Marnoo Primary
2025 will be known as a year of highs and lows for Marnoo Primary School. The Education Department has confirmed that the historic school won’t open next year and may be permanently closed due to a lack of enrolments.
Marnoo’s three students – all from the same family – are leaving the district and with no other students enrolled for 2026, the doors will close.
The Education Department has a policy of ‘mothballing’ schools with no enrolments for a period before eventually selling surplus properties.
For example, Elmhurst Primary School closed three years ago, yet it remains in government hands in case new enrolments become evident.
In a statement, the Education Department confirmed no new students had been identified in the Marnoo district.
“Marnoo Primary School currently has no enrolments, and the school council has recommended the closure of the school. We are considering the recommendation.”
The department says it will continue to maintain the buildings and grounds at Marnoo Primary School for the short term.
It’s a disappointing end to 2025 for the school, which only six months ago celebrated its 150th anniversary.
Over the years, the school has educated hundreds, possibly thousands of students.
Marnoo Primary School officially opened in May 1875 with 23 students.
By 1883, a new building with an attached four-room residence was constructed and in 1918, the school was detached from the residence and relocated to its current location with a more permanent two-room brick building completed in 1927.
Close to 200 people attended the school in June to celebrate its 150th anniversary including many former students and teachers, Education Department officials and Mayor Karen Hyslop.
The closure of the school is a further blow for the Marnoo community which has also seen the closure of its shop and hotel.
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